The City University of New York is making big strides on community college student achievement with its Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) effort, according to a report released today by MDRC, an education and social policy research firm. The program, begun in 2005, is an attempt to improve graduation rates. It is aimed at students with remedial needs, and requires participants to enroll full-time in exchange for enhanced support. The study found that it boosts student retention, credits earned and success in remediation -- with a 15 percent increase in students who successfully finish their remedial coursework.