Nonprofit helps students in their career pursuits
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
For some high school graduates, completing a college degree is a good means to a satisfying, well-paying career.
But some students face barriers to college and subsequent career pathways that make it harder to achieve these goals.
Since 1999, On Point for College, a nonprofit in Syracuse, has helped them enroll in programs to obtain necessary credentials as well as career services that provide internships for students searching for paid professional experience. The internships last six weeks. On Point covers the six-county region of Central New York.
“We [also] provide enrichment services like financial literacy, resume writing, job interview prep and how to present yourself in the workplace,” said Lynne Pascale, director of development.
It all begins with ensuring students complete their high school or GED program. Some people drop out so they can work to help their families or because of other challenges. On Point doesn’t have an age limit, income requirement or GPA requirement—factors that shut out some people seeking educational and career assistance.
One barrier to entering college or a training program is completing student aid forms. Some young people lack familial support in filling out the “parent” portion of the form.
“It’s daunting for anyone,” Pascale said. “If you’re new to the process, or if there’s a language barrier, it’s harder.”
High school guidance counselors no longer help once a student graduates or drops out of school; however, On Point sticks with students throughout their transitions from student to graduate to secondary education student to entering the workforce.
“Once you’re with On Point, you’re always with On Point,” Pascale said. “You could come to us at 17 or come back at 27 and say, ‘I need a master’s degree’ or ‘I want to redirect into a new industry.’ We will stay with you through all of those changes, whatever your changes or decisions are. It’s a unique model. We are inclusive of everyone, although most are first-generation students from a low economic level.”
On Point sometimes provides support like helping students arrange transportation to school. The organization’s participants attend SUNY schools and institutions nationwide. On Point’s local focus includes preparing students who want to take advantage of homegrown opportunities.
“As we well know, the local economy is changing,” Pascale said. “There are many more opportunities. We are working to make relationships with companies and those in the STEM industry. We are up to date of what the current trends are in the local workforce so we can advise our students as to what opportunities are around locally. The majority of our students would prefer to stay local.”
Companies such as Micron need skilled technical workers, for example. Helping students align their skillset with opportunities provided by growing companies can help students ensure a longer, well-compensating career.
On Point also has a direct-to-work initiative that Pascale believes particularly serves a need for students who need to support themselves and their families right away.
“Going into debt is a common problem,” she said. “They can’t go back to college until they pay it off. We’ll solve the problem. We may negotiate and bring down what they owe and figure that out. We can figure out ways they can pay off the debt so they can get back on track. It may not be an immediate post-secondary opportunity but a workforce training opportunity.”
About 3,000 students are currently involved with On Point in varying degrees of involvement. On Point has 30 on staff.
As for 2026, Pascale hopes that On Point can continue to strengthen its presence in its current footprint and expand to rural areas. All of On Point’s services are free to students. On Point receives payment through a cooperative service agreement that New York state pays through high schools.
“There’s a great synergy in having a relationship with On Point as to where you are in your pathway,” Pascale said. “We hope our relationship with students is robust enough that they’ll come back to us to overcome any obstacles they have or to get support. Even the emotional support is very reassuring. Having someone call up and say, ‘How’s it going?’ and to know someone has your back.”
