A Path to Success: CUNY’s Efforts to Support High School Students
From High School to College: A Personalized Approach
As a high school senior in the Bronx last fall, Joeysha Pena was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of applying to college. "I felt like I wasn’t mentally prepared," Joeysha recalls. But that began to change after she enrolled in a college and career class that met three times a week in the library of her school, the Bronx High School for Law, Government and Justice, thanks to CUNY’s partnership with New York City Public Schools.
Near Peer Advisors: A Game-Changer for High School Students
Joeysha began working one-on-one with Philip Baltazar, a recent Baruch College graduate who is one of more than 300 "near peer" CUNY college advisers and coaches working with public high school students across the city. Philip handed Joeysha a personalized "Welcome to CUNY" letter offering admission to any of the University’s seven community colleges and waiving the application fee. He advised her on options to pursue her desired career in law enforcement, helped her complete her CUNY application and FAFSA form, and, tapping his own experience, helped her prepare for college life.
A Brighter Future Ahead
This fall, Joeysha is a first-year student at Borough of Manhattan Community College, on her way to a degree in criminal justice. She is also part of CUNY’s resurgent enrollment after the pandemic. The University’s total enrollment has grown each of the past two years, led this year by a 6% increase at our community colleges – big news because they were the hardest hit by the pandemic.
A College Education for All
Our partnership with the public schools goes far beyond career and enrollment guidance. We also offer a wide array of programs, such as CUNY Early College and College Now, that enroll thousands of high school students in college-level courses that allow them to come to CUNY with credits in the bank.
Reaching Out to All
Our booming recruitment efforts extend to prospective students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations. In less than three years, our pioneering CUNY Reconnect program has brought back more than 40,000 New Yorkers who started college but left before earning a degree, including 8,000 this fall. This program was designed for adults with busy lives who want to complete a degree, earn a certificate, or change careers.
Conclusion
CUNY’s partnership with public schools and its near peer advisors have demonstrated that personalized guidance has a real impact on students’ long-term success. Students who earn college credits in high school know from the start what it takes to be successful. They are more likely to stay in college and complete their degree than those who enroll in college without those experiences.
FAQs
Q: What is CUNY’s partnership with public schools?
A: CUNY partners with public schools to provide personalized guidance to high school students, offering admission to CUNY colleges and waiving application fees.
Q: What is the CUNY Reconnect program?
A: CUNY Reconnect is a program designed for adults with busy lives who want to complete a degree, earn a certificate, or change careers.
Q: How many students has CUNY Reconnect brought back?
A: In less than three years, CUNY Reconnect has brought back more than 40,000 New Yorkers who started college but left before earning a degree, including 8,000 this fall.
Q: What is the impact of CUNY’s near peer advisors on students’ long-term success?
A: CUNY’s near peer advisors have demonstrated that personalized guidance has a real impact on students’ long-term success, with students who earn college credits in high school knowing from the start what it takes to be successful.
