(Left to right) Tykeen Robinson, New York City Department of Health; Paige Bellenbaum, Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison Baker, Seleni Institute; Dr. Moshe Moeller, HERO Dads/ Montefiore Einstein Hospital; and 可乐视频 professors and leads for the college鈥檚 perinatal health courses Haroula Ntalla and Jacquelie Shannon at the 2026 可乐视频 Perinatal Mental Health Summit April 24. Shannon and Ntalla also led the efforts at the college to organize this and last year’s inaugural summit.

Titled 鈥淩elational Beginnings: Advancing Perinatal Mental Health for Parents, Infants, and Families,鈥� the second annual summit was held in partnership with United for Brownsville and the New York City Health Department at the Greg Jackson Center, for Brownsville. It focused on perinatal grief and the postpartum experience, and both maternal and paternal mental health, with particular attention to the importance of father support. The summit also highlighted dyadic and reflective group interventions grounded in relational and attachment-based approaches, along with culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Latina mothers and families in underserved communities.

The Summit brought together a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, highlighted by keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner (DSW, LCSW, PMH-C) an accomplished clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health with nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems.

The event underscored 可乐视频鈥檚 commitment to addressing the national perinatal mental health crisis through its dynamic course offerings, community partnerships, and workforce development, all of which has garnered the support from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and most recently, Congressional funding championed by Chuck Schumer.

鈥淧erinatal mental health is foundational to the well-being of families,鈥� 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson said. 鈥淚 am grateful to Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Senator Chuck Schumer for strongly supporting the College in establishing the Advanced Certificate Program in Perinatal Mental Health.鈥�

Held on the heels of Black Maternal Health Week, this event drew over 200 community members, clinicians, educators, students and others, and featured more than a dozen interdisciplinary health and mental health experts and served as a crucial platform to address one of the most urgent health care challenges facing Brooklyn and the nation today.

(Left to right) Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, of Chances for Children, and Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, also of Chances for Children and an adjunct instructor at 可乐视频, co-presented on a panel focused on supporting Latina mothers.

鈥淲e designed this Summit to meet professionals where they are by partnering with the United聽for聽Brownsville and New York City Health Department in Brownsville to create space not only to learn, but to connect alongside interdisciplinary colleagues within our communities in meaningful ways,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淏y integrating clinical expertise in early relational development, with a deep understanding of the social factors and inequities often shaping families鈥� lives, we鈥檙e advancing equitable perinatal care for all families by preparing students and practitioners to respond in ways that can truly transform outcomes for parents and their children.鈥�

The Summit featured a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, including keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, a clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health who brought nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems. At the summit, she spoke about integrating trauma-informed and culturally responsive frameworks into perinatal and reproductive mental health care, emphasizing how systems could better support families suffering from pregnancy and infant loss. Throughout her talk, she highlighted the need to bridge research, clinical practice, and lived experience to transform care systems in ways that honored both evidence and the realities of families.

The Panel on 鈥淟atina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care鈥� included (left to right) moderator Silvia Juarez-Marazzo (LCSW-R, NCPsyA, from Chances for Children, and 可乐视频 adjunct Instructor); Laudy Burgos (LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, who is taking perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频); Mahbuba Choudhury (LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Hispanic Federation, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频).

鈥淎s clinical faculty at 可乐视频, we are deeply connected to one of the most diverse campuses and communities in the country,鈥� Ntalla said. 鈥淥ur perinatal mental health initiative, which includes this summit and our accompanying coursework, allows us to partner closely with local health and mental health providers and families to address challenges and drive meaningful, education-based change to what is a national crisis.鈥�

Georgina Gooden is a parent leader, early intervention advocate, and community strategist based in Brownsville, Brooklyn. She also consults through Grassroots Perspectives LLC, providing community-based insights on programs impacting families, and works with United for Brownsville as an early intervention advocate, supporting families and elevating their voices in policy and decision-making spaces. strengthen family-centered systems. She has completed two perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频 and is enrolled in two more. Gooden has also helped coordinate two 可乐视频 Perinatal Mental Health Summits.

