Student Leadership Network

Last week was #AdminProfessionalsDay, and we’re excited to spotlight an important member of Student Leadership Network’s admin team! ✨ Meet Melissa D., IT Operations Manager at Student Leadership Network. As IT Operations Manager, Melissa ensures that Student Leadership Network’s technology infrastructure is always running smoothly. Her role involves managing platforms like Google Workspace, Salesforce, and JumpCloud, coordinating with vendors, overseeing cybersecurity and compliance, and supporting staff through onboarding, training, and tech transitions. On any given day, Melissa might be troubleshooting a platform issue, rolling out a new tool for staff, or setting up systems so that Student Leadership Network’s programs staff can focus on the students and alumni they serve without missing a beat. “Every student Student Leadership Network serves depends on systems that work reliably behind the scenes. When technology runs well, program staff can focus entirely on what matters - guiding young people toward college and opportunity. After 13+ years at Student Leadership Network, I've seen how much the right infrastructure can amplify our reach, and I take pride in being part of the foundation that makes it all possible.” -Melissa #StaffSpotlight #AdminProfessionals #ITProfessionals #IT #Technology #EquityinEducation #Nonprofit #StudentSuccess #CollegeBound #GirlsEducation #CollegeAccess

This #VolunteerAppreciationWeek, we're proud to spotlight Jordan Velazquez, a Community Resource Leader for Buffalo Public Schools. Jordan is a regular presence at South Park High School, a CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) partner school. 🎓 Working alongside Kayla Powell, Senior Manager of College Access Services at Student Leadership Network, Jordan is committed to the students and families he serves, and regularly attends financial aid events, FAFSA completion days, and more. "That opportunity to meet with parents when I volunteer with Student Leadership Network is the perfect way to break the ice and also connect them to the community resources that I manage. When I work with Kayla to help a family apply for financial aid or figure out what meal plan or dorm works for them, it’s very fulfilling to help that child prepare to enter the adult world." -Jordan Thank you, Jordan, for the lasting impact you make on our shared community! 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #NationalVolunteerWeek #BuffaloSchools #BuffaloNY #CollegeAccess #CollegeBound #HigherEd #VolunteerSpotlight #EquityinEducation #StudentSuccess

We’re endlessly grateful for our amazing volunteers - alumni, community members, corporate partners, and so much more - who dedicate their time and energy to help share their insights with our students and prepare them for their next chapter. Thank you, volunteers! Together, we’re creating a world where all students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve. Interested in becoming a volunteer yourself? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #VolunteerAppreciationWeek #NationalVolunteerWeek #VolunteerOpportunities #GivingBack #CorporatePartnership #CollegeAccess #CollegeBound #GirlsEducation #EquityinEducation #StudentSuccess

This #VolunteerAppreciationWeek, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible partner organizations that make our work possible. 🌟 We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners, local businesses, and fellow nonprofits who attended our volunteer events this year or opened their doors to our students! These partnerships expand students’ awareness of different #careerpathways, and connect them with meaningful mentorship & internship opportunities. A big thank you to: -Apollo Global Management, Inc. -Arts Ignite (formerly ASTEP) -Deutsche Bank -Citi -FourLeaf Federal Credit Union -KITH Kinnect  -The Legal Aid Society -NYU Langone Health -PepsiCo -RBC -Ridgewood Savings Bank Thank you for your commitment to our students! Together, we are opening doors and building brighter futures for the #nextgeneration. 💫 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #NationalVolunteerWeek #Volunteering #GivingBack #CorporatePartnership #CollegeAccess #CollegeBound #GirlsEducation #EquityinEducation #StudentSuccess

This #VolunteerAppreciationWeek, we're celebrating the incredible volunteers who contribute to our mission of #equityineducation. Meet volunteer Stacy Rankin of Say Yes Buffalo!🌟 Student Leadership Network’s capacity-building work in Buffalo, NY, has continued to grow throughout the past several years. Building strong #communitypartnerships in Buffalo has been an integral part of that growth. Through our partnership with Say Yes Buffalo, we’ve expanded Saturday and evening programming at Buffalo Public School System Community Schools, bringing #postsecondary planning support directly to students & families. Stacy has been a huge part of that effort - from providing assistance at “Shut-In” day events where students receive hands-on assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications, to her consistent presence and commitment to students, Stacy is helping us better serve students and families in Buffalo! "Applying to college, essays, financial aid, and scholarship applications can be overwhelming, but when you see it click for students that college can be obtainable and affordable, it makes it all worthwhile." -Stacy Thank you, Stacy! Celebrate our amazing volunteers like Stacy: https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #NationalVolunteerWeek #BuffaloSchools #CollegeBound #CollegeAccess #HigherEd #StudentSuccess

