Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Senior at Brooklyn School for Math and Research and Youth Leader from Make the Road New York Student Success Center at Bushwick Campus
6:04:57
·
131 sec
A high school senior and youth leader testifies about the importance of Student Success Centers in supporting students through the college application process and beyond. She urges the city council to ensure and expand funding for these centers, emphasizing their critical role in providing resources and guidance, especially for low-income and first-generation college applicants.
- She shares her personal experience as both a beneficiary and a youth leader at the Student Success Center.
- She highlights how the center provides essential services like college application guidance, internship placement, and mental health support.
- The testimony emphasizes the long-term impact of Student Success Centers on students' futures and community development.
High School Student
6:04:57
Good afternoon, everyone.
6:04:58
My name is Nawong.
6:05:00
I am a senior at Brooklyn School for Math and Research and a youth leader with Make the Road New York Student Success Center at Bushwick Campus.
6:05:09
And then I'll be attending NYU this fall.
6:05:11
I am here today because I would like to share my experience as a youth leader and the importance of investing in Student Success Center to ensure every student like me have the support to get to college.
6:05:23
As a student and a youth leader, I have personally experienced how the Student Success Center has changed life.
6:05:30
I have worked with my peers guiding them through the college application process, helping them land internship, gain access to financial aid, and showing what it means to be in the community with each other.
6:05:41
Our SSE services are godsend, especially for low income students like myself who cannot access these sources at home.
6:05:50
The Student Success Center has been lifeline for academics and students struggling with mental health, family challenges, and overwhelming college application process.
6:05:59
Many students at my school are first generation to first generation college applicants.
6:06:05
I know how intimidating that journey can be because I have been in their shoes, unsure where to start.
6:06:11
Through SSE, I have received the guidance I needed, help choosing colleges, writing applications, securing financial aid, and preparing for interviews.
6:06:20
More than that, I gained leadership, communication, time management, and teamwork skills that will serve me beyond high school.
6:06:29
The impact of student success center cannot be overstated.
6:06:32
Without it, student would lose critical resources and personalized support that traditional guidance counselor often overwhelmed with high case load cannot provide.
6:06:42
If Student Success Center disappears, many student will fall through the cracks without the tools or guidance to navigate their future.
6:06:50
That is why I urge city council to ensure and expand funding for Student Success Center.
6:06:56
This is not just about today, it about the future of our community.
6:06:59
Investing in Student Success Center means investing in students' equity and the system that ensures every student have a fair chance to succeed.
6:07:07
Thank you.