CE St. George Open House Draws Crowds

The College of Staten Island’s Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development Open House at the St. George Library last month welcomed more than 100 people during the course of the two hour event. All of Continuing Education’s programs were represented.

Attendees expressed the most interest healthcare sector workforce programs, a special technology sector workforce program which provides an A+ certification with full tuition funding by AT&T, the Adult Learning Center, and CUNY Start.  A number of attendees also asked about CSI’s matriculated programs.

The Continuing Education team transformed the St. George Library into a branded CSI reception space, greeted attendees on the street and at the front door, provided information at tables, and worked the crowd throughout the evening.   In addition to potential students, community partners came out to show their support including the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Youth Workforce Development Task Force, the New York City Housing Authority, and Workforce One.

“This event showcases our commitment to the residents and communities of the North Shore,” noted Chris Cruz-Cullari, executive director, added that the CSI CE program is committed to “building relationships with potential students and community partners, and contributing to the College’s return to the St. George community.”

Attendees were provided with a survey to help staff better understand how to serve the local community.  Questions were asked about program interest, how people travel on Staten Island, and a preferred location for classes.

For more information visit www.csi.cuny.edu/continue>

Course Highlights

Technology Training Scholarship: Students can apply for the AT&T Training Grant and attend class for free. CompTIA A+ certification is a valuable labor market credential for entry into the technology sector workforce, and the available full scholarship of $2,025 will help many New Yorkers transform their lives through technology-based workforce training. Successful students will receive a CUNY-endorsed certificate as well as an A+ certification. Recruitment efforts for the program will target individuals, ages 18to 31, who are high school graduates and those who have earned a high school equivalency credential.

Healthcare Workforce Certificate Programs: To serve the healthcare profession, the fastest-growing employment sector on Staten Island, representatives offer consultation on 14 healthcare training programs in high-demand fields. Program graduates ultimately obtain employment at Staten Island University Hospital, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other hospitals and agencies throughout New York City and the region. Classes are taught by instructors who are practitioners in the healthcare field and who provide students with the scholarly and hands-on training that will prepare them to be effective and sought after healthcare professionals.

CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP): CLIP is an option for ESL students who prefer a full-time immersion approach to their English language study that does not draw upon their financial aid allocation. CLIP is designed primarily for first-time college students with English-language needs who have not yet passed their ACT Reading and/or Writing Skills Tests. Students participate in a language-rich course of study where the most prominent voice in the classroom is that of the students. Upon completion of a maximum of one year of study in CLIP, students matriculate into the College and begin their college-level studies. Students are eligible to attend once they are accepted to CSI.