Georgina Gooden

“Both the summit and the perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频 are strengthening how I support families, giving me the language, tools, and clinical insight to pair with lived experience, so I can advocate more effectively and help shape systems that truly meet families where they are,鈥� Gooden said.

The summit was preceded by a Presidential Lecture Series event on April 23 at Brooklyn Borough Hall with President Anderson and nationally recognized leader Liz Dozier who engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis in the United States. The event was also attended by Borough President Reynoso. Read more about that event here.

(Left to right) Liz Dozier engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis with President Michelle J. Anderson as part of 可乐视频鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series on April 23. The event was also attended by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who has lent his support of the college鈥檚 perinatal mental health curriculum and programming.

2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit Lineup:

• Greetings: President Michelle J. Anderson and 可乐视频 perinatal health curriculum leaders Jacqueline Shannon and Haroula Ntalla, Early Childhood Education/Art Education Department, 可乐视频.
• Opening Remarks: Mimi (Paulomi) Bhatt, PhD, MPH, CNM, FACNM, Assistant Professor at Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University.
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Solmaterna Therapy & Consulting: 鈥淧erinatal Grief and the Postpartum Body.鈥� Solimar Santiago-Warner explores perinatal loss through an embodied, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary lens, centering the postpartum body as a site of grief, memory, and resilience. Drawing from clinical practice, phenomenology, affect theory, and perinatal palliative care, the presentation examines how grief is experienced physiologically and relationally following stillbirth, late miscarriage, or early infant loss. Designed for a multidisciplinary and community-based audience, the talk offers practical tools, language, and interventions that professionals can immediately apply within their respective roles. Participants will gain approaches to support bereaved parents with greater dignity, compassion, and relational awareness across healthcare, mental health, and community settings.
• Panel 1: Fathers Matter: Perinatal Mental Health, Partnership, and Early Relationships
  Panelists: Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C. Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison C. Baker, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Director, Seleni Institute; Moeshe Moeller, Ph.D., Director, HERO Dads, Montefiore Einstein Hospital. Moderator: Tykeen Robinson, MSW, Mental Health Program Manager, Bureau of Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  Overview: Fathers/Non-Birthing Parents and Perinatal Mental Health. While much of the perinatal mental health conversation centers around mothers and birthing people, up to one in 10 fathers and partners experience significant mental health challenges during the perinatal period鈥攐ften in silence. Shame, stigma, and a lack of culturally responsive care prevent many from seeking support, leaving mental health conditions untreated. Limited support and access to appropriate care can impact not only the father鈥檚/non-birthing parent鈥檚 well-being but also the child鈥檚 development and the stability of the family system. One of the strongest predictors of paternal depression or anxiety is the mental health status of the mother/birthing parent. As such, an inclusive, family-centered approach to perinatal mental health is critical. This talk will explore the often-overlooked experiences of fathers and partners during the perinatal period. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in fathers/non-birthing parents, explore the barriers they face in accessing care, and review practical, evidence-based strategies for engagement and intervention.
  The Transition to Parenthood: Supporting Both Parents. Perinatal mental health conversations often center on the birthing parent, but the transition to parenthood is a profound shift for both individuals in a relationship. This discussion will explore the emotional and relational changes that occur as couples move from partners to co-parents, including shifts in identity, roles, and expectations. Particular attention will be given to the often-overlooked experiences of non-birthing parents, who may face their own psychological challenges while feeling pressure to prioritize supporting their partner. Research shows that men whose partners experience postpartum depression are at significantly higher risk of developing depression themselves, yet they are far less likely to seek support.
  The Silent Partner: Fathers, Postpartum Stress, and the Couple Relationship. This presentation explores the often-overlooked experiences of fathers during the postpartum period. Drawing on clinical work with couples and the HERO Dads program, it highlights the emotional, relational, financial, and mental health challenges many fathers face while supporting partners with postpartum mood disorders and adjusting to the transition to parenthood. It will also address paternal postpartum depression and the importance of including fathers in perinatal mental health support.
• Presentation: A Relationship Held From the Beginning: Lessons from Dyadic Psychotherapy and Reflective Groups in Infant Mental Health Practice. Presenters: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, Chances for Children, Adjunct Instructor, Early Childhood/Art Education Department, 可乐视频; Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, Chances for Children.
