- About
- History and Values
Our History and Values.
On Point for College began in 1991, when founder Ginny Donohue helped one student navigate the path to college. What started as a single act of guidance quickly grew as more young people sought support—and by 1999, Ginny left her job and launched On Point for College from the trunk of her car.
Since then, On Point for College has become a nationally recognized college attainment and workforce development program. Our services remain 100% free and open to students of all ages and backgrounds, with special expertise supporting first-generation students and others who face significant barriers to education and career success.
From a single room at Catholic Charities to four offices and dozens of community sites across Central New York, On Point for College has helped thousands of students enroll in college, complete degrees, earn professional credentials, and launch meaningful careers.
Explore the timeline below to see how On Point for College has grown—and how, together with our students, alumni, and partners, we continue to break down barriers and build brighter futures.
1991
At her daughter’s request, On Point for College founder Ginny Donohue helps her first student apply to and prepare for college. Word spreads quickly, and soon other students begin asking Ginny for help, too.
1999
After eight years of helping students access college on her own, Ginny leaves her corporate career to officially launch On Point for College—from the trunk of her car.
2000
On Point holds its first staff meeting at a Burger King, and the inaugural class of 26 students enrolls in college.
2001
On Point moves into its first office: a single room at Catholic Charities. That same year, Christopher Scott becomes On Point’s first graduate, earning an associate degree in computer information services from Onondaga Community College.
2003
Starsky Robinson becomes On Point’s first student to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduating from SUNY Albany.
2004
Andrea Lawson and Terrence Byrd-EL become the first students to complete the entire college journey—from application to graduation—with On Point’s support. They graduate from The College at Brockport and SUNY Albany, respectively.
2006
Marcus Smith becomes On Point’s first Ivy League and master’s degree graduate, earning a degree in Health Administration from Cornell University. In 2009, he becomes the first On Point graduate to be hired as an advisor.
2007
On Point celebrates a major milestone as its 100th student earns a college degree.
2008
On Point expands its services to include career counseling and student success support. That same year, On Point alum and South Sudanese “Lost Boy” Lopez Lomong carries the American flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics.
2012
On Point opens a second office in Utica, NY, expanding services to students in the Mohawk Valley. The organization also begins partnerships with agencies in New York City.
2013
In recognition of their impact on higher education in Central New York, On Point leadership is invited to meet President Barack Obama. That same year, Danny Essadiq becomes the first On Point student to earn a juris doctorate, graduating from Syracuse University College of Law.
2014
On Point celebrates 15 years of changing lives degree by degree as its 1,000th student earns a college degree. That same year, Dimitrie Vaughn becomes the first On Point student to earn a Ph.D., graduating with a doctorate in chemistry from Penn State.
2016
Founder Ginny Donohue steps down as Executive Director, and On Point’s second-ever employee, Samuel Rowser, is named as her successor. That same year, Quindell Williams—a graduate of Onondaga Community College and SUNY Oswego—wins his first Emmy Award for his work as a photojournalist at CNYCentral.
2018
On Point expands its services across much of Central New York. That same year, Shanté White becomes On Point’s first medical doctor, graduating from the University at Buffalo, and Utica student Marquis Palmer becomes the first On Point alum to receive both a Fulbright Award and a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship.
2020
On Point pivots to online services, successfully adapting its traditionally in-person support to a digital format. This shift leads to a 51% increase in student engagement. That same year, Hamilton College graduate and On Point alum Marquis Palmer earns the prestigious Marshall Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at SOAS University of London and the University of Cambridge.
2024
On Point Celebrates 25 years of transforming lives and communities.
2025
On Point surpasses 5,000 college graduates and 7,000 college degrees.