Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Shelley Mayer, and Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper Co-Sponsor College Fair with SUNY WEOC

Yonkers, NY - New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) joined Assemblymember Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers) and the Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper program to co-sponsor a college fair with the SUNY Westchester Educational Opportunity Center College (SUNY WEOC).

SUNY WEOC hosted the “College Connections Fair” at 26 South Broadway in Yonkers. High school students were bussed in from New Rochelle, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon to learn about college access, financing, and placement exams, and to meet with representatives from local public and private colleges to explore opportunities in higher education. Students were contacted at key locations, including high schools and churches.

SUNY WEOC presented the fair as part of a larger program, the “SUNY WEOC College Connections Initiative,” which aims to provide adult residents of Westchester County with information and guidance about collegiate opportunities in their communities. The program also helps participants secure financial aid and navigate the college application and enrollment process.

“As a former educator, I know that education is the great equalizer,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Every child deserves the chance to pursue higher education, and programs like the WEOC’s College Connections Initiative help students explore these opportunities and follow their dreams.”

"I am grateful for the work of the SUNY Westchester Educational Opportunity Center for organizing this college fair and helping high school students and adults returning to college from Yonkers and other areas explore opportunities in higher education," said Assemblymember Shelley Mayer. “It’s essential for students to know there are affordable, quality options and people available to help them navigate the process. I am glad to do my part in sponsoring and promoting this event.”

“WEOC is proud to collaborate to increase college access for our collective constituencies,” says Gina Gaines, Associate Dean and Director of WEOC. “Through our CCI, we introduce college opportunities as an option and a pathway to success.  It is all part of our mission to provide quality tuition-free academic and vocational training to low income New York State residents in a supportive environment to access career and higher education opportunities.”

“College and career-readiness have and continue to be priorities in our district.  Senator Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Mayer are champions for so many of our educational endeavors; their support is appreciated by our students and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada. “Events like the College Connections Fair elevate crucial community involvement in Yonkers MBK Milestone 4: Ensuring that all our young people complete post-secondary education or training.”