What's Good, New York?

OneGoal's Jenny Estevez-Cray has three things to know about CUNY's Black Male Initiative: 1. The CUNY Black Male Initiative is a University-wide student development initiative focused on supporting underrepresented students, particularly men of color. 2. However, the Black Male Initiative is not only for black males. BMI welcomes everyone. 3. BMI’s successful program increases retention and graduation rates by offering peer mentoring and leadership and networking opportunities for its students. Upperclassmen can then get paid to become peer mentors. Black Male Initiative is offered at every CUNY campus. Be on the lookout for an info session or e-mail at the beginning of freshman year to see if it’s a fit for you.

OneGoal's Craig Weiner has Five Things to Know About Enrollment Decisions: Be Your Best Advocate If you haven't heard from a college, have questions or are missing a financial aid package don't hesitate to reach to admissions and financial aid offices, your OneGoal teacher and your OneGoal coach! Financial Aid Make sure you have completed FAFSA and TAP Do you know what your out-of-pocket expenses would be at each option? Remember, OneGoal does not advise students to take Parent Plus or other private loans for college. There are other options that won’t put you and your family in a lot of debt, such as the New York State Excelsior Scholarship or ASAP’s tuition waiver. Know Your Options & Narrow it Down Which options meet the criteria that’s right for you? That might include major, financial goals or social environment. Don’t forget to check to see if your option is Recommended by OneGoal, meaning they have a strong graduation rate. If the college’s graduation rate isn’t strong, do they have a support program that you’re eligible for? Examples include ASAP, College Discovery, SEEK, EOP or HEOP. Attending a Recommended College or Opportunity Program is called Smart-Matching. Confirm Your Spot Most commitment deadlines are May 1st, but some colleges have moved their deadlines back due to COVID-19. Check with your admissions department to confirm. You may also be eligible to have your commitment deposit waived. At CUNYs and SUNYs, if your EFC from your FAFSA is less than 3,000, you can either get a waiver or your fee will automatically be waived. Check with your admissions department to confirm. Complete Enrollment Steps Congratulations, you’ve made your commitment! Now, tell OneGoal all about it by completing the Enrollment Form, so we can continue to provide support. You will need to complete a series of enrollment steps throughout the summer, such as confirming financial aid, submitting immunization forms and attending orientation. One of the most important things to do is set up your new college student online account and email so you can stay informed of the steps you need to take to be ready for your first semester as a college student

OneGoal's Julia Morris has three things to know about Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs): 1. If you are looking for free vocational training after high school, consider joining an Educational Opportunity Center, or EOC. 2. EOCs offer a variety of training programs, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Civil Service Exam training, Certified Microsoft Office training, Medical Billing and more! 3. Some programs may vary by borough, but you can attend any EOC. For example, the Bronx is the only EOC that offers a Master Barber program, but you can enroll even if you live in another borough. EOC programs are tuition-free and offered in each borough except Staten Island. You just have to be at least 18 years old and have proof of New York State residency.

OneGoal's Nicole Petraglia has three things to know about the Foster Care Initiative for college students in New York: 1. CUNY has programs designed to support students who are in or have formerly been in foster care. 2. These programs provide additional financial, academic and socio-emotional support for students who have been in foster care. There is also limited, year-round housing available. 3. Eligible students must be in or on track to be in either ASAP, College Discovery or SEEK.

OneGoal's Stephanie Flores has 3 Things to Know About CUNY's EDGE Program: 1. CUNY EDGE is a program designed to support students who are on public assistance. Students who receive cash assistance from HRA are eligible for the program. 2. EDGE provides individualized academic, personal, and career planning support, as well as a fellowship program in which students are able to work up to 19 hours per week in a field relevant to their interests. 3. Students may be in another program such as CD, SEEK or ASAP and also be a part of EDGE, as well. EDGE is offered at each CUNY community and senior college, so reach out to the EDGE office at your school if you are eligible to receive these supports.