SUNY Oswego Direct Day Nov. 4 expands college access initiative into Onondaga County, Syracuse
The first SUNY Oswego Direct Day in February welcomed more than 100 high schoolers while launching a new access initiative to provide eligible public high school seniors in partner schools simplified pathways to apply for admission. The next edition, Nov. 4, will offer wider outreach into Onondaga County and the Syracuse City School District in addition to all nine Oswego County School Districts. At the February event, Lily Prado, a senior at George W. Fowler High School in Syracuse, speaks with College of Communication, Media and the Arts representatives (from left) Jennifer Knapp, dean; Kelly Roe, associate dean; and Davana Robedee, Tyler Art Gallery director.
SUNY Oswego will welcome high school students and school district partners to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 4, for its second Oswego Direct Day, as the university expands its college access initiative into Onondaga County and the Syracuse City School District for the first time.
The expansion builds on promising enrollment results in Oswego County, where 110 first-year students enrolled at SUNY Oswego in fall 2026, the highest total in six years. In-county enrollment increased 30.8 percent over fall 2025, when 78 students enrolled, and is 25 above the county’s 2021–25 average.
The initiative has also earned a long-term commitment from Oswego County school districts. All nine districts signed five-year memorandums of agreement with SUNY Oswego this year, establishing sustained partnerships to connect local students with opportunities at their hometown university.
Now, the university is building on that foundation with new pilot partnerships involving school districts in Onondaga County and Syracuse. The goal is to extend the reach of Oswego Direct, reduce barriers to higher education and help more students across Central New York pursue a college degree.
“Oswego Direct is about making the path to college clearer and more accessible for students and families,” said Kara Jones, assistant vice president of workforce innovation and external relations. “The commitment from our Oswego County school districts has given us a strong foundation to build on. By extending this work into Onondaga County and Syracuse, we have an opportunity to connect more students with a SUNY Oswego education and contribute to a more educated, thriving Central New York.”
More than an open house, Oswego Direct Day will give students the opportunity to experience college firsthand. Participants can explore academic programs, meet university faculty and staff, tour campus, learn about financial aid, housing and student support services, and receive guidance through the admissions process. Students will also have the opportunity to experience campus dining and get a closer look at daily life as a Laker.
The inaugural Oswego Direct Day, held in February 2026, welcomed approximately 100 high school students and introduced a simplified admissions pathway for eligible students. Through Oswego Direct, the university reduces application steps, provides an application fee waiver, shortens the time between applying and receiving an admissions decision, and connects eligible students with potential scholarship opportunities.
By combining a more accessible admissions process with a hands-on campus experience, SUNY Oswego aims to help students and families see college as an attainable next step while strengthening connections between the university, local schools and regional communities.
SUNY Oswego Direct Day will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 4. School registration is open through Oct. 28.
For more information about SUNY Oswego Direct, visit oswego.edu/direct or contact SUNY Oswego Admissions at [email protected] or 315-312-2250.