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
The City University of New York (CUNY) has received a $5.8 million grant from the New York State Education Department to support students with disabilities at LaGuardia Community College. The funding, provided by the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), will be used over the next three years to offer pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS).
Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "For CUNY to truly fulfill its mission to serve as an engine of upward mobility, we must ensure that as students move through college, they aren’t just able to survive but can thrive."
Pre-ETS aim to tackle high unemployment rates among people with disabilities in New York State. According to a report by the New York State Comptroller, unemployment stands at 16.9% for individuals with disabilities compared to 11% for those without.
Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College, emphasized their commitment to inclusivity: “LaGuardia is committed to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students, including students with disabilities.”
Deputy Commissioner Ceylane Meyers-Ruff from NYSED highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The New York State Education Department is thrilled to collaborate with LaGuardia Community College in this critical initiative to empower students with disabilities.”
Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President for Student Affairs at LaGuardia Community College, noted that "by offering students with disabilities pre-employment services within a programmatic model," the college can better support student development.
With ACCES-VR funding, LaGuardia plans to hire staff and mentors for various programs such as job exploration counseling and work-based learning experiences.
This initiative aligns with CUNY's broader strategic goals under its roadmap "CUNY Lifting New York." It aims to increase graduates' employment opportunities while advancing accessibility efforts across campuses.
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