Borough of Manhattan Community College/CUNY

BMCC Conexiones students traveled to Washington, DC, on April 21 for the two-day HACU Capitol Forum organized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
While in DC, the students learned about the role Hispanic-Serving Institutions play in the educational landscape and the importance of federal investment to their success. On the second day of the event, students went to Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress to speak about the Conexiones program, funded by a $3 million Title V HSI grant, and make the case for increased federal support for HSIs.

Students met with Congressman Adriano Espaillat just off the floor of the Capitol as he took a break from voting duties, as well as staff members from the offices of New York State Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Daniel Goldman, who represents Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

“We were thrilled to once again be able to make this trip to DC and for our students to get a better understanding of the legislative process and how they can have a voice in that process,” said Doug Israel, BMCC Director of Government and Community Relations, who accompanied the students, along with Julio Vaca, advisor to the UMLA and Conexiones programs.


The City University of New York

On April 18, two BMCC students and one BMCC alum took part in the CUNY Model Senate program at the New York State Capitol, debating a bill on the floor of the Senate Chamber.

Experiences like this provide students with a firsthand look at the legislative process and civic engagement in action. BMCC Political Science faculty member Heather James was also in attendance.


The City University of New York
New York State Senate

The “Resilient by Design” Regional Leadership Summit hosted at Borough of Manhattan Community College brought together higher education leaders from CUNY, SUNY, and New Jersey to tackle the most pressing issues facing community colleges today.

Hosted by President Anthony E. Munroe and featuring a powerful keynote from guest of honor, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the day centered on actionable strategies for student success and workforce development.

From deep dives into immigration policy to aligning academic mandates with industry needs, the discussions underscored the collective power of regional partnership.

Tomorrow, we come together for the BMCC Foundation “Invest In A Future, Change A Life Gala” Scholarship Fundraising Gala.

Themed “Aspiration to Action,” the Gala which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the BMCC Gymnasium, Athletic Club, supports scholarships, and provides critical resources that help students stay on track and move toward their goals.

We will recognize this year’s honorees, Michael Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health, and Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty.

Join us and contribute to this impactful event.

Learn more: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/gala-2026/