Ten BMCC Graduates Earn NYU Scholarships Through BMCC Pipeline Programs

Ten Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) graduates have been accepted to New York University (NYU) College of Arts and Science and the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Studies after completing unique pipeline programs through partnerships between BMCC and NYU.

The Pipeline Opportunity for Inter-Collegiate STEM Education (POISE) and the Gallatin Undergraduate Initiative for Discovery in Education (GUIDE) offer a select group of BMCC students the chance to utilize the NYU academic support system including mentors, familiarize themselves with the NYU campus and connect with other students. Students from either POISE or GUIDE can then apply for NYU scholarships upon graduation from BMCC.

BMCC has partnered with the NYU College of Arts and Science to offer STEM students the opportunity through the POISE program since the 2013-2014 academic year. Thirty-eight BMCC graduates have received the POISE scholarship since the program’s inception.

Meanwhile, the partnership with NYU Gallantin School of Individualized Studies which offers the GUIDE program, began in the 2017-2018 academic year. Since the program’s inception, 21 BMCC graduates having received the GUIDE Scholarship.

BMCC and NYU Partnership is Symbiotic

“The partnership between these two NYU schools and BMCC is a great opportunity to provide BMCC students the ability to continue their education at a four-year school,” said BMCC Dean of Student Affairs Michael Hutmaker. “These students excel both inside and outside the classroom and the scholarship gives them the chance to focus on their overall college experience without the need to worry about their tuition.”

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Erwin Wong said the partnership between the NYU and BMCC is symbiotic.

“Our students receive a fantastic opportunity to engage in NYU extracurricular activities through POISE and take an interdisciplinary seminar free of charge through GUIDE, while NYU benefits from having our students become a part of the NYU community,” said Wong. “ Despite the challenges of the pandemic for the past year, our students have persisted, endured and succeeded. Their resilience is reflected in the number of potential students eligible for these programs, and those who are put forward always make it difficult for POISE and GUIDE to make their selections.”

This year’s POISE scholars are Nadir Arauco (science), Samuel Boadu (engineering science), Chanthea Quinland (computer science), Diana Castillo (biotechnology) and Emily Rodriguez (Forensic Science).

GUIDE Scholars are Karen Escalona Santos (writing and literature), James Lu (history), Kadesh Stewart (computer science), Nancy Torres (ethnic studies) and Natassia Walker (criminal justice).

Scholars reflect and plan for the future

Diana Castillo says while at NYU, she plans to commit to a global public health and biology academic track. She says she will enroll in as many research opportunities that she can and join student clubs as well.

“Eventually, I would like to apply to NYU Grossman School of Medicine after obtaining my bachelor’s degree to work on an active research project at the school or a research project of my own design,” said Castillo.

She said her BMCC professors helped her prepare for this next chapter in her academic journey.

“The BMCC faculty and staff never gave up on me whenever I was going through a difficult time in my personal life,” said Castillo.

While at NYU, Karen Escalona Santos plans to examine the role and position of women in society as seen by themselves and others with a focus on the Latin American and Caribbean experience

“By focusing on those dynamics, I plan on addressing issues in the advancement of women in society,” said Santos. “As I progress through my academic development, I hope to complement each stage with field projects that address the issues I research.”

Santos said BMCC’s academic support programs as well as the faculty encouraged her intellectual curiosity and development.

Natassia Walker said she plans to expand her knowledge and delve into the intersections of social justice and economics while at NYU. Her ultimate academic goal is to earn a law degree. She also said, BMCC became a home away from home.

“I had really caring professors who pushed me to rise above any limits,” said Walker. “BMCC gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual and not just as a student. I was actively involved in many leadership programs, honors societies, peer mentoring, club leader and a few more. All of these opportunities and resources are what has helped to shape me into who I am today which has paid off with me now being a GUIDE scholar. So as the motto states  ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’ for me it is not just a slogan, it is a reality.”