Special Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups in Undergraduate Research

CUNY Pipeline Program

The CUNY Pipeline Program provides educational and financial support to undergraduates from underrepresented groups, including African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic and Native American students, who are interested in careers in higher education. The program is intended for students who plan to pursue a doctorate in preparation for college-level teaching and advanced research in any field except law or medicine. Students apply as juniors and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a grade point average of 3.20 or higher. The program offers stipends, summer research opportunities, and help in preparing applications to graduate school and tuition waivers for the first year of study in a CUNY Ph.D. program.

Leadership Alliance

Brooklyn College participates in the Leadership Alliance, a consortium of colleges and universities that seek to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in graduate programs oriented toward research careers in all fields other than business, law or medicine. The Leadership Alliance sponsors paid summer research fellowships through its Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), which places undergraduate students in major research universities for summer research experience. SR-EIP students also have the opportunity to participate in other activities that enhance their graduate school prospects. Application forms and further information may be obtained from the program coordinator, 4311 James Hall, 718.951.5610. Deadline for application is early February.

Center for Achievement in Science Education (CASE)

The Center for Achievement in Science Education is an organization that brings together a number of science, science research and science-related programs at Brooklyn College. The goal of CASE is to increase the number of underrepresented, economically disadvantaged and first generation students who seek advanced degrees in science toward careers in business, computer studies, industry, law, medicine, scientific research and teaching.

CASE programs offer financial support, peer-assisted academic assistance, faculty mentoring, academic counseling, research opportunities and internships. Some CASE programs include a summer session in addition to academic year activities. CASE has multiple entry points for incoming first-year, continuing, transfer and graduate students interested in science at Brooklyn College, as described below.

CASE programs for entering first-year students

All programs listed below require that applicants be high school seniors who have been admitted to Brooklyn College for the fall term. Some programs require a summer session in preparation for the fall. For additional information about program requirements and benefits or to apply, contact the program director or coordinator.

New York City Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (NYC-LSAMP)

The NYC-LSAMP in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is an alliance of 16 CUNY colleges and the CUNY Graduate Center. The goal of the program is to ensure a long-term capacity to produce significantly greater numbers of individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM careers through lasting changes achieved at participating institutions. The program offers financial support for undergraduate and graduate education and opportunities to be part of faculty-supervised research teams at Brooklyn College.

To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident admitted to full-time study at Brooklyn College; be a member of a group underrepresented in science research, including, but not limited to, African-Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics; be majoring in a STEM discipline; and have a GPA of 3.00 or higher.

For further information, visit the NYC-LSAMP website or contact the program activity coordinator via e-mail or telephone at 718.951.4346, or visit the office in 141 Ingersoll Hall Extension. Deadline for summer and fall applications is April 30; deadline for spring applications is November 30.

CASE programs for transfer and continuing students

Students in good academic standing who are currently enrolled at Brooklyn College may apply to the programs listed below. Please note the eligibility requirements for each program and contact the program director or coordinator for further information or to schedule an interview. Note that the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) also admits students at every level of study, including graduate students.

Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program aims to increase the number of historically underrepresented students who enroll in and complete undergraduate programs that lead to professional license in New York State. CSTEP provides academic and career-enriching experiences for students interested in law, medicine, nutrition and other fields, including careers in health, mathematics, science and technology.

To be eligible, a student must be a New York State resident, be a member of a minority group (African-American/black, Hispanic, Native American or Alaskan Native) or demonstrate economic disadvantage, have a minimum grade point average of 2.70, and be studying toward a profession that requires a New York State license.

For additional information, call the program coordinator, 718.951.5000 ext. 1712, or visit the CSTEP website. CSTEP accepts applications throughout the year.

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)

The goal of MARC is to increase the number of underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Maximizing Access to Research Careers is an honors program that offers faculty mentoring, research experience and an annual stipend of $10,000 to academically gifted undergraduate students who are interested in entering graduate programs leading to research careers in the biomedical sciences.

To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident admitted to full-time study at Brooklyn College; be a member of a group underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, including, but not limited to, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders; have completed 60 to 90 credits; and carry an overall GPA of 3.20 or higher.

For further information, contact the program coordinator, 4311 James Hall, 718.951.5171. Deadline for fall application is June 1.

