As part of its ongoing commitment to provide innovative, career-relevant education tailored to the evolving workforce needs of the New York metro region, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) invited local business leaders to an interactive Industry and Community Partnership Breakfast Forum on May 7.
The forum brought together leaders from diverse industries, ranging from finance, travel, healthcare, non-profit, and government sectors to facilitate a comprehensive exchange of ideas. JetBlue, Deutsche Bank, Merck, and the New York Chamber of Commerce were among the many influential companies represented.
After opening remarks by CUNY SPS Dean Lisa R. Braverman, participants engaged in facilitated discussions around key challenges and opportunities facing their industries. With an eye on the future, the attendees reviewed economic, social, and infrastructural trends within their respective sectors to offer suggestions for the School’s strategic future academic programming.
Dean Braverman was pleased with the forum’s success. “I am thrilled to support the work of our School in spearheading deeper involvement with business and industry and with our NYC community in service to the local labor market and the career goals of our nearly 5000 undergraduate and graduate students,” she said. “The event hosted a rich conversational exchange during which many important and valuable ideas were shared. I thank the steering committee and attendees for their participation and presence.”
The forum served as a vital step in reinforcing the School’s role as a connector between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for today’s competitive job market. The initiative also bolsters CUNY SPS’s position as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation across the region.
Manager of Career Services, Shannon Gallo, who served on the event’s planning committee, was enthusiastic about how CUNY SPS students and alumni could benefit from these strategic alliances. “The possibilities the School’s direct relationship with local businesses presents are very exciting,” said Gallo. “Not only will students and alumni gain access to a more direct employment pipeline post-graduation, they will also be well-informed on the most in-demand and sought-after competencies in the workforce based on this valuable industry feedback."
Following the event, the feedback was gathered and prepared into a comprehensive report, which is available to read here.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.Dar@cuny.edu