$1 Million Will Support CUNY Beyond, University’s New College to Career Program

$170,000 for Campus Food Pantries, Bringing to More Than $2 Million the Foundation’s Support for Food Access Since 2020

The City University of New York today announced that it was awarded more than $1 million from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation this fall to advance key initiatives that support students’ success in the classroom and careers. These include efforts to ensure access to healthy food and support for the University’s newly announced CUNY Beyond, an ambitious five-year initiative to integrate career preparation across the University. 

“Now more than ever, we are grateful for partners such as the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, whose continued investment strengthens CUNY’s ability to meet students’ needs both in and out of the classroom,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Together, we are working to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.” 

“We know that CUNY students can achieve extraordinary success when they have the right supports,” said Cass Conrad, executive director of the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation. “We’re pleased to work with CUNY to address food insecurity and strengthen the college-to-career pathway – helping thousands of New Yorkers realize their potential and build more secure futures.”   

Combating Food Insecurity

The Petrie Foundation has been a longtime supporter of initiatives that support CUNY students and promote their success in college. The foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million to CUNY food relief efforts over the past five years. Amid increased demand this fall, the philanthropic partner awarded $170,000 to food pantries on seven campuses. 

CUNY operates more than 20 campus food pantries that are open to all students and employees, regardless of their campus affiliation, income level or eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A 2022 survey by the University found that 40% of CUNY students — an estimated 110,000 individuals — reported having “low” or “very low” food security.  

Between January and October, CUNY recorded more than 156,000 visits to food pantries. Demand at campus pantries surged in recent weeks due to the federal government shutdown, which temporarily halted SNAP benefits. In response to these disruptions, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez this month authorized the release of an additional $140,000 in funding to support campus food pantries, which continue to provide needed support. 

Career Ambitions

In addition to food insecurity, the Petrie Foundation’s investment provides significant support for CUNY Beyond, the University’s comprehensive career readiness initiative, launched this year. The Foundation awarded a three-year grant of $1 million to support the program. Beyond is expected to serve 180,000 students per year by 2030, providing integrated academic and career advising and courses aligned with industry needs to give students the skills they need to succeed in an evolving workforce. In addition, paid, work-based learning will be integrated into degree programs – ensuring that students have early-career work experience needed to receive a job offer at graduation. 

Support for Other Services

Additional grants will also support a range of initiatives, including student emergency grants and the expansion of college readiness programs like CREAR Futuros, a mentorship program that targets Latino students, and student success programs like CUNY EDGE, which serves recipients of public benefits. The funding will also go toward partnerships with Genesys Works and Reel Works, which help students land paid internships and put them on the path toward meaningful employment.  

Colleges receiving funding during this grant cycle include Baruch College, the CUNY Graduate Center, CUNY SPS, Guttman Community College, Hunter College, John Jay College, Lehman College and Queensborough Community College.   

The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking foundation that began active operation in 1998. The Foundation aims to increase economic opportunity by strengthening college and career pathways for low-income New Yorkers. Its goal is to ensure that all New Yorkers have the resources and opportunities needed to reach their goals in school, work, and life. To learn more about the Petrie Foundation, visit https://www.petrie.org. 

– Story courtesy of CUNY Communications