2018 Summer Enrichment Academy
CUNY EDGE initiated its Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) this past summer, as mandated by Human Resources Administration (HRA). The program was designed by Brooklyn College CUNY EDGE staff to enhance the leadership skills of CUNY EDGE students and to provide them with civic engagement opportunities while also aiding them in their professional development. SEA students were able to continue their HRA work-study assignments while participating in fulfilling volunteer placements and informative workshops. The workshops offered were targeted toward their academic and professional progress and success. The program ran from June 5 to August 17, 2018.
Workshops were hosted by various offices dedicated to students' academic and professional success. From discovering leadership styles with David Wells from the Veteran Affairs and Counseling Center to navigating DegreeWorks with Claudine Marcantonio from the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS) office, SEA proved beneficial to students in multiple areas. Our thanks go out to all the department staff who volunteered to assist with the program.
The last week of the program allowed students to reflect on their growth and experiences from the start of the academy. In addition to self-reflection, each member of the SEA were encouraged to create a LinkedIn account to assist in their network building in future professional ventures. During the closing ceremony, all students received complimentary professional headshots, courtesy of CUNY EDGE, to upload to their accounts. Below are some photos from the closing ceremony of the SEA. Before ending the ceremony, students collectively constructed a mission statement that embodied qualities that they believed a CUNY EDGE leader possesses at all times:
"A CUNY EDGE leader exemplifies resilience and confidence, and takes initiative on all areas. They remain purposeful and uplift each person they encounter. A CUNY EDGE leader is nothing short of powerful."