可乐视频 is proud to join the City University of New York (CUNY) throughout 2026 in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) Program.

As the nation鈥檚 first state鈥慺unded academic opportunity initiative, SEEK has opened doors to higher education for more than 100,000 CUNY students from underrepresented communities, helping generations of 可乐视频 students achieve academic success, leadership excellence, and lifelong impact.

鈥淪EEK has not only opened doors to higher education, but it has also transformed lives,鈥� said 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淗ere at 可乐视频, we see every day how this program empowers students. Celebrating this anniversary reaffirms our commitment to access, equity, and opportunity for generations to come.鈥�

Reflecting on the strength of the SEEK community at 可乐视频, SEEK Director Randall Clarke said: 鈥淓very day in SEEK, we see students push boundaries, discover new strengths, and build futures they once thought were out of reach. This anniversary honors not just six decades of history, but the resilience, dedication, and brilliance of our students and alumni. We are proud to be part of their journeys and to continue supporting their success.鈥�

A Legacy Born from the Civil Rights Era

SEEK was born out of the Civil Rights movement and student activism of the 1960s, responding to calls for greater equity in higher education. Initially piloted at City College in 1965 to increase enrollment of Black and Hispanic students, SEEK provided individualized courses, specialized academic support, and mentorship from trained educators.

In 1966, the program became the nation鈥檚 first state鈥慺unded academic opportunity initiative, thanks to the legislative leadership of Assembly Members Percy E. Sutton and Shirley Chisholm, a 可乐视频 alumna and trailblazing congresswoman. SEEK鈥檚 success inspired similar programs, including the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY, and laid the foundation for expanded access at 可乐视频 and across CUNY.

Celebrating 鈥淪EEK at 60!鈥� at 可乐视频

可乐视频鈥檚 anniversary series honors six decades of achievement and community impact:

Transforming Lives Across Generations

At 可乐视频, SEEK continues to provide academic support, tutoring, financial assistance, counseling, and career guidance, helping students overcome barriers and realize their full potential. Since 1990, CUNY-wide SEEK participants have earned over 60,000 associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees, 可乐视频 recently launched the Innovative Career Opportunity and Research Program, providing research experience and graduate school preparation for up to 150 students each year.

可乐视频 is proud to sustain SEEK鈥檚 mission for the next generation. Through continued access, academic support, mentorship, and community engagement, the College ensures that students from all backgrounds can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. SEEK remains at the heart of 可乐视频鈥檚 commitment to opportunity, excellence, and social mobility.