  Overview: This presentation explores the power of early relationships through the lens of dyadic psychotherapy and reflective group practice in infant mental health. We will examine how perinatal and early relational experiences shape both maternal mental health and the developing parent鈥搃nfant relationship, influencing the trajectory of early relational health and overall well-being for years to come. The session highlights how perinatal and infant mental health interventions intersect and are essential, particularly for families from marginalized communities who face systemic inequities, racial health disparities, and the impact of intergenerational and collective trauma. As profound shifts in social policies impact the social environment of families, this presentation underscores the effectiveness of dyadic approaches as a catalyst for repairing trust in relationships and fostering hope. It further emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize relational, culturally responsive supports for mothers and their babies.
• Panel 2: Latina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care. Panelists: Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频; Kimberly Polanco, MSW, PMH-C, Birth and Abortion Doula and Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频 with Mahbuba聽Choudhury, LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Health Program Coordinator, Hispanic Federation. Moderator: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA.
  Overview: Beyond Silence: Understanding and Responding to PMADs in Latina Mothers. Latina mothers experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) at rates equal to or higher than non-Latina White women, yet these conditions are often under-recognized and under-treated. Symptoms may be expressed through physical complaints rather than emotional language, leading to missed diagnoses. Many Latina mothers face compounding stressors, including immigration-related fears, language barriers, economic hardship, and experiences of racism within healthcare systems. Cultural values such as familismo, marianismo, and respeto, along with stigma surrounding mental health, can influence whether help is sought. Structural barriers鈥攊ncluding limited insurance coverage, lack of bilingual providers, and logistical challenges鈥攆urther restrict access to care. Despite these obstacles, Latina mothers demonstrate strong resilience through family networks, spirituality, and community support. Addressing PMADs effectively requires culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that integrates mental health into perinatal services and centers the strengths and lived experiences of Latina mothers.
  Barriers, Stigma, and Strength: The Lived Reality of Latina Mothers鈥� Mental Health. Structural barriers such as limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, lack of insurance coverage, immigration-related stress, and fear of engaging with formal systems can prevent many Latina mothers from receiving timely mental health support. Language barriers and the limited availability of Spanish-speaking providers can further complicate communication, increasing the risk of underdiagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms. In addition, many Latina mothers face heightened economic stress, unstable housing, and demanding work conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, all of which can increase vulnerability to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Cultural expectations and stigma surrounding mental health also shape how Latina mothers experience and express emotional distress. Many feel pressure to embody ideals of strength, sacrifice, and self-reliance, which may discourage them from seeking help or openly discussing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Family dynamics, migration-related separation from support networks, and experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings can further contribute to feelings of isolation. Addressing these issues requires culturally responsive care that centers language access, community trust, family engagement, and providers who understand the cultural context of Latina motherhood while recognizing the resilience and strengths present within these communities.
  From Barriers to Community Care: Culturally Grounded Support for Latina Mothers. Latina mothers face significant structural and cultural barriers that impact their mental health during the perinatal period. Postpartum depression and anxiety are often under-identified and untreated due to language barriers, stigma, socio-environmental stressors, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Many mothers prioritize family needs over their own well-being, delaying help-seeking, while unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and broader sociopolitical concerns further limit access to care. Culturally grounded, community-based approaches are essential in addressing these disparities. Programs like the Por Nosotras Maternal Mental Health Workshops, developed through the Hispanic Federation, create trusted spaces for open dialogue, peer support, and psychoeducation. By combining emotional support with practical resources, these initiatives reduce isolation and empower mothers. Expanding such programs and strengthening partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations is critical to improving outcomes and ensuring equitable, culturally responsive care.
• Closing Remarks: Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG; Associate Professor, Department of OB/GYN, New York Medical College.

