Initiative 1 - Families United in Education

Families United in Education (FUiE) is designed to support family members, (this includes parents and adult children, spouses/partners, siblings, cousins) who are enrolled in degree programs at Hostos to provide them with mentoring and access to resources that will help them to obtain their associate degrees. Participants receive book vouchers, monthly Metrocards, educational workshops, academic incentives, and attend cultural activities. The initiative is a natural extension of the academic, social, and emotional support that Hostos provides with a special emphasis on building the educational continuity for families enrolled at Hostos. This program seeks to strengthen familial bonds by building a community of peer support to help students stay motivated and make progress toward credit completion and will engage family members in cultural experiences to help expand their learning and community engagement.

Goals:

  • Increase awareness of resources available to families at Hostos and within their communities.
  • Improve the health, development, and well-being of all members of a family, regardless of their unique and diverse composition.
  • Improve self-sufficiency through educational attainment.
  • Strengthen the relationships between families attending college and community-based organizations that provide essential resources.
Family Eligibility: To be eligible for FUiE, family members must be currently enrolled at least part-time and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Family members must provide proof of kin and all members of the family unit must be available to participate in the program and keep active enrollment each semester and onward. If you are interested in learning more and participating in this initiative, complete the screening application. Eligible family members must also complete an enrollment application and interview.

Families United in Education Screening Application

Program Flyer

Program Contact: Ms. Christeen Francis, FUiE Program Manager, (718) 518-4474, chfrancis@hostos.cuny.edu

Recent News

Early in June 2023, twenty-two (22) students were honored at the Families United in Education (FUiE) Luncheon Celebration. During her opening remarks, Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis reminded students of the importance of determination when facing challenges. She quoted a verse from Antonio Machado’s poem, “Traveler, There Is No Road,” which invokes the power of steadfastness for carving your own path every step of the way. “As Machado said, ‘the journey is yours for the making’,” she concluded.
 
Assistant Dean of Student Life Johanna Gomez was the keynote speaker and noted the value of generational transformation enabled by FUiE’s mission of providing families with the opportunity for high-quality education.
 
“The pathway starts with you and your loved ones present here today. Then, other family members will join you in continuing the education journey, and so on. That’s why what you’re doing is so pivotal,” she said.

FUiE program participants pose with Cocco De Filippis, family members, classmates, and Hostos senior management during the FUiE Celebration Luncheon.
FUiE program participants pose with President Cocco De Filippis, family members, classmates, and Hostos senior management during the FUiE Celebration Luncheon.


Research Programs Director Sofia Oviedo moderated the program at the luncheon. Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Project Manager Christeen Francis and Health and Wellness Center Director Fabián Wander gave students recognition certificates and a gift bag.
Research Programs Director Sofia Oviedo moderated the program at the luncheon. Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Project Manager Christeen Francis and Health and Wellness Center Director Fabián Wander gave students recognition certificates and a gift bag.
 
The honorees were: Lian Ali, Rina Ali, Jennifer Ansong, Monica Antwi, Kimberly Bell, Aminata Bouare, Teyana Buckle, Crystal Bourne, Hamdiya Dixon, Afnan Farea, Alyass Farea, Mohammed Farea, Isatou Kujabi, Joan García Silverio, Hanan Ghabash, Ohood Ghabash, Malik Pellington, Basilia Silverio de Toribio, Daniel Tolbert, Michael Tolbert, Monique Vasquez, and Kacey Witter.
 
In closing, Oviedo announced scholarships awarded to FUiE students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above.
 
Past Activities
 
FUiE students attending the Broadway performance of The Lion King.
FUiE students attending the Broadway performance of The Lion King.
 

FUiE students visiting the Bronx Zoo.

FUiE students visiting the Bronx Zoo.