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New York City Council
Committee on Higher Education
Apr 29, 2025
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 54 min
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Summary
A hearing on removing small financial barriers for CUNY students, focusing on three main issues: application fees, unpaid balances preventing re-enrollment, and transportation costs.
Discussions included:
- The success of the CUNY Reconnect program for adult learners
- The impact of unpaid balances on student enrollment
- Proposals for free MetroCards/OmniCards for all CUNY students
The hearing emphasized the potential economic benefits of investing in these initiatives to improve student access and success.
Features testimony from CUNY officials, the Center for an Urban Future, student representatives, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens hearing on removing small financial barriers for CUNY students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the committee on higher education, opens the oversight hearing on removing small financial barriers for CUNY students. He introduces the main topics to be …
0:00:24
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4 min
Introduction and overview of CUNY's potential impact on New York City
Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento introduces herself and provides an overview of how removing small barriers for CUNY students can transform outcomes and strengthen New York City's socioeconomic vitality. She highlights …
0:07:53
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75 sec
Success of the CUNY Reconnect program for adult learners
Sarmiento presents the success of the CUNY Reconnect program, launched in 2022, which helps adult learners return to complete their degrees by removing small financial hurdles and offering personalized support. …
0:09:09
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89 sec
Impact of unpaid balances on student registration at CUNY
Sarmiento details the significant issue of unpaid balances preventing CUNY students from registering for classes, highlighting the scale and demographics of affected students. - Over 15,000 CUNY students have unpaid …
0:10:39
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63 sec
CUNY's historical role in promoting social mobility
Sarmiento highlights CUNY's long-standing role as an engine of upward mobility for New Yorkers, especially for underserved communities. - CUNY has been promoting social mobility for over 175 years - …
0:11:42
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28 sec
Request for continued partnership and baseline funding for CUNY Reconnect
Sarmiento concludes by requesting continued partnership and baseline funding for CUNY Reconnect to ensure its continued success and impact. - Emphasizes CUNY's infrastructure, experience, and commitment to scale programs - …
0:12:11
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54 sec
Introduction of next speaker to discuss MetroCard relief and fee waivers
Sarmiento concludes her testimony by introducing the next speaker, Zelika Daniel, who will provide additional information on CUNY's initiatives. - Introduces Zelika Daniel, university director for strategic operations - Daniel …
0:13:05
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18 sec
Dzelika Daniel introduces herself and her role at CUNY
Dzelika Daniel, the University Director for Strategy and Operations at CUNY Reconnect, introduces herself to the NYC Council Committee on Higher Education. - Addresses Chair Denowitz and committee members - …
0:13:29
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13 sec
Introduction to CUNY Reconnect and its significant impact
Dzelika Daniel presents the successful implementation of CUNY Reconnect, highlighting its significant impact on adult learners in New York City. - Over 47,500 adult learners re-engaged through the program - …
0:13:42
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30 sec
Application fees as a barrier to college enrollment
Dzelika Daniel highlights application fees as a significant initial hurdle for potential college students. - CUNY undergraduate first-year application fee is $65 - Transfer application fee is $70 - Graduate …
0:14:12
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25 sec
Importance of application fee waivers in New York City
Dzelika Daniel explains why application fee waivers are particularly crucial in New York City, given the city's unique educational funding situation and student demographics. - NYC receives less federal education …
0:14:38
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84 sec
Benefits of an educated workforce for New York City
Dzelika Daniel outlines the advantages of having a well-educated workforce in New York City. - An educated workforce brings innovation and economic growth - Higher productivity and better problem-solving capabilities …
0:16:03
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20 sec
Transportation costs as a hidden barrier for CUNY students
Dzelika Daniel highlights the significant impact of transportation costs on CUNY students' ability to attend and persist in college. - Annual cost of a 7-day weekly OmniFare card is $1,768 …
0:16:23
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50 sec
CUNY's commitment to eliminating barriers for students
Dzelika Daniel emphasizes CUNY's dedication to understanding and addressing the persistent barriers faced by students. - Recognition of the diverse responsibilities and challenges students face - Emphasis on the human …
0:17:15
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47 sec
Recommendations for removing small financial barriers for CUNY students
Dzelika Daniel presents two key recommendations to address financial barriers for CUNY students: - Expand application fee waivers for low-income New York City residents - Provide transportation assistance to ensure …
0:18:02
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26 sec
Conclusion and introduction of student testimonial
Dzelika Daniel concludes her testimony with inspiring remarks about the impact of supporting CUNY students and introduces the next speaker. - Emphasizes how CUNY graduates transform lives and strengthen New …
0:18:29
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17 sec
Introduction of CUNY Reconnect student Jacqueline George
Jacqueline Higginson George introduces herself as a proud student at Baruch College, emphasizing her journey as an adult learner supported by the CUNY Reconnect Initiative. - Jacqueline addresses the Higher …
