Place-based program offers last-dollar scholarships through three education pathways and guidance from two dedicated coaches
OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Promise (TOP) launched today at Ogdensburg Free Academy, offering eligible OFA graduates a more affordable path to college or career training. Students, educators, college partners, donors and community leaders gathered for the announcement.
Beginning with the OFA Class of 2027, eligible City of Ogdensburg residents who graduate from OFA can receive last-dollar support for tuition and mandatory fees after federal, state and institutional aid is applied. TOP offers three pathways:
- Two-year college at SUNY Canton
- Four-year college at SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University, or St. Lawrence University
- Trade and technical certification at an approved trade or vocational school
TOP brings together One Promise. Three Pathways. Two Coaches. Its two dedicated coaches will guide students from high school through education or training and toward employment.
The initial Promise includes current OFA students in grades 9 through 12. Awards will reflect qualifying years attended at OFA. Nearly $4 million has been raised in private support. TOP will continue working with donors, employers, colleges, training providers and government leaders to expand opportunities for future classes.
“Our students have talent, ambition and enormous potential. The Ogdensburg Promise gives them something equally important: a clear path and a community standing behind them,” Ogdensburg City School District Superintendent of Schools Kevin Kendall said. “With financial support and dedicated coaching, more OFA graduates will be able to take the next step with confidence—and finish what they begin.”
“Today is about far more than paying tuition. It is about telling every young person in the City of Ogdensburg: we believe in you, we will stand beside you, and your future matters,” Ogdensburg Promise founder and chairman Lonny Carpenter. “TOP is an investment in our students, our workforce and the future of the city we love.”
A catalyst for Ogdensburg’s future
The Ogdensburg Promise aims to address two linked challenges: students who face financial and practical barriers to education after high school, and regional employers who need skilled workers. More local graduates earning degrees and credentials can strengthen the workforce and give families more reasons to build their futures in Ogdensburg. With its affordability, quality of life, and strong sense of community — and now the added promise of greater educational and career opportunities for their children — Ogdensburg can become an even more attractive place to live, work remotely, invest, and put down roots.
“The Ogdensburg Promise sends a powerful message: Ogdensburg believes in its young people and is willing to invest in their future,” Mayor Michael Tooley said. “By helping students build skills, earn credentials and pursue meaningful careers, TOP will strengthen families, support local employers and help our city grow for generations to come.”
Through college and employer partnerships, TOP will connect students with opportunities in health care, manufacturing, skilled trades, schools and other regional fields.
By helping more students earn degrees, credentials and technical skills, TOP can create a stronger pipeline of local talent for health care providers, manufacturers, skilled trades, schools, small businesses and other regional employers. Through workforce partnerships and dedicated coaching, the program will help students see that rewarding careers are available close to home and help employers connect with the next generation of North Country workers.
“The Ogdensburg Promise is a gift to this community and to every young person who calls it home. I am deeply grateful to the individuals and partners who made it possible, people who believe the surest way to strengthen a community is to invest in the education of its children. Many of them grew up here, built careers here, or carry Ogdensburg with them wherever life has taken them, and they have chosen to give back so the next generation has every opportunity to succeed,” New York State Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-116th District, said. “I am proud to support the TOP Advisory Board and everyone who helped make this promise a reality, and I look forward to seeing the students whose futures will be changed because of it.”
Founding college partners support TOP
SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University are founding college partners, offering local students routes to technical credentials, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees.
“We applaud The Ogdensburg Promise as another way to make a SUNY Canton education more affordable and attainable for local students,” SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said. “By strengthening the pipeline of North Country students pursuing higher education, the program will help our region develop the talent needed to support its workforce and economy. This investment in students is also an investment in the future of our community.”
“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,” SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith said. “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.”
“Consistent with our founding purpose, Clarkson University is grounded in supporting young people to pursue their dreams and make an impact from the launchpad a college education provides. The Ogdensburg Promise brings a community together around that idea, pairing meaningful financial support with the guidance students need to turn their ambitions into action,” Clarkson University President Michelle B. Larson said. “Clarkson is proud to be a founding partner in an initiative that invests in North Country talent, creates new pathways to education and careers, and strengthens the region we all call home.”
“The Ogdensburg Promise is an extraordinary investment in young people and in the future of the North Country. I am especially inspired by those who value the community that helped shape them and are now investing in its vitality for generations to come,” St. Lawrence University President Kate Morris said. “By bringing together private philanthropy, educational institutions, and personal guidance for students, this initiative will expand opportunity while strengthening the region we all call home. St. Lawrence is proud to be part of it.”
Community Foundation announces $100,000 matching challenge
The Northern New York Community Foundation, TOP’s fiscal sponsor and charitable partner, is challenging the community to build on this launch momentum. The Foundation will match the next $100,000 raised for The Ogdensburg Promise, turning $100,000 in new gifts into $200,000 for the program.
“For nearly a century, we have been fortunate to work alongside donors who have had a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people of Northern New York, and The Ogdensburg Promise is a perfect way to build upon that tradition,” Community Foundation President & CEO Rande S. Richardson said. “We are pleased to also help strengthen the impact through a matching opportunity that we hope will encourage greater participation. There is no doubt this endeavor will leave an enduring imprint on the next generation and the communities they will inherit.”
About the Ogdensburg Promise
The Ogdensburg Promise is a place-based scholarship and workforce initiative serving eligible City of Ogdensburg residents who graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy. Through last-dollar financial support for tuition and fees, individualized coaching and partnerships with colleges, training providers, donors and employers, TOP is working to open doors for students while building a stronger future for Ogdensburg and the North Country. Learn more at TheOgdensburgPromise.com.
