Challenge Charter High School Scholars will join the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies’ Commencement Ceremony on May 29th.
Challenge Charter School, in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, is thrilled to share that the first graduating cohort of its High School Scholars will also join CUNY SLU certificate and degree graduates for commencement on May 29th. In 2022, the two institutions began a partnership to offer college courses in Far Rockaway for adult learners and high school students. Sixteen graduates are set to join CUNY SLU’s graduation ceremony on May 29, 2024, at The New York Public Library’s flagship location on 42nd Street and 5th.
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Founder and CEO of Challenge Charter School, Dr. Mullings expressed, “Three years ago, we announced our dream of bringing college to Far Rockaway, and now we are seeing the first fruits of our partnership with CUNY SLU. We are so proud of our scholars! We are eager to see more of our students and local adult learners benefit from college courses being offered right here at home.”
Challenge Charter School Scholars took four dual-credit courses (fulfilling high school and college credits) including English Comp I and II and two college electives: Health Disparities and Statistics over 4 semesters. All classes are on-site at Challenge Charter High School in Far Rockaway during the school day to align with existing school schedules and are taught by CUNY SLU faculty. Additional instructors were available to aid scholars with their college-level coursework and writing, as well as staff to help Far Rockaway families with college prep information such as understanding the FAFSA application.
Students receive several perks including access to any campus in the CUNY system, the use of all university libraries, workforce development services, and mental health services. Students receive an undergraduate certificate in the Urban Experience from CUNY SLU, and credits earned through the program are transferable to any CUNY, SUNY, or other school for students who go on to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree.
“Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in our partnership between CUNY SLU and Challenge Charter High School, as the first cohort of high school graduates also earn their undergraduate certificates in the Urban Experience,” said Gladys Palma de Schrynemakers, Chief Academic Officer at CUNY SLU. “This unique collaboration has been pivotal in fulfilling CUNY SLU’s mission of providing access to education at every level. Higher education opportunities have been limited within the Far Rockaway community, making it paramount for us to bring these educational resources directly to the area. By doing so, we’re able to foster a connection between CUNY and the Far Rockaway community, empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals without leaving their community.”
Challenge Charter School scholar Alona Williams reflected on the program saying, “Participation in the Early College program allowed me to not only gain free credits but get a sense of independent study.”
Another scholar, Rachel Ajayi, said, “Participating in the CUNY SLU Early College gave me a taste of college before actually experiencing it.”
Challenge Charter School’s second CUNY SLU cohort recently began their coursework.
