The newly launched
CUNY Fatherhood Academy at Hostos (CFA) took a huge step on May 24, when it celebrated the first cohort of 15 young men to complete the program.
Held in the Savoy Multipurpose Room, the event was attended by college administrators and staff, and most importantly, the families, friends and other supports who helped the program’s participants to this point.
CFA, a program of the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), is a free, 16-week high school equivalency and college preparatory program for resident New York City fathers ages 18 to 24. CFA promotes responsible parenting, college readiness, and work among unemployed and underemployed fathers.
Special guest Parker Kransey, Senior Advisor for the NYC Center for Economic Opportunity, gave an impassioned speech, telling the young fathers that they were the most important thing in their child’s lives and living up to their role was crucial to their entire family’s success.
This cohort of CFA participants were prepped for the High School Equivalency Diploma test and participated in college readiness programs. They also received occupational training and guidance through Hostos’ Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
Darryl Rogers, Senior Program Coordinator for the Hostos Adult Learning Center, works with the CFA, said while he was proud of the young fathers for making it this far, he urged them to keep going as they pursue either higher education or employment opportunities.
Hostos President David Gómez was also on hand to congratulate the class.
“This program is giving you the tools,” Gómez said. “While today is a day of celebration, after that is over, look down the road and work as hard as you can to be the best father you can be.”
The CFA Class of 2016:
Brandon Stewart, Brandon Reed, Carlos Colon, Christopher Santiago, Fuday Robinson, Hassan Thomas, Kadeem Sykes, Kyle Sone, Ralph Colon, Roberto Ramos, Ronelle Anthony, Shaun Latorre, Trevon Vizcarrondo, Thomas Vasquez, and William Rivera.
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique Student Success Coaching Unit provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.
Named one of the top 10 finalists for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.