By: Pamela Duran
Lehman College, nestled in the heart of the Bronx, is more than just an institution of higher learning. It serves as a beacon of hope and support for many individuals, including students, staff, and alumni. Beyond its academic offerings, the college has established itself as a pillar of community support through various initiatives and programs addressing critical needs and fostering a spirit of solidarity.
Delving into Lehman's resources reveals their efforts to advance the community they serve. The two most significant initiatives on campus are the Basic Needs Center and the Lehman Food Bank in the Old Gym Building. The Basic Needs Center is a comprehensive support hub in connection with CUNY Cares that addresses the following:
CUNY Citizenship Now is a notable service coordinated through the Basic Needs Center, which provides immigration law services. This program is worthy of recognition for its valuable support to students navigating complex immigration issues. This enables students to focus on academic success without worrying about essential needs.
The Food Bank, which cooperates with the Basic Needs Center, was formed in March 2017. It serves students and staff in numerous ways. The Food Bank services go as follows:
According to their website, they have served over 100,737 meals to Lehman students. Notably, 87% of those students fear their food will run out within the next year, with 75% of those students living in the Bronx. The Food Bank also provides students with resources to find healthy food in their neighborhoods and offers diet suggestions and tips to ensure they eat well.
Lehman College's community outreach extends to educational support as well. The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) aims to increase the participation of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged Bronx students in STEM fields. Lehman collaborates with Bronx schools to achieve this.
This program prepares students for college entry and focuses on critical areas such as mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. Beyond that, it helps students with their core subjects, Regents preparation, college admission counseling, summer programs, and other forms of support in preparing students from middle through high school.
The STEP program has specific eligibility criteria for students:
Student Eligibility: • Enrolled in Grades 7-12 • Economically disadvantaged or from specific racial/ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, American Indian) • Must benefit from academic enrichment
The Adult Learning Center (ALC) serves as a beacon of opportunity for adult learners. As one of the leading adult education programs in New York City, it annually serves approximately 800 individuals with free classes in Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and preparation for High School Equivalency diplomas. This initiative is vital in empowering adults in the community to further their education and improve their career prospects. It also allows them to discover scholarships, grants, and financial aid that can help them further their education and explore new, more stable career paths.
The Lehman Jumpstart program further exemplifies the college's commitment to community service. This initiative prepares and supports college students to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods and instills a sense of community responsibility in Lehman students. By promoting school success for young children while providing leadership training and work-study opportunities for college students, Jumpstart creates a dual benefit for the college and the broader community.
Many volunteer positions are available for any Lehman student to give back and connect to their community outside of Lehman. Three types of volunteer work are offered: short-term, long-term, and remote. The Community Engagement site provides various links and pages that can be used to find different volunteer opportunities, either in-person or virtual.
As these programs continue to thrive at Lehman, we can see their ongoing impact on the diverse communities comprising the Lehman population. New programs to help students are emerging constantly and knowing where to look can make all the difference. By addressing students' basic needs, providing educational support, and encouraging community engagement, Lehman creates a positive impact extending beyond its campus, fostering growth and development throughout the Bronx.
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