Latin/Greek Institute

In the summer Latin/Greek Institute at the City University Graduate Center, Brooklyn College offers intensive, total immersion instruction in Latin and Greek. In the Basic Program, students cover four to six semesters’ worth of college-level material in 10½ weeks. No previous knowledge of Latin or Greek is required, and students earn 12 undergraduate credits. In the Upper Level programs, experienced readers earn eight undergraduate credits over seven weeks.

In the Basic Latin program, students spend the first five weeks working through the entire basic Latin textbook, while completing short readings, extensive drills and prose composition assignments. These readings quickly progress from textbook sentences to literary texts. In the second half of the course, students read longer texts (Vergil, Sallust, Cicero) in the morning and selections from major poets and prose authors in the afternoon.

In the Basic Greek program, students spend the first six weeks working through the entire basic Greek textbook. During this time, students master the forms and syntax of the language while reading relatively simple selections of unadapted prose and poetry. In the final four weeks of the course, students read longer texts in the morning (Plato, Euripides) and, in the afternoon, survey major authors and genres from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods.

The Upper Level program in Latin or Greek is for students who have completed the Basic Program in Latin or Greek or finished at least two years (four semesters) of college-level Latin or Greek. It allows them to read a substantial body of literature at a high level of grammatical precision. The programs last seven weeks: during the first week, students intensively review basic morphology and syntax and establish a common terminology; for the remaining six weeks, the major focus is on translating and analyzing a large body of material.

Information and application forms are available on the institute’s website. Further information may also be obtained in the Department of Classics, 2408 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5191, at the Latin/Greek Institute Office, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (telephone: 212.817.2081), or by e-mailing the Latin/Greek Institute.

International Education

Students at all academic levels study abroad in more than 50 countries and received academic credit toward their degree; fulfill major, minor, and elective credit requirements; and add global experience to their résumé The International Programs and Study Abroad Office provides supportive guidance and information on program options. Hundreds of study abroad opportunities are available through Brooklyn College, CUNY, SUNY, and other programs. The office also advances international education at Brooklyn College through the development and administration of student exchanges and faculty-led programs, international agreements with foreign partner institutions, campus-based international programs, and support for the international interests of faculty. The office administers the Furman Fellows Scholarship, the Karen L. Gould Scholarship for Study Abroad, and other scholarships, and organizes Passport Day twice a year. Students interested in study abroad should attend the Study Abroad 1.0 information session at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. A study abroad adviser is available to meet with students and assist in locating appropriate programs. The office collaborates with the Magner Career Center, SEEK, the Office of International Students and Scholar Services, and academic departments to promote international engagement.

For further information, visit the International Education website, come in person to the office (1212 Boylan Hall), or contact the office via telephone (718.951.5189) or e-mail.

Certificate Programs

Credit-bearing certificate programs are offered by several departments. Credits earned in these programs are also applicable toward the baccalaureate degree. For more information on available certificate programs, visit the Undergraduate Programs and Advisers website.

Adult and Returning Students

A student who wants a second chance to get a college education or a first chance later in life will have that opportunity at Brooklyn College. Convenient scheduling and academic advisement are important features of the services the college provides to adult and returning students. The Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success provides an adviser dedicated to adult and returning students. The Magner Career Center offers workshops designed especially for adult students.

The Women’s Center runs the Academic Intervention and Mentoring (AIM) High program, which provides mentoring and academic support for adult women students. The Enrollment Services Center posts evening and weekend hours for the convenience of adult and returning students. Adult students who take classes during the day may select any major offered by Brooklyn College. If they are able to attend classes only on evenings and weekends, they have a choice of 11 majors: accounting, business management, computer and information science, education, English, finance, mathematics, philosophy (options I–IV), political science, psychology and sociology. Adult students at Brooklyn College may elect to participate in the CUNY Baccalaureate Program in which they design their own program of study and designate Brooklyn College as their home campus. (See the “CUNY Baccalaureate Program” section of this chapter.)

Adult Literacy

Through funding from New York City and New York State, the Adult Literacy Program offers non–fee-based programs in adult basic education, English as a Second Language and GED preparation. Counselors assist students who successfully complete their respective training programs with job placement. For information, contact the Adult Literacy Program, 718.951.4117.

