News Distributed by NYC Newswire
The City University of New York (CUNY) and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) have launched the “Welcome to CUNY” campaign, aimed at welcoming NYC high school seniors into the CUNY family with waived application fees and personalized invitations. By removing financial barriers and sharing the benefits of staying local for college, the campaign underscores CUNY as an affordable and high-quality next step.
The collaboration marks a steadfast commitment from both CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos to ease the pathway for NYCPS students toward college. “Waiving application fees and reaching out directly means we’re leveling the playing field for students across the five boroughs,” said Matos Rodríguez. “This partnership with NYC Public Schools strengthens our fight against educational inequity.”
With more than 80% of CUNY’s incoming students coming from NYC public schools, and Brooklyn Tech alone sending nearly 400 students last year, the impact of this initiative is expected to be widespread.
Making College More Attainable
Every senior receiving a “Welcome to CUNY” letter can now explore college options with the scan of a QR code, which leads them straight to CUNY’s admissions page for information on scholarships, financial aid, and one-on-one access to virtual enrollment counselors. To break down language barriers, letters are available in nine languages and list the top five reasons to choose CUNY—including diversity, affordability, and academic rigor.
Paving Paths to Careers
Thanks to a strong push from the Adams administration, CUNY and NYCPS are also connecting students with career programs and college readiness initiatives, such as the FutureReadyNYC career courses, which reach nearly 15,000 students. NYCPS graduates can also receive guidance on both college admissions and direct-to-career pathways, ensuring that every student has options regardless of where life after high school leads.
Aviles-Ramos shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Every NYCPS senior deserves a clear path to a bright future, and our public schools are committed to making sure they see it.”
From Local Impact to National Recognition
In a recent nod to its trailblazing approach, CUNY received the Higher Education Innovation Award for the CUNY FAST program in Washington, D.C., last month. Through FAST, CUNY recruits college students to assist NYC high schoolers with FAFSA completion and provide in-person support at schools and libraries across the city.
A Legacy of Opportunity
CUNY has long been a symbol of access and upward mobility for New Yorkers from all backgrounds. With over 233,000 students enrolled, CUNY remains committed to its mission of providing affordable education that meets the needs of the city’s diverse population, with over 80% of graduates remaining in New York and making a lasting impact.
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