0:18:53
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14 sec
Jacqueline's successful career in the airline industry
Jacqueline describes her established career in the airline industry, highlighting her progression to a leadership role. - She worked for years in the airline industry - Jacqueline reached the position …
0:19:07
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31 sec
Unexpected job loss and realization of degree requirement
Jacqueline faces unexpected unemployment due to company restructuring and discovers the importance of a college degree in securing comparable leadership roles. - Her company underwent restructuring in 2022, leaving her …
0:19:38
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16 sec
Decision to return to school and discovery of CUNY Reconnect
Jacqueline makes the pivotal decision to return to school full-time while job searching, finding hope and support through the CUNY Reconnect initiative. - She decides to pursue higher education while …
0:19:54
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77 sec
Impact of CUNY Reconnect grant on Jacqueline's education
Jacqueline details how the CUNY Reconnect grant provided crucial financial support, allowing her to continue her studies despite personal challenges. - The grant covered outstanding tuition that threatened to derail …
0:21:12
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60 sec
Challenges and benefits of returning to school as an adult learner
Jacqueline describes the rewards and ongoing challenges of returning to school as an adult learner, emphasizing the importance of CUNY Reconnect's support. - Returning to school has reignited her intellectual …
0:22:12
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83 sec
Plea for expanded CUNY Reconnect funding and support
Jacqueline urges the committee to consider expanding the reach and funding of the CUNY Reconnect initiative to benefit more adult learners. - She emphasizes the significant need and potential within …
0:23:36
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33 sec
CUNY Reconnect: Supporting Returning Students' Academic and Financial Needs
Peter Dachille Jr., an Academic Advisor at Baruch College, provides testimony on the impact of the CUNY Reconnect program in supporting students who return to complete their degrees. He highlights …
0:24:15
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3 min
Council Member Dinowitz introduces the hearing on CUNY student financial barriers
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens the hearing by acknowledging previous testimonies and expressing admiration for a CUNY Reconnect student's achievements. He sets the context for the discussion, emphasizing the agreed-upon …
0:28:16
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61 sec
Discussion on current CUNY student debt amounts and data requests
Council Member Dinowitz engages in a detailed discussion with CUNY officials about student debt amounts, focusing on current students with debts of $2,000 or less. He requests specific data on …
0:29:19
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132 sec
Administrative feasibility of implementing student financial support initiatives
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the administrative challenges of implementing fee waivers, MetroCards, and unpaid balance clearance. CUNY officials explain that all three initiatives are administratively feasible, with existing mechanisms …
0:31:32
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150 sec
Implementation and impact of CUNY application fee waivers
The discussion focuses on the implementation and impact of CUNY application fee waivers. CUNY officials provide details on the current fee waiver program, its cost, and its effect on application …
0:34:04
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3 min
CUNY Reconnect program funding request
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's funding request for the CUNY Reconnect program. CUNY officials provide details on the requested baseline funding. - CUNY has requested $8.8 million to baseline …
0:37:25
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34 sec
Process for students and counselors to use CUNY application fee waivers
The discussion focuses on the process for students and high school counselors to use CUNY application fee waivers. CUNY officials explain the streamlined, automated system now in place. - Counselors …
0:38:02
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99 sec
Impact of unpaid balances on CUNY student enrollment
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the number of students unable to enroll due to unpaid balances. CUNY officials provide striking statistics and discuss the Fresh Start program's role in addressing …
0:39:43
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118 sec
Strategies to prevent CUNY student dropouts using predictive analytics
The discussion focuses on CUNY's strategies to prevent student dropouts, particularly through the use of predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. CUNY officials explain their approach to identifying at-risk students early. …
0:41:41
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87 sec
Council Member Brewer questions CUNY officials on Reconnect program and student debt
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the CUNY Reconnect program, focusing on how it addresses student debt and re-enrollment issues. CUNY officials explain the program's outreach efforts and impact …
0:43:08
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3 min
ASAP program's role in addressing unpaid balances for CUNY students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the ASAP program's effectiveness in addressing unpaid balances for CUNY students. Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento explains that ASAP covers gap funding, books, and provides …
0:46:27
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41 sec
Budget requests for expanding ASAP and implementing CUNY Flex
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's budget requests for expanding ASAP to all students and implementing CUNY Flex for part-time students. CUNY representatives provide limited information on the budget …
0:47:07
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61 sec