Meet Marquise Menifield - an entrepreneur and graduate of Mercy University. He is also a proud alum of Bronx Envision Academy, a CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) partner school! Recently, Marquise returned to Bronx Envision Academy to volunteer at their Career Day event; he had the opportunity to share his experiences with students and offer them valuable advice on #networking. "My advice to students is to expand your circle and talk to more people. Build real relationships. As you get older and start applying for jobs, connections are arguably more important than certifications." -Marquise Additionally, Marquise also had the chance to reconnect with his former Director of College Counseling (DCC), Gina Jones - a full circle moment. We are endlessly grateful for alumni volunteers like Marquise, who return to support the #nextgeneration of leadership. Want to give back like Marquise? Learn more about our volunteers and how you can get involved: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #NationalVolunteerWeek #Volunteering #CollegeBound #CollegeAccess #Mentorship #GivingBack #CommunityImpact #EquityinEducation

Happy #NationalVolunteerWeek! 🌟 This week, we're proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers who pour their time and wisdom into empowering the #next generation. Meet Diamond Franklin, MBA - an Equity Research Analyst at Grandfield & Dodd, LLC, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology and an MBA from CUNY Baruch College Zicklin School of Business. Additionally, Diamond is also a proud alumna of The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Queens! This year, Diamond returned to give back as an alumni panelist at our Future Success Symposium, an annual event equipping graduating high school and college students with the tools they need to thrive in higher education and beyond. As a panelist, Diamond shared advice on navigating job-search anxiety and approaching the process strategically. “Helping students realize that no matter the path we take, each experience is uniquely our own. At the same time, recognizing the shared moments along the way reminds us that we are never navigating it alone. I’m constantly inspired by the next generation’s drive to push beyond what came before them.” -Diamond We are endlessly grateful for alumni volunteers like Diamond! 👉 Learn more about our amazing volunteers and explore opportunities to get involved: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eGsWghMd #NationalVolunteerWeek #StudentLeadershipNetwork #VolunteerAppreciation #NextGeneration #GivingBack #StudentSuccess #EquityinEducation

Last month, we hosted our annual Collaborative College Fair at Lehman College! Nearly 1,350 CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) high school juniors from schools across New York City came together to speak to representatives from over 60 colleges, universities, and other #postsecondary programs. Additionally, they had the opportunity to tour the Lehaman College campus. A huge thank you to Lehman College for providing the space to make this event possible! #Collegefairs like this allow our students to have 1:1 conversations with college admissions representatives from a variety of public and private colleges and universities, as well as other postsecondary programs. Students get their questions answered about academics, campus life, financial aid, and so much more. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our amazing team: -Jatae Daly, Director of CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) -Our Associate Directors of (CBI) - Alex Hitch, Angelique Figueroa, Joseph Rosales, and Benjamin Ramos -Our Directors of College Counseling (DCCs)  -Pamela Jones, Nicole Meyer, and Gabrielle Lloyd Oliver from our College Persistence team  -Ingrid Selman, Kristen Gordon, and Cathlean Wheeler from our Girls’+ Education team  -Melissa D., IT Operations Manager -Jheramis A. H. Collado, CPACC, Director of Marketing and Communications -And a special shoutout to DCCs Ciara Diaz, Angela M. Ellis, Neonne Ameer, & Rebecca P. for their additional support! Events like this ensure that our students have the support and resources they need to succeed on their #JourneytoCollege! 🎓 #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeBound #CollegeAccess #EquityinEducation #CollegeApplications #HigherEd #PostsecondaryPathways #StudentSuccess

Attending a college fair can be a game-changer, especially if you come prepared! 🎓 At Student Leadership Network, we know that having students attend #collegefairs is a critical part of the #journeytocollege. Our Directors of College Counseling (DCCs) host individual school fairs and borough-wide events, giving our students the chance to connect directly with admissions representatives and explore academic programs, financial aid opportunities, campus life, and so much more. To make the most of your next college fair, keep these tips in mind:  ✅ Research and prepare a list of booths to visit ahead of time  ✅ Bring a bag for brochures and giveaways  ✅ Come ready with thoughtful questions  ✅ Fill out inquiry cards  ✅ Take time afterward to reflect and process what you learned Want more tips on navigating college fairs? Check out our blog: https://lnkd.in/eahbQavw #CollegeBound #CollegeAccess #CollegeReady #HigherEducation #CollegeCounseling #EquityinEducation #CollegeAdmissions

At Student Leadership Network, we understand that hands-on, project-based learning is a powerful way to ensure that students are prepared for higher education and beyond. At The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Astoria, students have had the unique opportunity to participate in project-based learning through the Progressive Redesign Opportunity Schools for Excellence (PROSE) program. PROSE is a DOE-UFT program that was established in 2014 to help schools experiment and innovate. The project-based learning that happens through the PROSE program takes place in the form of “intensives” - deep, project-based learning experiences that are designed to mirror real-world work. Some of the unique topics TYWLS students are exploring include creating robots, designing makeup artifacts to explore cultural identities, storyboarding motion-stop films - just to name a few! The intensives emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, planning, and much more, ensuring that students are equipped with the tools and confidence to succeed once they graduate! Learn more about it on the United Federation Of Teachers website: https://lnkd.in/emjgD9VU #STEMEducation #ProjectBasedLearning #GirlsEducation #EquityinEducation #CollegeAccess #StudentSuccess