OCC Advantage

What is OCC Advantage?

OCC Advantage is a college and career readiness program for high school students at partner schools from households with an Adjusted Gross Income of $125,000 or less who maintain eligibility in the OCC Advantage program throughout high school. Students will be eligible to receive program funding associated with matriculation in an associate degree program at Onondaga Community College, provided the student enrolls at Onondaga full-time within one year following high school graduation from District and is eligible to receive federal and state financial aid. OCC Advantage program funding is applicable only during fall and spring semesters and lasts for a maximum of two years.

How to earn funding through the OCC Advantage program:

In High School

1. Sign up for OCC Advantage as a high school freshman through your school's guidance counselor.
2. Stay in school and maintain required average and attendance minimums.
3. Complete the required community service.
4. Complete all required college readiness programming.
5. Apply to OCC by March 1 of your senior year. 
6. Complete the FAFSA, apply for TAP, and Excelsior Scholarship by May 15 of your senior year.  

Once You're at OCC

All degree programs at OCC are covered by Advantage- pick your passion!

1. Participate in orientation program. 
2. Stay in school! Complete 30 credits per academic year at continuous full-time status (taking at least 12 credits) for 2 years. 
3. Maintain the following cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) each semester:
   • First Year: 2.2
   • Second Year: 2.5 
4. Complete the FAFSA, TAP, and Excelsior applications every year by May 15.
5. Participate in at least one service-learning course, college service activity, or internship each year.