Dell Young Leaders: Forging Pathways to Career Success
Overview
CUNY Hillel partners with local nonprofits to ensure Jewish students can access essential social services in a safe and welcoming environment.
Fostering Student Success with On-Site Support
Hillel serves as a hub for Jewish community on college campuses, helping students engage with Jewish life as part of their college experience. At City University of New York (CUNY) campuses, partnerships with local nonprofits allow Hillel to provide a range of on-site services as well, including:
- A kosher food pantry
- Mental health support
- Emergency funds for financial hardships
- Career workshops, internships, and job placement assistance
In collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York, Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and the Jim Joseph Foundation, Hillel has embedded these services across five Hillels serving CUNY campuses. This model makes it easier for students to access the support they need, allowing them to focus on their studies and graduate.
Supporting the Path to Graduation
New York City is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel and its diversity is reflected in CUNY’s Jewish student population. Many students come from immigrant families and are the first in their families to attend college. Earning a college degree can significantly boost their earning potential and open doors to meaningful careers.
Balancing home, school, and work can be a challenge. In summer 2023, a survey of CUNY students affiliated with Hillel found:
- 66% worked two or more jobs while attending school
- 51% experienced food insecurity
- 73% reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
The community and resources available through CUNY Hillel amount to a crucial support system for Jewish students. These support services are meeting students where they are with the support they need to thrive in their personal lives and stay on track to graduate.
