Around 100 high schoolers took part in SUNY Oswego’s inaugural Direct Day on Feb. 26, launching a new access initiative to provide eligible public high school seniors in Oswego County and the Syracuse City School District simplified pathways to apply for admission.
SUNY Oswego Direct and an upcoming Laker Scholars summer bridge program are two new admissions initiatives that will better support access and success for students in the region.
During the Oswego Direct Day open house, students, high school staff and families had the opportunity to meet with university leadership from each of the university’s four colleges and with more than 40 SUNY Oswego offices/departments including admissions, financial aid, housing and student support staff; take campus tours; and receive on-site guidance about the SUNY Oswego admissions process.
Partnering school districts provided bus transportation for high school students who wanted to attend.
Launched early in 2026, SUNY Oswego Direct provides an application process that removes application steps, reduces the time from application to admissions offer and provides students who meet need-based requirements with scholarships to make education more affordable.
‘A win’ for students and Oswego County
SUNY Oswego Direct “is a win for our students and a win for Oswego County,” said Jeremy Belfield, district superintendent and executive officer for the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation. “By eliminating the cost and stress of the application process, SUNY Oswego is ensuring that every eligible local student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. As an alum, I couldn’t be prouder to see this level of commitment to our local schools and the next generation of Lakers.”
“The SUNY Oswego Direct program represents an incredible opportunity for our students and families,” said Raymond Kilmer, superintendent of schools for the Oswego City School District. “By creating a clear, supported pathway from Oswego City School District to SUNY Oswego, we are removing barriers and expanding access to higher education right here in our community. This partnership not only empowers our students to see college as an attainable next step, but it also strengthens the future of Oswego.”
“The SUNY Oswego Direct plan opens doors for our students by providing a new, inclusive pathway to college acceptance,” said Donna Runner, superintendent of Mexico Academy and Central School District. “This opportunity affirms their potential, expands their choices, and reinforces our commitment to helping every student envision — and achieve — a bright future.”
Added financial support
Those completing the 2026 SUNY Oswego application by March 15 as well as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) applications will receive priority scholarship consideration for scholarships of up to $3,000 per year if they meet guidelines.
SUNY Oswego Direct also partners with Say Yes Syracuse and On Point for College, the latter founded by 1988 SUNY Oswego alumna Ginny Donohue, to provide free college planning and financial aid support to students in participating districts.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about SUNY Oswego's new Laker Scholars summer bridge program which will provide eligible students with a pathway into SUNY Oswego for fall 2026. The Laker Scholars Program is an invitation-only program for graduating seniors who receive a conditional admission offer to SUNY Oswego for fall 2026, pending successful completion of an on-campus four-week Laker Scholars Program.
For more information about SUNY Oswego Direct, visit oswego.edu/direct or contact SUNY Oswego Admissions at admiss@oswego.edu or 315-312-2250. For information on the Laker Scholars summer bridge program, visit oswego.edu/laker-scholars-program.