The post 可乐视频 Hosts Second Annual Perinatal Mental Health Summit in Brownsville appeared first on 可乐视频.

Dozier and Anderson examined the structural drivers of Black maternal health disparities, emphasizing the role of higher education, philanthropy, and cross-sector partnerships in advancing change. They framed the crisis as both a public health and moral imperative, calling for accountability, policy reform, and community-centered care.

(Left to right) Liz Dozier, President Michelle J. Anderson, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Reynoso underscored the urgency of addressing maternal and prenatal health in New York City, citing data linking mental health conditions to pregnancy-associated deaths, many occurring postpartum. He highlighted borough聽investments, including community baby showers, baby boxes, and partnerships with 可乐视频 to train providers, and stressed the need to confront systemic bias and the daily stressors affecting Black mothers.

In conversation, Dozier reflected on personal experiences that shaped her work at the intersection of education, justice, and philanthropy. She described how exposure to institutional failures early in life informed her belief that inequities are designed and can be redesigned. As former principal of Chicago鈥檚 Fenger High School, she implemented trauma-responsive strategies that dramatically improved outcomes, including higher graduation rates and reduced arrests.

These experiences led her to found Chicago Beyond, a philanthropic organization that has invested over $100 million in community-led initiatives. Dozier emphasized directing resources to leaders closest to the challenges, noting that many effective changemakers lack access to traditional funding networks despite demonstrated impact.

Attendees listen to guest Liz Dozier and President Michelle J. Anderson discuss the structural roots of maternal health disparities, while emphasizing the importance of education, policy reform, and community-centered care.

The discussion also focused on persistent disparities in maternal outcomes for Black women. Dozier pointed to racism, bias, and gaps in care, particularly the lack of a comprehensive continuum that includes mental health, nutrition, and family support, as key factors. Both speakers stressed that solutions already exist but require sustained investment and coordination across sectors.

Addressing misconceptions about perinatal mental health, they highlighted stigma and the tendency to overlook leading causes of maternal death such as suicide and overdose. They called for a broader, community-based approach and systemic reforms involving health care, government, and philanthropy.

A day later, on April 24, President Anderson joined faculty, clinicians, and leading experts in perinatal mental health at the 2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit, held at the Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville.

可乐视频鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series continues to bring influential leaders into dialogue with the 可乐视频 community, fostering engagement with critical social issues.

The post 可乐视频 Hosts Urgent Discussion on Black Maternal Health Crisis appeared first on 可乐视频.

In the article, Anderson cited the expansion of College Now as a critical strategy for widening access to college-level education and strengthening 可乐视频鈥檚 role as a pathway builder for diverse students. Through new partnerships with private and parochial high schools, she emphasizes offering rigorous, transferable coursework that allows students to earn credits, explore academic interests, and build confidence before graduating high school. Anderson sees the program as both an equity initiative and a practical investment鈥攈elping students save money, enter college better prepared, and accelerate progress toward their degrees while reinforcing 可乐视频鈥檚 mission of inclusion and academic excellence.

At the close of 2025, Anderson joined CUNY Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos Rodr铆guez for a visit to Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School, where the expansion was announced.

The expansion marked a meaningful step in broadening access to college-level coursework for students across New York City. Building on the success of the 42-year-old College Now program, 可乐视频 has deepened its engagement with communities historically outside the program鈥檚 reach. The impact is already evident鈥攅nrollment of students from independent religious schools in 可乐视频鈥揳dministered College Now courses grew from 32 to 78 students in just one year, a 144% increase.

The post President Michelle J. Anderson Interviewed About Expanding Dual Enrollment to Religious Schools appeared first on 可乐视频.

President Anderson introduced Michael Ben鈥橝ry, a former career federal prosecutor who served for nearly two decades at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) across multiple administrations. Last October, Ben鈥橝ry鈥檚 career took an abrupt and public turn when he was fired from his position at the DOJ, an event that raised questions about the department鈥檚 independence and highlighted the vulnerability of public institutions to political pressure. Ben鈥橝ry spoke about the pressures facing public institutions, the importance of professional independence within the justice system, and the consequences of eroding public trust.