High School Partnerships and Collaborations

College Now

Housed within the Brooklyn College School of Education, the College Now program supports extensive collaborative partnerships between the college, the City University of New York and the New York City Department of Education. The goal of these partnerships is to encourage college-bound awareness and acquisition of essential skills among high school students. The program provides services to ninth through 12th graders in many Brooklyn public high schools.

College Now offers a range of programming centered around a core sequence of precollege and college courses with a strong focus on academic, social and practical college preparedness. Entry points into the program include precollege arts, urban ecology, social science, computer science, service learning and college preparatory classes. College credit courses are open to qualified 11th and 12th graders. Talented CUNY undergraduate and graduate students provide mentoring in each program component, fostering a supportive learning community. Professional and curriculum development opportunities are made available to tutors and teachers. Open houses for students, school-based professionals and families provide access to information on opportunities within College Now and throughout CUNY. For further information, contact the College Now program, 2210 James Hall, 718.951.5209.

Brooklyn College Academy

Brooklyn College Academy is the CUNY-affiliated Early College High School at Brooklyn College. There are approximately 650 students across two school sites. Our main site, at 350 Coney Island Avenue, houses the ninth and 10th grades. The 11th and 12th grades attend high school and college classes on the Brooklyn College campus at James Hall. Established in 1986 by the New York City Board of Education in collaboration with the City University of New York, Brooklyn College Academy was created for students who can benefit from more individualized attention and a nurturing environment. It was named one of the top performing schools by the Chancellor’s Office in June 2003. The school was named as one of the New York Post’s Top 50 High Schools in New York City in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and earned Bronze status in U.S. News & World Report’s Top High Schools edition in 2011, 2017, and 2018. There is a rich spirit of collaboration at Brooklyn College Academy. The school is a member of the Middle College National Consortium and the National Network for Educational Renewal. The close collaboration between Brooklyn College Academy and the Brooklyn College School of Education has afforded the school the opportunity to present its work nationwide.

The mission of Brooklyn College Academy as an Early College High School is to strengthen student performance and to expand students’ horizons to include postsecondary educational opportunities where students can earn up to 30 college credits through the collaboration with Brooklyn College. The school consistently fulfills this mission and students are considered college ready with the ability to make a smooth transition to the college of their choice.

Admission to the academy is open to Brooklyn residents, who may apply through the New York City Department of Education’s High School Application Process.

Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Early College High School

The Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Early College School, a collaboration between Brooklyn College and the New York City Department of Education, offers a rigorously challenging, college-enriched curriculum with a science, technology and research theme designed to equip students to transition from high school to college.

The early college experience is a comprehensive partnership between STAR teachers and administrators and Brooklyn College faculty and staff. The partners have developed a professional structure that both connects and supports the efforts of high school and college faculty. The partners’ work is dynamic, continually responding to outcome data and the diverse needs of students and staff. Their focus is unchanging: to prepare traditionally underserved youth to enter and succeed in college.

STAR enrolls approximately 600 students in grades six through 12. The school is located on the Erasmus Campus at 911 Flatbush Avenue. Working closely with Brooklyn College, STAR has developed a careful sequence of higher educational experiences to ease the transition of students from high school to college. Students are introduced to the college campus as early as sixth grade. Beginning in ninth grade, students attend STEM seminars; 10th graders attend writing workshops and begin college classes offered on the high school campus; 11th and 12th graders participate in navigating admissions workshops designed to provide small group and individual advisement for the college process. Ultimately, juniors and seniors are offered a range of college classes on the Brooklyn College campus. STAR students earn an average of 30 college credits by graduation; 40 percent of students earn more than 40 credits, and some earn as many as 60 college credits. Nearly all STAR students attend college after graduation.

STAR is a screened school. Admission is offered through the application process for New York City Department of Education schools

Brooklyn Lifelong Learning

Brooklyn Lifelong Learning (BLL) is a program that fosters peer learning among retired and semi-retired adults through classes, seminars and cultural activities. It is designed and conducted by members and volunteers in an informal, noncompetitive and intellectually stimulating environment. For information, visit the Brooklyn Lifelong Learning website or contact the office, 3160 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5647.