Cost estimation for providing MetroCards to all CUNY students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the cost of providing MetroCards or OmniCards to all CUNY students. Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento provides a quick calculation of the total cost. - …
0:48:10
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65 sec
Leveraging Fair Fares program for CUNY students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's efforts to leverage the Fair Fares program to provide low-cost MetroCards for students. The discussion focuses on how CUNY advisors, particularly in the …
0:49:15
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110 sec
CUNY EDGE program and support for students on public assistance
CUNY representatives explain the CUNY EDGE program, which supports students on public assistance, including help with accessing Fair Fares and other transportation assistance programs. - CUNY EDGE specifically supports students …
0:51:09
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33 sec
Prioritizing student groups for free MetroCards
Council Member Eric Dinowitz asks CUNY representatives about how they would prioritize student groups for free MetroCards if they couldn't provide them to all students. CUNY officials outline their potential …
0:51:44
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81 sec
Overview of CUNY programs supporting students with financial struggles
CUNY representatives provide an overview of various programs designed to support students facing financial challenges, including those on federal assistance or below the poverty level. - CUNY CARES program provides …
0:53:09
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88 sec
Flexible payment plans for students with unpaid balances
CUNY representatives explain the flexible payment plans available to students with unpaid balances, highlighting both the benefits and limitations of these plans. - Flexible payment plans are available to all …
0:54:38
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36 sec
Implementation strategies for fee waivers, transportation assistance, and Fresh Start program
CUNY representatives outline their strategies for implementing fee waivers, transportation assistance, and the Fresh Start program, highlighting the ease or challenges associated with each initiative. - Fee waivers are described …
0:55:15
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65 sec
Relationship between Fresh Start and CUNY Reconnect programs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about how potential Fresh Start funding would interact with the existing CUNY Reconnect program. CUNY representatives explain how the two programs would complement each other. …
0:56:20
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34 sec
Council Member Brewer questions CUNY officials on MetroCard program and childcare services
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with CUNY Reconnect's Dzelika Daniel, focusing on the details of the proposed MetroCard program for CUNY students and inquiring about …
0:56:54
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102 sec
Council member emphasizes potential of Fair Fares program for CUNY students
Council Member Eric Dinowitz emphasizes the potential of the Fair Fares program to benefit CUNY students who are not enrolled in specific support programs. He stresses the importance of providing …
0:58:37
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52 sec
Council member inquires about CUNY's data collection methods and Jeff Rhodes joins the conversation
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's methods for collecting data and feedback from students regarding their financial needs. The conversation is interrupted by the unexpected participation of Jeff Rodes, …
0:59:30
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73 sec
CUNY's efforts to leverage Fair Fares and unused MetroCards for students
Jeff Rhodes, a former CUNY adjunct faculty member, provides information about CUNY's efforts to leverage the Fair Fares program and unused MetroCards from the ASAP program to benefit more students. …
1:00:42
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115 sec
Proposal to train advisers for assisting with Fair Fares applications
Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Jeff Rhodes discuss the possibility of training advisers or other staff to help students apply for the Fair Fares program. They explore the challenges and …
1:02:37
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71 sec
CUNY's priorities and student advocacy for free MetroCards
Council Member Eric Dinowitz emphasizes the importance of addressing students' needs beyond academics, while Jeff Rhodes discusses student advocacy efforts for free MetroCards and CUNY's inclusion of transportation issues in …
1:03:48
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113 sec
CUNY's approach to student feedback and proposal for MetroCard assistance
Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento discusses CUNY's current methods for collecting student feedback and proposes incorporating MetroCard assistance into their existing programs. Council Member Eric Dinowitz emphasizes the importance of these …
1:05:41
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151 sec
Council Member Brewer comments on GED students' ability to use half-fare cards
Council Member Gale A. Brewer makes a brief remark about GED students receiving half-fare cards for transportation and compares their ability to use them with CUNY students. She suggests that …
1:08:12
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17 sec
Discussion on CUNY student experience surveys and data collection practices
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's student surveys, their frequency, and the types of data collected. CUNY officials explain that they conduct student experience surveys every two years using …
1:08:39
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139 sec
Council member emphasizes importance of student feedback and data collection
Council Member Eric Dinowitz stresses the critical importance of hearing directly from students to inform priorities and work. He acknowledges the efforts of the student senate while encouraging CUNY to …
1:11:02
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49 sec
Discussion on implementing proposed initiatives and CUNY's request for support
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about how the city council can help implement three proposed ideas. CUNY Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento responds by emphasizing the importance of funding and future …