Central to the discussion was the relationship between public confidence and the effective functioning of the justice system. Ben鈥橝ry emphasized that trust in federal prosecutions depends on a clear separation between politics and criminal justice.

鈥淭he separation between politics and the federal criminal justice system allows the public to have trust,鈥� Ben鈥橝ry said. 鈥淲hat is happening now, is the eroding of that trust, and eventually it鈥檚 going to make it harder for the Department of Justice to provide any measure of public safety.鈥�

He described public confidence as a 鈥渞eservoir of trust鈥� built over decades by career prosecutors committed to following the facts and the law. When he began his career at the DOJ in 2006, Ben鈥橝ry said he benefited from that legacy immediately.

鈥淲hen I introduced myself in court as representing the United States Department of Justice, people believed me鈥攏ot because of anything I had done personally, but because of the decades of prosecutors who came before me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t took a long time to build that reservoir, and I鈥檓 concerned that it鈥檚 being drained.鈥�

Ben鈥橝ry warned that diminished trust can weaken the justice system鈥檚 ability to function effectively, making it more difficult to protect both public safety and national security. He noted that the DOJ encompasses far more than prosecutions, including agencies and programs that support communities, administer grants, and carry out public service missions.

鈥淲hen trust declines,鈥� he said, 鈥渁ll of that work becomes less effective. There should be confidence that when the department acts, it鈥檚 doing so because it鈥檚 good for the public, not that it鈥檚 based on a good thing for an individual, official, or that official鈥檚 friends and family.鈥�

President Anderson invited Ben鈥橝ry to reflect on professional ethics and leadership within public institutions, particularly during periods of political pressure. Ben鈥橝ry shared his experience supervising teams of prosecutors and the importance of anticipating ethical challenges before they arise.

鈥淚 encouraged the attorneys I supervised to think ahead and know where their red lines were,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e asked to do something that isn鈥檛 legal or ethical, you need to be prepared to say no.鈥�

For students considering careers in law, government, and public service, the conversation offered a candid look at the ethical responsibilities that accompany institutional authority. Through events like the Presidential Lecture Series, 可乐视频 continues to engage the campus community in critical conversations about democracy, accountability, and the professional integrity required to sustain public trust.

The post Presidential Lecture Explores Public Trust, Institutional Integrity, and Ethical Leadership appeared first on 可乐视频.

Next Generation interns spend two to six months engaged in programmatic work in locations across Africa, Asia, and New York, receiving close mentorship from ICAP staff throughout the experience. The program emphasizes applied learning, giving students the opportunity to translate academic training into practice while building professional skills in global public health.

Among the 可乐视频 students who have participated is Mujibur Shaad, whose internship in Kenya in 2025 offered a formative introduction to global health work on the ground. Reflecting on the experience, Shaad described his time in the program as 鈥渓ife-changing,鈥� citing opportunities to engage with local communities and to contribute to research focused on tuberculosis screening using artificial intelligence.

鈥淢y time in Kenya allowed me to connect with people I never imagined I would meet, witness experiences I never thought I鈥檇 have, and develop a new philosophy and perspective on life,鈥� Shaad said in a testimonial shared following his internship. He credited the experience with strengthening his passion for medicine and public health and inspiring him to pursue a career dedicated to serving others.

Shaad also emphasized the personal impact of the opportunity, noting that the internship supported his growth not only academically and professionally, but also as an individual. He expressed gratitude to The Tow Foundation for its support of the program and underscored the importance of continued investment in experiential learning opportunities for students.

鈥淧artnerships like ICAP鈥檚 Next Generation Program open extraordinary doors for our students, allowing them to apply their education in real-world settings while addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time,鈥� said 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to The Tow Foundation for its generous support of 可乐视频 students participating in this program. Their investment makes transformative, global learning experiences possible and helps prepare our students to lead with knowledge, compassion, and purpose.鈥�

The ICAP Next Generation Program aligns closely with 可乐视频鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning, global engagement, and preparing students to address complex social and public health challenges. By participating in internationally focused, research-informed initiatives, students gain valuable perspective on health equity, cross-cultural collaboration, and the global dimensions of public health practice.

