Columbia University School of General Studies (GS) recently announced a significant commitment of $30 million to enhance financial aid for students at Columbia GS, particularly those who transfer from community colleges like BMCC. This initiative highlights the importance of accessibility in higher education, especially for our students who demonstrate exceptional grit and determination.
I am particularly thrilled to announce the establishment of the BMCC – Columbia NYC Scholars program, a groundbreaking partnership that will pave the way for many of our highest-performing students to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at Columbia GS. This program will serve as an admission pipeline, ensuring that our BMCC students have a clear and supportive pathway to continue their academic journeys at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
Under this joint initiative, students in their second semester of their associate’s degree will have the opportunity to apply to Columbia GS. Upon admission, they will be recognized as dually enrolled students in both institutions during their dual enrollment year, focusing their studies at BMCC. After completing their associate’s degree, these students will seamlessly transition to Columbia GS in the subsequent fall semester to pursue their bachelor’s degree. This collaborative program will create pathways and foster a supportive community that empowers our students.
The structure of this program will allow students to complete their educational journey in a total of eight semesters—four at BMCC and four at Columbia GS. Even more promising is the assurance that tuition for their studies at Columbia GS will be covered by the endowment funded by Columbia. This means that the financial burden of pursuing a four-year degree will be significantly alleviated, enabling our students to focus on what truly matters: their education and future.
The support does not end there. Columbia GS has also recognized another critical need for students: housing. Over the next two years, plans are underway to establish a new residential living project designed specifically for Columbia GS students, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever Columbia-owned residence hall specifically for Columbia GS students. This initiative aims to raise an additional $20 million from alumni and donors, complementing the already significant investment by the University. Together, these efforts will create a holistic support system for our students, not only easing their financial burdens but also addressing their housing needs as they transition into this new chapter of their academic journeys.
This partnership embodies our shared belief in the power of education as a tool for social mobility and equity. It reinforces our commitment at BMCC to provide our students with the opportunities they deserve. We are excited about what the future holds for our students and look forward to seeing them flourish as they transition from BMCC to Columbia GS.
Read the Columbia School of General Studies article here.
For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Liesl Jones, Associate Provost
lijones@bmcc.cuny.edu
Carei Thomas, Director, Academic Advisement and Transfer Center
cthomas@bmcc.cuny.edu
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College