High School Students Get a Taste of College Life at Kingsborough

On Oct. 15, over 260 high school students gathered in the MAC Rotunda at Kingsborough Community College (KCC) to kick off a new year of College Now. The morning event was co-presented with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

College Now is a free CUNY program that allows NYC high school students take to college classes and earn college credits before they graduate. Kingsborough works with DYCD all year to bring those classes to students: DYCD connects with the groups that serve local high schools, and Kingsborough provides the teachers. Together, they build classes for the fall and spring terms.

"We hope students leave the event with a stronger understanding that college is attainable and that they already have a place within the college community," said Kimone Reeves, Kingsborough's DYCD liaison.

After being welcomed by KCC President Suri Duitch, Associate Provost Mary Dawson and DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies, the students from 15 schools spent the morning getting to know the campus. They stopped by tables hosted by admissions and recruitment, Access-Ability Services, nursing and Workforce Development, where staff answered questions about classes, financial aid and other resources.

Students also heard from college students employed by CUNY Explorers, who shared their experiences moving from high school to college: what they learned, the challenges they faced and how college is helping them reach their goals.

Motivational speakers Dr. Angela Batista and Geo DeRice spoke about setting goals, pushing through hard times and getting ready for college. They urged students to picture themselves succeeding in higher education.

The day, which also included food, giveaways and music by DJ Danny, ended with a tour exploring the campus led by KCC's admissions team.

For many teens, College Now is a first taste of college life. Cindi Sosa, a College Now student from Port Richmond High School, likes that the program allows her to earn free college credits while still in high school. "College Now gives me a little sample of what college will be like," Sosa said.

Reeves said that is the point. "College Now helps students realize that college is not just a future possibility," she said. "It's something they can start preparing for today at Kingsborough Community College.”

“The highlight of the day was seeing students dancing, laughing and having fun while they learned about college,” said Anais Delacruz-Cabrera, academic program director for KCC’s Office of Collaborative Programs. “It was a reminder that introducing students to higher education doesn’t have to be limited to presentations and information sessions. When students feel welcomed, inspired and excited about college, the experience means even more.”