As 可乐视频 continues to expand pathways for students to engage in meaningful, career-shaping experiences, partnerships such as the ICAP Next Generation Program play a critical role in connecting classroom learning with real-world impact, both locally and globally.

The post Students Gain Global Public Health Experience Through ICAP Next Generation Program appeared first on 可乐视频.

This move expands the college鈥檚 and CUNY鈥檚 reach into local communities and builds on the success of the 42-year-old College Now program, which gives high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses. Between last fall and this fall, the number of students enrolled from independent religious schools in College Now programs, administered by 可乐视频, increased from 32 to 78 students, or 144%.

鈥淭his expansion reflects CUNY鈥檚 commitment to providing high-quality education to all of New York City鈥檚 students,鈥� said Chancellor Matos Rodr铆guez. 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping more students build real academic momentum and enter college with the confidence, credits, and preparation they need to thrive both in a higher education setting and beyond.鈥�

鈥淭he College Now partnership between 可乐视频 and Yeshiva of Flatbush reflects our ongoing commitment to Brooklyn鈥檚 vibrant community,鈥� said President Anderson, who was joined by Lillian O鈥橰eilly, vice president of enrollment management and retention at 可乐视频. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to welcome these students into College Now and support their success well beyond.鈥�

President Michelle J. Anderson addresses students at Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School.

At Yeshivah of Flatbush, 23 students are currently enrolled in year-long College Now courses鈥攊ncluding Physics, English Composition, American Pluralism, and College Algebra鈥攖hat are taught directly at the high school by Yeshivah of Flatbush teachers who are also 可乐视频 adjunct lecturers. An additional 30 students are also taking Calculus at the high school through the College Now program.

The program serves as a model for future collaborations with other private and religious schools. The new collaboration is an important part of the university鈥檚 broader strategy to enhance educational access to all students across New York City. The expansion is funded through partnerships between CUNY campuses and the yeshivas.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to offer our students college-level courses through CUNY鈥檚 College Now program. This initiative helps our students enter college better prepared and further along in their academic journey,鈥� said Rabbi Joseph Beyda, head of school at Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School.

鈥淎ll From the Comfort of My High School鈥�

Rebecca Weinwurzel, a junior at Joel Braverman High School, said she knows taking more challenging courses will be worth it. 鈥淵es, the work is harder and I鈥檓 putting in more effort, but I’m gaining so much: a whole semester of college, all from the comfort of my high school, with classmates and teachers I already know. It really pays off in the long run,鈥� she said.

Jacob Hanan, who is also a junior, appreciates getting a preview of college courses. 鈥淐ollege classes are more self-directed鈥攖he teacher instructs you and then you do your work. In high school classes, it鈥檚 more like you鈥檙e doing the work along the way with the teacher,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 learning how to write better essays in English class, and in history there is more focus on critical thinking, so those skills are really helping me grow.鈥�

A second yeshiva, Magen David Academy in Bensonhurst, is also part of the program and offers College Now classes on nutrition through 可乐视频.

About College Now

CUNY’s College Now program is one of the oldest dual enrollment initiatives in the nation. During the 2024-25 school year, more than 30,000 New York City Public Schools students from nearly 600 high schools participated. Its impact is well-documented: Research shows students who take part in dual enrollment programs are more likely to graduate from college and have higher degree completion rates than their peers who did not participate in such programs.

The post President Michelle J. Anderson Joins Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos Rodr铆guez to Unveil Dual Enrollment Program to Yeshiva Students appeared first on 可乐视频.

When ChatGPT launched in 2022, few expected that a simple text box would trigger a global debate about artificial intelligence. Today, AI is no longer a novelty; it鈥檚 a force reshaping how we learn, create, and work. At 可乐视频, we鈥檙e committed to meeting this moment with thoughtfulness and integrity鈥攅quipping our students and faculty with the knowledge, tools, and ethical foundation they need to navigate and lead an AI-driven world.

