CUNY college courses to be offered at Far Rockaway this spring, a new path to economic success – QNS.com

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The community of Far Rockaway is one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and its residents continue to struggle for economic recovery due to chronically high unemployment.

Starting this spring, adult residents will have a new avenue to improve their quality of life through a new educational partnership that will offer college courses in the neighborhood.

The Far Rockaway Community Educational Leadership Team and CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) will begin offering SLU faculty-taught classes at Challenge Charter High School located at 1520 Central Avenue. A special event to launch and present the educational initiative will take place at the school on Friday October 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants will learn about SLU’s educational program, including several advanced certifications, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and GED completion. Special scholarship information will also be shared.

“As a higher education institution founded on the principles of expanding higher education opportunities and preparing students who aspire to careers dedicated to public service and social justice, we are delighted to partner with the Challenge Preparatory Charter to do just that – provide access to college courses, academic support services and career advancement opportunities in the Far Rockaway community, ”said the Dean of the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, Gregory Mantsios.

In addition to hearing from elected officials and community leaders, staff will offer tours of the learning center, and SLU faculty members and administrators will meet with potential students to answer questions and provide registration information. .

Challenge Charter School in Far Rockaway. (Photo courtesy of CUNY SLU)

“A thriving community is a community that recognizes the importance of education and the opportunities it creates not only for its children, but for residents of all ages,” said Borough of Queens President Donovan said. Richards. “Queens is thrilled to welcome the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies to Far Rockaway, creating a new path to prosperity for our mature students looking to acquire a new set of skills. We encourage all of our Far Rockaway families to attend Friday’s information event.

The strategic partnership between the main educational leaders of Far Rockaway and SLU creates a viable path for residents to acquire academic and professional skills to develop a new career path, regardless of their current level of education.

“As a strong supporter of quality education and a resident of the Rockaways, I wholeheartedly support the introduction of college courses and a GED completion program on the peninsula to allow people to complete easily graduate from high school or a 4-year diploma in their own community, ”said Senator James Sanders. “I hope everyone who can take advantage of this opportunity will. A bright future is built on quality education.

Over the past decades, Far Rockaway has been rocked by economic challenges and exacerbated by Storm Sandy nearly a decade ago, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic which has further disrupted community growth and communities. new developments. As a result, many members of the community are out of work, leaving many families struggling financially.

Increasing educational opportunities and providing training to the workforce is the goal of the partnership with SLU.

“As a proud resident of Far Rockaway, CUNY graduate and advocate for the state legislature, I am excited about ‘SLU by the Sea’, a groundbreaking partnership between Challenge Charter and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies to deliver a university course offerings to our communities in Far Rockaway, ”said Assembly member Khaleel Anderson. “We know that access to higher education promotes a healthier community and is directly linked to economic opportunities, social mobility and quality of life.

With no local college in the community, the educational partnership removes one of the main barriers that residents interested in upgrading their skills or education have faced – a long commute to work.

“You don’t have to go to college, college comes to you,” said Challenge Charter School executive director Dr Les Mullings. “This is a momentous opportunity for our citizens and for the future of Far Rockaway. Anyone interested in building a better life should take a look at what this amazing program has to offer. “


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