MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Thanks to a long-time partnership between SUNY Orange and Vassar College, four first-generation college students will participate in the 2025 Vassar College Exploring Transfer Program this summer. 

Mohua Gazi, a liberal arts student at SUNY Orange, credits her former work study supervisor for introducing her to the opportunity. 

“My supervisor Wayne Smith," Gazi said. "He retired like a month ago, but he basically told me, 'If you’re really that interested in Vassar College, they have a five-week summer program, and I think you should do it.'”

Every year, Vassar College provides a select number of students with a chance to take two college-level courses, attend workshops five days a week and earn up to six Vassar College credits through a scholarship program.

Gazi said while Vassar College is one of her top choices for pre-law advising, she is looking forward to the new opportunity.

“I get to stay on their campus, all expenses (are paid for)," Gazi said. "I didn’t want to miss out.”

SUNY Orange Academic Advisor Anthony Scalia said the partnership has been around for more than 20 years. And although applicants must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and earn a minimum of 24 non-developmental college credits to qualify, he said he's happy for the 2025 recipients.

“Keep doing what you’re doing," Scalia said. "You’ve worked this hard to get to this place, and this is just that validation of all of that hard work coming to fruition.”

Gazi told Spectrum News 1 that her father has played a significant role in her success, especially after relocating from Bangladesh to New York. As a result, Gazi said she hopes to pay her father forward.

“He has a lot of faith in me," Gazi said. "I hope I can bring him pride once I become or I get my law degree.”

Gazi and three other students are expected to enroll in the Vassar College ET Program between June 23 and July 25.