Designing the Future Together

This fall, 可乐视频 convened 32 students, staff, faculty members, alumni, and industry partners for a one-day visioning workshop focused on career readiness in the age of AI. The workshop, structured as a charrette, invited participants to co-design a framework for how 可乐视频 should respond to the rapid evolution of this technology.

A charrette is more than a meeting鈥攊t鈥檚 a creative, inclusive process that brings diverse voices together to tackle complex problems. Led by the National Charrette Institute, the session marked a critical first step in understanding the scope of AI鈥檚 impact and the need for sustained, cross-sector collaboration.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs April Bedford explains, 鈥淥ur goal is to ensure AI serves as a meaningful complement, and not a substitute, for human scholarship and instruction. Faculty are developing course materials that include clear guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI tools, along with expectations for transparency and disclosure. This empowers students and faculty to engage ethically and thoughtfully with emerging technologies while preserving the integrity of academic work.鈥�

Participants in the charette discuss AI.

What We Learned

The conversations revealed urgency about AI鈥檚 role in education and society. Participants noted that even middle school students now understand concepts like 鈥渉umanizers鈥濃�攖ools that make AI-generated text sound more natural. They agreed that critical thinking is more essential than ever and that 可乐视频 must help students become creators, not just consumers, of technology.

Career readiness emerged as a priority, with calls for strategies that span departments and embed AI literacy into core learning. The emphasis shifted from product to process: understanding how to think, not just what to produce. Participants warned against complacency鈥擜I is not infallible, and without understanding how it works, educators and students risk misusing it.

Grounded in Empathy

Faculty stressed that AI integration must be rooted in human values.

Norman Eng, a doctoral lecturer in childhood, bilingual, and special education, put it this way: 鈥淲ith AI, we probably won鈥檛 go wrong if we focus on the experiences, motivations, and feelings of our students鈥攅specially those marginalized by this technology.鈥� Quoting Jurassic Park鈥檚 Dr. Ian Malcolm, he added, 鈥溾�榊our scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn鈥檛 stop to think if they should.鈥� It鈥檚 no different with AI. We want our students to question and reflect on the 鈥榮hould.鈥欌��

Eng advocates embedding digital literacy and AI ethics into every course: 鈥淎I has shifted education toward process and performance. Instead of grading lesson plans, we analyze and improve AI-generated ones. Students develop meta-learning skills鈥攍earning how to learn鈥攕o they can adapt and thrive. Ultimately, it鈥檚 not AI itself, but how students use it, that will define their success.鈥�

Norman Eng

Practical Leadership

Mariya Gluzman, an instructional designer at the 可乐视频 Library & Academic IT Department and champion of AI literacy, leads practicums for staff and faculty to explore AI tools for course design and assessment.

鈥淭he reality is that AI is already part of the academic landscape and students are using it, often without proper guidance. Many industries are rapidly adopting generative AI. Given who we serve as a public university and our mission, it鈥檚 crucial we help our students succeed in today鈥檚 job market. They need to be just as prepared as applicants from brand-name colleges who鈥檝e had every opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology,鈥� said Gluzman.

Mariya Gluzman leading a workshop on AI for staff and faculty.

Training Creators, Not Consumers

For students, AI offers opportunities to build practical skills.

Anna Belenko, a computer science major, recently attended a hackathon at Columbia University, where her team built an AI agent prototype in 24 hours鈥攚inning $2,000 in company credits and earning the 鈥淏est AI Agent Use鈥� award.

As president of the Computer Science Club, she鈥檚 now organizing a 可乐视频 hackathon for the spring semester. 鈥淲e need to use AI tools to empower students鈥攁nd give them the freedom to become creators of AI, not just consumers,鈥� Belenko said. 鈥淎s a computer science student, it鈥檚 essential to be AI literate, especially in a field that鈥檚 evolving so quickly.鈥�

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to redefine education and work, 可乐视频 is not only preparing students to navigate the AI era, but to shape it. Success will belong to those who can adapt, reflect, and lead with both technical skills and human insight.

