Our Mission
We break down barriers that prevent young, underserved individuals from achieving education and career success. Our Story
On Point was founded in 1999 in Syracuse, NY as a nonprofit college access program supporting first-generation students. Early services included help with applications, campus tours, one-on-one advising, and dorm supplies. As students advanced, we expanded to ensure they could thrive in college as well. Our College Success Program provides mentoring, course selection guidance, financial aid support, and on-campus wellness visits, giving students the tools they need to graduate. In 2008, we added Career Services, connecting students with internships, job fairs, and career counseling while helping them prepare resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. On Point has grown beyond Syracuse, opening an Utica office in 2012 and expanding in 2018 to serve six Central New York counties: Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego. Since 1999, our students have attended more than 300 colleges and post-secondary programs. Thousands have earned degrees, and our alumni include teachers, business owners, first responders, doctors, nurses, nonprofit leaders, and even a Marshall Scholar and Watson Scholar. After more than two decades, one thing has never changed: all of our services remain 100% free to students. We are funded through a mix of grants, sponsorships, and the generosity of individual donors.
