SUNY Potsdam Joins The Ogdensburg Promise as Founding Campus Partner in New College Access Initiative

Building Futures, Bridging Dreams: The Ogdensburg Promise Launches Groundbreaking Last-Dollar Scholarship & Student Support Program

Potsdam, NY (10/02/2026) — SUNY Potsdam is proud to join The Ogdensburg Promise (TOP) as a founding campus partner, helping create new pathways to higher education for eligible graduates of Ogdensburg Free Academy. Announced today during a special ceremony at OFA, the initiative combines last-dollar financial support with individualized student coaching to help participants enroll in and complete college or workforce training programs.

The Ogdensburg Promise (TOP) is a place-based scholarship and workforce initiative for eligible graduates of Ogdensburg Free Academy who meet City of Ogdensburg residency and other program requirements. Beginning with eligible members of the OFA Class of 2027, TOP will provide last-dollar support for eligible education costs, based on the student's approved pathway, and connect students with two Promise Pathway Coaches who help them plan, apply, enroll and progress toward completion.

TOP is partnering with SUNY Potsdam and the other three members of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley as the founding campus partners for the program, to expand opportunities for eligible OFA graduates pursuing higher education and trades in St. Lawrence County.

TOP scholars will be able to enroll in any of SUNY Potsdam's 41 undergraduate degree programs, and choose from 48 minors to round out their degrees. Along with longstanding and well-established programs of study in teacher education and music, to rigorous degrees in STEM fields, visual arts, the social sciences, and business administration, SUNY Potsdam has launched several new career-focused programs in recent years, including physical education, biomedical sciences, exercise science, environment and sustainability, and digital arts management. The College is also home to the Law Enforcement Training Institute, which allows undergraduates to complete police training alongside their undergraduate studies. Students will also be able to benefit from the SUNY Potsdam Lougheed Center for Applied Learning, which offers scholarships and support for internships, mentored research, study abroad, field experiences and other opportunities to add to their resumes and portfolios.

"At SUNY Potsdam, we have deep roots serving our region. Washington Monthly magazine recently ranked Potsdam as one of the top 10 best rural colleges in America, precisely because of our long record serving rural students and helping them succeed. Today, we are truly honored to be a part of The Ogdensburg Promise as it launches. This transformative initiative will help Ogdensburg Free Academy students find and follow their own paths to success. Whether their interests lie in education, the sciences, music, business or countless other fields, SUNY Potsdam stands ready to help TOP scholars discover their potential, achieve their goals, and build bright futures as college graduates," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.

As the first initiative of its kind in the North Country, The Ogdensburg Promise has already secured nearly $4 million toward an initial fundraising goal of $6 million through the support of individuals, families, alumni, businesses, foundations and community partners.

One Promise. Three Pathways. Two Coaches.

"TOP was created around one conviction: The future of Ogdensburg depends upon the future of its people. By reducing financial barriers and connecting students with guidance, TOP is designed to expand opportunity, strengthen the regional workforce, give families another reason to remain in or choose Ogdensburg, and restore confidence in what the community can become," said TOP founder Lonny Carpenter, a 1980 graduate of OFA.

Eligible students can pursue three pathways: public college, a TOP private university partner, or an approved skilled-trade, technical or vocational certification.

TOP's two Promise Pathway Coaches will help students and families understand eligibility, explore careers and education options, complete applications, navigate financial aid, meet deadlines and connect with appropriate resources. They will also coordinate with OFA, partner colleges, approved training providers and workforce organizations.

Moving ahead, SUNY Potsdam will work closely with The Ogdensburg Promise, OFA students and their families to help participants identify educational pathways, navigate the admissions and financial aid process, and pursue their academic and career goals.

For more information about The Ogdensburg Promise, visit theogdensburgpromise.com.

To learn more about admissions at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/admissions.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

###

SUNY Potsdam

SUNY Potsdam Joins The Ogdensburg Promise as Founding Campus Partner in New College Access Initiative

Building Futures, Bridging Dreams: The Ogdensburg Promise Launches Groundbreaking Last-Dollar Scholarship & Student Support Program

SUNY Potsdam

Share this Story

Recent News