CANTON – SUNY Canton will receive more than $1 million for improvements aimed at increasing the number of degrees awarded annually by the SUNY system.

The grants are part of SUNY's Investment and Performance Fund, which helps support the goal of increasing the number of degrees awarded annually statewide to 150,000 by 2020.

SUNY Canton will receive $575,000 to expand "Jump Start," a program that furthers the college's mission of accessibility. The eight-week intensive boot camp is designed to allow more than a 100 incoming freshmen students fulfill general education requirements before the start of their first semester. They will also take three credits of life-skills training, including the college's First Year Experience class, and will have full access to the college's outstanding tutoring and academic support services.

"The Jump Start award will allow hundreds of students the possibility of a college degree and a life-changing experience," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "It will strengthen their foundation in Math, Science, and English, and provide coaching in time management, critical thinking and public speaking."

In addition, SUNY Canton and Jefferson Community College will be awarded $500,000 to implement an initiative called "Transitioning Veterans from Boots and Books and Beyond."

The program will provide support services exclusively for former military members who are transitioning to a college environment.

Both colleges will work together to develop a strong advising and academic support network for veterans who begin their academic career by earning an associate degree at Jefferson Community College and transfer to SUNY Canton to complete a bachelor's degree. Services will include academic coaching, financial literacy training, a free book loan program and specialized workshops.

SUNY Canton spokesman Greg Kie said the program is aimed at helping veterans earn four-year degrees.

“JCC created their plan because of their proximity to Fort Drum, to help the military and veterans population,” he said.

Now the two schools are working together to help those graduating JCC move on to a four-year degree “because SUNY Canton is the nearest four-year college.”