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Hostos Community College (Bronx)

LaGuardia Community College (Queens)

 Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn)

The CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA) is a free program designed to promote being a great dad and provides support to unemployed and underemployed dads with their educational goals, and getting new and better jobs. The program serves dads ages 18-30, through education, employment, and personal development. CFA provides a variety of academic and personal supports including GED preparation classes, tutoring, individualized counseling, parenting seminars, financial incentives, and job preparation.

CFA offers two program tracks: HSE Prep and College Prep. Additionally, college and career readiness workshops are offered to prepare dads for college enrollment and identify a career path. Attaining a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, enrolling into college, increased family time, and getting a new or better job are all essential goals for the dads enrolled in the CFA.

High School Equivalency Prep

High School Equivalency Prep

  • Academic preparation and support for the GED exam
  • 16 weeks of online/virtual academic classes, workshops, and activities
  • Classes meet three days a week

Weekly Parenting Seminars and Workshops

  • Workshops on important parenthood topics including family bonding, health, and financial literacy.
  • A weekly peer support group with a goal of engaging in peer learning opportunities and developing a “brotherhood” dynamic.

Job Preparation

  • Including resume writing, interview prep, career exploration, and job placement assistance.

Counseling

  • One-on-one counseling is also offered to support participants and address any potential obstacles to program and academic success.

Tutoring

  • Tutoring services to help prepare dads for the GED exam.

Financial Incentives

  • Earn while you learn! Receive stipends (financial support), gift cards, MetroCards, and other supports during the Academy.

Eligibility

  • NYC Resident
  • 18-30 years old
  • Father or expectant father
  • Committed to participating and completing the program.

College Prep

College Prep

  • College and career readiness preparation and support
  • Assistance with college enrollment and training opportunities
  • Ten weeks of online/virtual college prep seminars and specialized workshops
  • Classes meet two days a week

Weekly Parenting Seminars and Workshops

  • Workshops on important parenthood topics including family bonding, health, and financial literacy.
  • A weekly peer support group with a goal of engaging in peer learning opportunities and developing a “brotherhood” dynamic.

Job Preparation

  • Including resume writing, interview prep, career exploration, and job placement assistance.

Counseling

  • One-on-one counseling is also offered to support participants and address any potential obstacles to program and academic success.

Financial Incentives

  • Earn while you learn! Receive stipends (financial supports), gift cards, MetroCards, and other supports during  the Academy.

Eligibility

  • NYC Resident
  • 18-30 years old
  • Father or expectant father
  • Cannot currently be enrolled in college
  • Limited to having a maximum of 12 college credits
  • HS diploma, HSE diploma, or GED
  • Committed to participating and completing the program.

About

History

Launched in 2012 at LaGuardia Community College, CFA is now also offered at Hostos Community College and Kingsborough Community College. CFA is funded by New York City’s Young Men’s Initiative, with oversight from the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC-Opportunity).

CFA’s central focus is to help young dads prepare for and enroll into college with the understanding that earning a college degree is the most effective path toward providing long-term economic sustainability for themselves and their families. The program is targeted to serve fathers, 18–30 years old, from throughout New York City. Increasing familial engagement, attaining a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and acquiring gainful employment are all essential goals for the participants enrolled in the CFA.

Participants seek to improve their employment and educational prospects, become better and more engaged parents, and provide increased emotional and financial support to their families. Those without a high school degree pursue a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma in the program, while those with a degree prepare to enter college. All participants gain work experience through part-time employment, and learn about effective parenting, financial literacy, and how to cultivate healthy relationships.

Contact

Kingsborough Community College
Program Director
Kymel Yard
718-368-4916
Kymel.Yard@kbcc.cuny.edu

For more information and to apply click here

Hostos Community College
Program Director
Danielle Allen
347-871-3744
dallen@hostos.cuny.edu

For more information and to apply click here

LaGuardia Community College
Program Manager
Raheem Brooks
718-730-7337
rbrooks@lagcc.cuny.edu

For more information and to apply click here

CUNY Fatherhood Academy
University Coordinator
Cloe Andrade
clorinda.andrade@cuny.edu