<p><span class="p-body">The Career Pathways Bridge Program at New York University School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) creates career-connected pathways to accredited degree programs for high school graduates across under-resourced areas of New York. Students in the program gain access to fully funded degree programs in business, technology, and liberal arts, along with work-based learning and early credit opportunities. These include <b>two accredited courses, a cohort-style college and career readiness seminar, career exploration workshops, community-building activities, paid internships, advising, and peer mentoring.</b></span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">This year, the Bridge Program grew more than 40 percent, from 23 students in the 2023 Cohort to 33 students in this year’s 2024 Cohort. Bridge students hail from four of the five NYC boroughs: primarily the Bronx, as well as Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Representation across schools has also expanded, with students on-ramping from 14 high schools this academic year, compared to nine schools last year. Across the three cohorts, there’s now a total of 57 Bridge students stemming from 20 NY public high schools, a reflection of the program’s growing impact across New York City.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Beyond the classroom, students have excelled as leaders, innovators, athletes, and artists:</span></p> <ul class='p-list'> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Leadership Roles:</b>&nbsp;Led as team captains in volleyball and basketball, and served as student government presidents and school council members.</span></li> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Awards and Recognitions:</b>&nbsp;Earned distinctions related to excellence in theater, commitment to social justice, academic excellence, and many others.</span></li> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Programs and Certifications:</b>&nbsp;Participated in prestigious programs like the JPMorgan Emerging Leaders Program, earned Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications, and obtained cosmetology licenses.</span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body">This accomplished cohort brings a broad array of talents and passions to the program.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The 2024 Bridge Cohort participated in a week-long orientation this past July to prepare for the fall semester. This annual tradition focuses on campus navigation, resource awareness, and community building</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Highlights of the week include:</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Student Ambassadors from last year’s 2023 Bridge Cohort, the NYU Black Student Union, and the Caribbean Student Association engaged in panel discussions and Q&amp;A sessions with the 2024 Bridge Cohort to share insights and advice on how to make the most of NYU.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Here's a look at the new cohort’s first semester of college. Over the summer, students took placement tests to determine which math and writing courses they should enroll in. The results are below.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">All students in the cohort also participate in a weekly First Year Seminar, which focuses on building foundational college and career skills, and a close-knit community.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Bridge Overview</b></span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The 2024 Cohort is represented across the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) three Associate Degree Programs: Business, Liberal Arts, and Information Systems Management. </span></p> <p> </p>

<p><span class="p-body"><b>Fathima Ballee:</b>&nbsp;&quot;The [Career Pathways] Bridge Program is helping me grow so much academically and pushing my boundaries. I have so much fun getting close to all the members of my cohort; we help each other become better.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Briana Chavez: </b>&quot;The Career Pathways Bridge Program equips me with resources, including resume building, and strategies for networking and effective communication. The mentorship I receive, along with support from my academic advisor, allows me to explore fields that align with my passions for technology and contribute to my personal growth.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Giavanni Espinal:</b> &quot;The [Career Pathways] Bridge Program solidified my faith in my own future and convinced me that hard work can bring genuine, positive outcomes. I am consistently supported with my aca</span>demics and am beginning to learn how to advocate for myself and my future.&quot;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>