1:11:51
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59 sec
Council member reflects on importance of funding successful CUNY programs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz expresses frustration at having to fight for funding for programs proven to work. He emphasizes the importance of investing in CUNY and looks forward to seeing …
1:12:51
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90 sec
Testimony by Eli Dvorkin, Editorial and Policy Director at Center for an Urban Future
Eli Dvorkin from the Center for an Urban Future testified about the importance of CUNY as an engine of economic mobility and the need for investments to help more New …
1:15:30
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153 sec
Council member praises Center for Urban Future's research
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens by praising the Center for Urban Future's research and encouraging people to visit their website. He highlights the organization's work on various topics including financial …
1:18:03
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44 sec
Discussion on unpaid student balances and potential relief programs
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the number of students with unpaid balances and the potential cost of relieving these debts. Eli Dvorkin from the Center for Urban Future responds to …
1:18:47
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110 sec
Questions about proposed MetroCard pilot program for CUNY students
Council Member Dinowitz asks Eli Dvorkin to elaborate on the proposed free MetroCard pilot program for CUNY students. Dvorkin explains the target audience and potential implementation of the program. - …
1:20:37
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102 sec
Inquiry about cost estimates for MetroCard program
Council Member Dinowitz asks Eli Dvorkin about cost calculations for the proposed MetroCard program for CUNY students. Dvorkin provides limited information on the potential costs. - Dvorkin doesn't have specific …
1:22:21
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30 sec
Discussion on CUNY Flex program for part-time students
Eli Dvorkin elaborates on the proposed CUNY Flex program, which aims to support part-time students who can't access existing full-time student support programs. Council Member Dinowitz acknowledges the importance of …
1:22:51
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139 sec
Council member concludes discussion and thanks witness
Council Member Eric Dinowitz concludes the discussion by acknowledging the importance of supporting part-time students and thanking Eli Dvorkin for his testimony and the work of the Center for Urban …
1:25:10
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114 sec
Testimony by Heather James, Legislative Representative of Professional Staff Congress, CUNY on Financial Barriers for CUNY Students
Heather James, representing the PSC CUNY faculty staff union, testified about the financial barriers CUNY students face, particularly focusing on transportation costs and unpaid balances preventing re-enrollment. She emphasized the …
1:27:04
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136 sec
Council Member Dinowitz provides hearing instructions and reminders
Council Member Eric Dinowitz reminds attendees of the formal nature of the government proceeding and outlines the rules for maintaining decorum during the hearing. He provides instructions for members of …
1:29:19
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62 sec
Testimony by Daniel Reden, Chairperson of University Student Senate, CUNY
Daniel Reden, representing over 245,000 CUNY students, advocated for increased support for students facing financial challenges, particularly emphasizing the need for free public transportation. He highlighted the importance of local …
1:30:22
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136 sec
Testimony by Akkeem Polack, Vice Chair for Legislative Affairs of University Student Senate at CUNY
Akkeem Polack, representing the University Student Senate at CUNY, testified about the need for free MetroCards for all CUNY students and addressed other financial barriers to higher education. He emphasized …
1:32:42
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152 sec
Impact of unpaid balances on CUNY students' enrollment and academic progress
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with student representatives about the impact of unpaid balances on CUNY students. The discussion reveals that unpaid balances significantly affect students' …
1:35:16
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3 min
Recognition of student advocacy and commitment to addressing financial barriers
Council Member Eric Dinowitz acknowledges the importance of student advocacy in bringing attention to financial barriers, particularly the issue of free MetroCards. He emphasizes that the city council is listening …
1:38:48
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103 sec
Testimony by Sean Miller, Northeast Regional Director of Young Invincibles
Sean Miller, representing Young Invincibles, testified in support of programs addressing financial barriers for CUNY students, particularly emphasizing the need for expanded access to free MetroCards and Fair Fares programs. …
1:41:53
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131 sec
Testimony by Lisa Nishimura, Engagement Coordinator at Young Invincible
Lisa Nishimura, a CUNY alum and Engagement Coordinator at Young Invincible, testified about the financial barriers CUNY students face and the need for more accessible support programs. She shared personal …
1:44:08
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown on CUNY Student Financial Barriers
Sharon Brown testified about various financial barriers facing CUNY students and proposed several solutions to address these issues. She emphasized the need for free unlimited MetroCards, cell phone data, textbooks, …
1:47:32
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130 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson on Small Financial Barriers for CUNY Students
Christopher Leon Johnson passionately advocates for making CUNY education completely free for all students, not just those likely to vote for elected officials. He criticizes the current system and proposes …
1:50:29
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133 sec