The post Degrees of Change appeared first on 可乐视频.

The medal, one of the college鈥檚 highest distinctions, celebrates Clarke鈥檚 enduring commitment to civic leadership, support of higher education, advocacy for underserved communities, and her transformative impact on Brooklyn and the nation.

Michelle J. Anderson presents the Presidential Medal of Honor to Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

President Michelle J. Anderson presented the award, saying: 鈥淵vette Clarke represents the very best of what it means to serve and lead with purpose. Her lifelong dedication to equity, education, and civic engagement has not only uplifted Brooklyn but inspired our students to believe in the power of public service. She鈥檚 a role model whose legacy continues to shape our classrooms, our neighborhoods, and our future.鈥�

In her acceptance remarks, Clarke expressed heartfelt gratitude to 可乐视频, reflecting on her deep ties to the borough and her mission to serve.

鈥淚 am very grateful to President Anderson and 可乐视频 for this honor,鈥� Congresswoman Clarke said. 鈥淪ince 1930, 可乐视频 has served the borough with distinction, providing a solid foundation for students in Brooklyn and beyond. I wholeheartedly support CUNY and its individual institutions in their mission to make high-quality education available to all.鈥�

New York State Assembly Members Alicia L. Hyndman (D-29) and Rodneyse Bichotte (D-42); Cyle Paul, President of 可乐视频 Student Government Association; Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, New York City Public Advocate and 可乐视频 graduate Jumaane D. Williams 鈥�01, 鈥�05 M.A.; and President Michelle J. Anderson.

The ceremony was also attended by New York State Assembly Members Alicia L. Hyndman (D-29) and Rodneyse Bichotte (D-42), as well as New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams 鈥�01, 鈥�05 M.A., who all helped honor Clarke. CUNY leaders, community representatives, family members, colleagues, and friends were also present.

Cyle Paul, President of the 可乐视频 Undergraduate Student Government who is majoring in finance, played an important role in recognizing Clarke for her longstanding service and commitment to 可乐视频 and the community.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Clarke has served as the U.S. Representative for New York鈥檚 9th Congressional District since 2007. She is a leading voice on issues ranging from immigration reform and cybersecurity to economic equity and women鈥檚 rights. Her career began in the New York City Council, where she succeeded her mother, Una Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter duo to serve consecutively in the council鈥檚 history.

Clarke joins Shirley Chisholm ’46 and other distinguished leaders who were past recipients of the award.

The post 可乐视频 Celebrates Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke With Prestigious Presidential Medal of Honor appeared first on 可乐视频.

Michelle J. Anderson and Aaron Olson at the Presidential Lecture Series event on September 30.

The op-ed focuses on how colleges can prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence. We spotlight 可乐视频鈥檚 pioneering partnership with Aon, a deep collaboration that has enhanced certain academic programs with fresh insights from the work world. This initiative is especially important for first-generation and low-income students on a pathway of economic mobility.

可乐视频 is working to strengthen these kinds of collaborations with employers; integrate AI literacy across the disciplines; and equip our graduates with the know-how not just to adapt to change, but to drive it. You can read the piece .

The post From the President鈥檚 Desk: Economic Mobility in the Age of AI appeared first on 可乐视频.

President Michelle J. Anderson and Senator Andrew Gounardes view the East Quad.

The day included viewing the East Quad with Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Alan Gilbert, where campus improvement projects will soon be underway thanks to a capital grant from New York State secured by Senator Gounardes in 2019. This investment marks a significant milestone in campus revitalization efforts. In addition, the Senator provided funding in 2024 to explore the establishment of a new 鈥淏usiness of Music鈥� program, which will be housed in the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts, an exciting initiative blending creativity with entrepreneurship.

As a proud CUNY graduate, Senator Gounardes also took time to connect with students over lunch, listening to their perspectives on the future of higher education.

The post Senator Andrew Gounardes Visits 可乐视频 to Champion Higher Education Initiatives appeared first on 可乐视频.