Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos recently visited Brooklyn Technical High School to distribute 'Welcome to CUNY' letters to high school seniors. This initiative is part of a campaign that waives the application fee for New York City Public Schools students until November 15, 2024.
The collaboration aims to increase college enrollment by sending personalized welcome letters from both CUNY and NYC Public Schools to seniors expected to graduate in 2025. "By sending these letters and waiving the application fees, we are reminding high school seniors that CUNY, with its incredible value proposition, is right on their doorstep offering an exceptional education for an affordable price," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.
This effort aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul's College Application Month campaign, which seeks to remove financial barriers for students pursuing higher education. The Adams Administration and NYCPS are focusing on preparing students for high-demand jobs after graduation through various programs and resources.
Brooklyn Tech has been a significant contributor of applicants to CUNY, sending nearly 400 students last year. It remains one of the top feeder schools due to its strong academic performance and preparation for college-level work.
NYCPS offers forward-thinking advising starting as early as grade six and provides opportunities such as early college credits through College Now courses. Each graduate also has access to a College and Career Bridge coach.
Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos emphasized the importance of equitable access: "Ensuring that every New York City Public School senior sees a path to higher education and a purpose-driven career is of the utmost importance."
The welcome letters include information about CUNY’s undergraduate options, admissions process, financial aid resources, and guaranteed admission policies for community colleges. The initiative is supported by an advertising campaign promoting free applications until November 15 across various platforms in the tri-state area.
Governor Hochul's agenda includes initiatives like FAFSA completion campaigns, supported by programs such as CUNY FAST which aids high school students with financial aid applications.
New York City's public school system educates approximately 1.1 million students across more than 1,600 schools while employing over 75,000 teachers. Meanwhile, CUNY serves over 233,000 students across its campuses in New York City’s five boroughs.
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