Welfare Rights Initiative

Just call her, Dr. Chireau Lewter-White. Congratulations to WRI's alumna on her amazing academic achievement. Access to education enables us all to reclaim agency and define our next steps, grounded in the pride and resilience of our shared communities.

Today, April 18th, 2026, Welfare Rights Initiative current students and alumni leaders are participating in Hunter College Alumni Weekend Tabling Expo. We are sincerely grateful for the unwavering support of Dr. Nancy Cantor, President of Hunter College.

Did you know that WRI student leaders led the successful passage of the only NYS legislative victories that currently enable students from welfare-eligible households to attend 2- and 4-year colleges in New York State?

Did you know that even with good first-step policies, WRI students must continuously advocate for proper and timely implementation practices?

Each day at Hunter College, WRI students exemplify the transformative power of access to education.

We believe that every student has inherent dignity and worth.

We believe that our shared values + shared visions = social change.

We believe that NYS must take bold steps to expand access to education by supporting current students and bringing more high schoolers into the post-secondary education pipeline.

We invite you to support our education access for all movement!

"Empower Students, End Barriers: Support the Welfare Rights Initiative. ​For 30 years, since 1995, Welfare Rights Initiative (WRI) has inspired, organized, and nurtured a student-led, grassroots movement dedicated to ensuring welfare-eligible and low-income students have every opportunity to pursue education as a pathway out of poverty."

Hunter College Giving Day 2026 Hunter Giving Day is April 29! Help bridge the future for students. Join me!