Early OCC = Early College Degree

Mohamed Alamin Dow is ahead of the curve. He's a 12th grade student at the Ihsan School of Excellence on Park Street in Syracuse. He's also in his fourth and final semester at Onondaga Community College where he is about to complete his Mathematics & Science degree. "I've had such positive experiences here. The community is very welcoming, especially with high school students."

Alamin Dow is completing his associate degree ahead of schedule thanks to the Early OCC program. It provides high school students the opportunity to take OCC courses on campus during their regular school day. Students receive a tuition waiver and are only required to pay for their books and associated course fees. Through the Early OCC program, students are able to begin earning college credits on a pathway toward their desired degree.

Alamin Dow began coming to the OCC campus daily in the fall of 2022. "In my first semester I realized this is the real deal. Classes are more difficult than high school. That first semester helped me transition from a high school student to a college student. OCC gave me the best experience with that transition, especially at such a young age."

He dreamed of a Health-related career, and his experience in Biology classes taught by Professor MaryAnn Page convinced him he was headed in the right direction. "I realized this is what I want to do. I want to get into the Pre-Med track. She was a great help."

When Alamin Dow needed assistance with his coursework, he found it at the Learning Center. "The tutors there were great. They explain things so simply I would say to myself 'how did I not know that before?' They were a huge help."

In between going to classes and spending time at the Learning Center, Alamin Dow was a member of the Muslim Student Association. He received the full college experience during his time here, and plans to share his knowledge with his younger brother, Ahmed, who will begin attending OCC in the fall as an 11th grader. "I can lead him, help him with registering for classes, how to access the tutoring center, getting his student ID, and parking pass. It will be an exciting experience for him."

Alamin Down plans to transfer to Syracuse University and major in Biology as he continues on a Pre-Med track.