July 8, 2020
The Center for First-generation Student Success— an initiative of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, NASPA and The Suder Foundation—has designated Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) as a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution. BMCC was one of just 11 institutions across the nation to receive the designation.
In 2019, BMCC was named to the inaugural cohort of First Forward Institutions. BMCC was one of three two-year institutions among the 80 colleges and universities named in the cohort. During that first year, BMCC received advisement from Rutgers University.
The designation of BMCC as a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution recognizes that the college has demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students through initiatives such as the BMCC Panther Partners Program.
Now, BMCC will advise other institutions that have similar initiatives or programs for first-generation college students but are seeking advice, guidance, knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities to further expand and enhance their programs while broadening engagement of those students on their campuses.
“First-gen Forward Institutions continue to lead the nation by their commitment to first-generation student success,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “With the growth of the 2020-21 cohort, we elevated a select number of First-gen Forward Institutions to the Advisory Institution designation. We commend BMCC for their stalwart first-generation student efforts and look forward to working more closely through the Advisory designation.”
New and First Year Student Programs Manager Joseph Ginese said being invited to serve as an Advisory Institution is notable and demonstrates that BMCC stood out among the 80 institutions in the inaugural cohort.
“This designation confirms that the work Panther Partner Program Manager Rahana Belle-Jerome and myself, through the BMCC Panther Partners community, has excelled in all aspects of serving first generation students,” said Ginese.
At BMCC, more than 53 percent of students are the first in their family to attend college, according to data gathered from financial aid applications. A growing body of research suggests that a combination of simple nudges and check-ins with a mentor helps first-generation students feel more confident about navigating the maze of college life.
In Spring 2017, BMCC piloted the Panther Partners, a program designed specifically for students at BMCC whose parents did not attend college. Developed by the BMCC New Student Programs and the Division of Student Affairs, the program pairs students with a coach—“Coach Panther Partner”— who offers personal support and encouragement, throughout their time at BMCC. The program has grown exponentially since its inception.
“During the first semester, we had 14 student participants and 10 BMCC faculty, staff and administrators coaching the students,” said Rahana Belle-Jerome, Panther Partners Program Coordinator. “By the Spring 2020 semester, we had a total of 134 students and 93 staff, faculty and administrators coaching. We are excited to start the eighth semester of the program in Fall 2020, and our goal is to enroll 200 of BMCC’S first-generation college students in their first year of college.”
In addition to supportive mentorship, Panther Partners also provides workshops activities, special events, and community engagement activities throughout the semester.
“Through our newly designated advisory role one of our goals is to expand our knowledge base on how to provide support to all first-generation college students at BMCC,” said Belle-Jerome.
Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, Belle-Jerome says the Panther Partners program will continue to serve as source of comfort, community, information and connection for students.
“With this goal always at the forefront of everything we do, we will keep challenging ourselves to create new and innovative ways to engage our students from a distance,” said Belle-Jerome. “We want our students to know we are here!”
To apply to the Panther Partners Program, please visit the Panther Partner webpage to learn more about the program and access the link to our application. The priority deadline for applications is August 21.
- BMCC one of 11 colleges and universities named as an Advisory Institution
- In 2019, Center for First-generation Student Success included BMCC as part of inaugural cohort
- BMCC Panther Partner program has grown exponentially since its inception
