Partnerships, Programs and the Pathway to College and Careers: SUNY Queens EOC

602 graduates of the SUNY-Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) getting ready to ‘walk this way’ (as RUN DMC would say) into careers as security guards, certified coders and billers, home health/ personal care aids, Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) workers or this way into their first college class that was music to my ears.

Perhaps it was because we’re in Queens but there was something about this year’s Class of 2024 and the 602 graduates of the SUNY-Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) getting ready to  ‘walk this way’ (as RUN DMC would say) into careers as security guards, certified coders and billers, home health/ personal care aids, Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) workers or this way into their first college class that was music to my ears.

And the success stories of participants are even more inviting. Khayriyyah H. Ali, executive director of SUNY-Queens EOC, talks about Luis Rosenthal, a single father of three children, ages 4, 10 and 15, who earned his High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma in December 2023 after participating in the 15-week GED Preparation program.  “While waiting to become a student in the Certified Professional Coder and Biller program in the Spring, he attended the center's Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking Lab where he earned Microsoft certifications in Word and Excel.

“Mr. Rosenthal will take the American Academy of Program Coders Certified Professional Coder exam this month to enter the healthcare industry as a medical coder. Recently sharing a picture of his wall of certificates that includes other academic recognitions from his graduation in June, he stated that he looks back on his academic year with immense pride and satisfaction with his accomplishments, grateful for the support provided by EOC faculty and staff,” said Director Ali.

The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY), the State’s premier public higher education institutions, have partnered to provide academic preparation and vocational training at no cost to eligible New York City residents through SUNY-EOC locations in the five boroughs. The Queens-EOC, which has been in existence since 1991, is administered by York College and serves individuals who desire to develop the requisite academic skills that will prepare them for college entry and high-demand careers. 

The HSE Basic Education and Preparation Program is a unique opportunity for students to earn their HSE diploma by providing academic and test preparation instruction in Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts.   The eight-week Queens EOC’s Pathway to College program helps students acclimate to college through various modules focused on improving basic skills, career exploration, participating in college tours, and completing college and financial aid applications. 

At the SUNY Queens Educational Opportunity Center, we don't just provide training programs, we provide comprehensive support to those seeking employment. Our programs, such as Security Guard training, Home Health/ Personal Care Aid, and Certified Professional Coder & Biller, are designed to meet the demands of the job market. We also offer additional training in Microsoft Office and English as a Second Language, ensuring our students have the skills they need to succeed in their academic or vocational pursuits.

As part of its program design, Queens EOC works collaboratively with a number of state, local, and community agencies to strengthen the linkages between education and career development, such as the NYS Department of Labor, NYC Department of Education and Human Resources Administration, and Community Board 12. This past year, in response to the growing need to support asylum seekers and newcomers to New York, the Queens EOC established its first Pre-Beginner English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. At last month’s commencement, NYS Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman announced $10,000 in funding for the entrepreneurship program.

It takes a village, and we, at York College, are proud to serve as the administrator for this village, Queens EOC. We're honored to be a part of this transformative journey, and we're proud of the accomplishments achieved this year.

ABOUT YORK COLLEGE

Founded in 1966, York College is a senior college in the City University of New York System (CUNY) located in Jamaica, Queens. The college is organized into three schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business & Information Systems, and the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs. Through those schools, York College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dr. Claudia Schrader is the interim president of York College. For information on Queens EOC visit https://www.queenseoc.net/about-us/