About the program

CUNY EDGE (Educate, Develop, Graduate and Empower) is a collaboration between the City University of New York (CUNY) and the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA.) The goal of the program is to support the needs of students receiving government assistance and pursuing an undergraduate degree at CUNY.

CUNY EDGE balances academic advising and personal support with career and employment readiness, leadership development, and community engagement while maintaining students’ compliance with HRA regulations. The program integrates elements of successful college completion programs with work opportunities, personal development, and academic excellence.

Vision

CUNY EDGE envisions a world in which all people have access to the educational opportunities and support they need to realize academic success, a sustainable career, and a brighter future

Mission

The mission of CUNY EDGE is to help CUNY students who are receiving public assistance achieve academic excellence, graduate on time, and find employment.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in CUNY EDGE, a student:

• Must have an active HRA Cash Assistance case
• Must be enrolled as an undergraduate at CUNY

CUNY EDGE students can participate in other success programs including ASAP, ACE, College Discovery, and SEEK, at the same time as CUNY EDGE.

Program Benefits

• Ongoing academic, personal, and career planning advisement
• Comprehensive personal and professional development seminar series to assist students with study skills-building, problem-solving, career development, and self- advocacy
• Career readiness services
• Internships and job opportunities
• A culture of academic excellence, including limited opportunities for tuition support for intersession and summer classes
• Collaboration with offices and programs including advising offices, career services, bursar, registrar, and wellness center to ensure students receive the supports they need
• Guidance to help students comply with relevant HRA rules and expectations

Advisement Services

Why is advisement important?

• Assists students to engage in the learning process
• Develops critical thinking, decision-making, and learning skills
• Fully immerses students in the college experience
• Helps with course selection and many other academic decisions
• Identifies appropriate student resource and supports

CUNY EDGE provides students with the tools and resources needed to complete their undergraduate academic degree, including both associate and baccalaureate degrees. Advisement Services cover a range of topics including academics, career exploration and skills development, and personal support, and foster a strong relationship between the advisor and CUNY EDGE student.

Advisement consists of, but is not limited to, the following services:

• Assistance with HRA case compliance and documentation
• Course selection and registration
• Selecting a major
• Transfer application to senior colleges
• Professional and career development
• Scholarship opportunities
• Accessing resources in the college community

HRA Fellowship Program

• The HRA Fellowship Program provides paid work opportunities for eligible CUNY EDGE students.
• The Fellowship Program supports CUNY EDGE students with meeting HRA compliance requirements while providing valuable work experience and income.
• HRA determines eligibility and the number of hours per week the student will be assigned.
• CUNY EDGE identifies and develops placement sites on campus and in the local community.
• Students assigned to the HRA Fellowship Program are matched to work sites taking into consideration the student’s academic major, career interests and skills.
• Eligible students must complete a mandatory introductory orientation and three professional development seminars.

Career Readiness

CUNY EDGE offers extensive career readiness services including job preparation, job placement and follow-up, resume building, job search and more. A key goal is for students to obtain meaningful employment that will lead to long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Benefits of CUNY EDGE’s career readiness services include:

• Explore career pathways within your major
• Learn how to create effective resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and network with professionals
• Learn job search strategies: various resume and cover letter formats and interviewing and networking skills based on industry-specific requirements
• Opportunities to attend citywide job fairs
• Identify ways to develop relevant skill sets for the workforce