Student Services /

CUNY EDGE

CUNY EDGE (Educate, Develop, Graduate, Empower) provides students with a range of services, benefits and supports so that they succeed in college and in their careers.

cuny edge students
get an edge on your education with CUNY EDGE

About CUNY EDGE

CUNY EDGE is a partnership between the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and CUNY.

Matriculated CUNY undergraduate students who receive cash assistance from HRA are eligible to participate in CUNY EDGE.

Vision

CUNY EDGE envisions a world in which all people have access to the educational opportunities and support they need to realize academic success, a sustainable career, and a brighter future.

Mission

CUNY EDGE’s mission is to help CUNY students who are receiving public assistance achieve academic excellence, graduate on time, and find employment.

Our Services

We provide structured, effective programming to help students complete their degree in the following categories.

Academic Advisement
Professional Advisement
Personal Advisement
  • We encourage consistent enrollment in courses each semester and enrollment in intersession classes, as needed.
  • Fostering a culture of academic excellence is a priority for us.
  • Assistance is provided for course selection, academic standing, progress, transfer, and related questions.
  • We link students to work opportunities during their academic years and offer career development support for post-graduation job placements.
  • During each semester, advisors and staff conduct personal and professional development workshops to help students with setting goals, career advancement, finding an internship, and self-advocacy.
  • CUNY EDGE works closely with other college departments to provide the best support for our students.

How Students Enroll with CUNY EDGE

Matriculated CUNY undergraduate students who receive cash assistance from The Human Resource Administration (HRA) are eligible to participate in CUNY EDGE.

Please fill out our intake form, then download and email it CUNY EDGE.

Students can participate in other CUNY programs, such as SEEK, at the same time as CUNY EDGE.

HRA Fellowship Program

Student Eligibility
HRA determines eligibility and the number of hours each student is assigned.
Fellowship Site Placement
  • CUNY EDGE staff identify work opportunities on campus
  • We screen and match students to appropriate sites, taking into consideration their majors, interests, and experience.
  • Students gain invaluable professional experience and build their resumes.
  • Students are able to work up to 19 hours per week at the NYS minimum wage and income will not impact students’ HRA benefits.
Host an HRA Fellowship Student
If your office is interested in hosting an HRA Fellowship student, speak to your college’s CUNY EDGE office or fill out the form below.

Complete Request Form
interested in building your resume and expanding your portfolio?

Request HRA-154 School Letter

Why a School Letter is Important

A school letter:

  • Can be used for recertification
  • Can qualify you for weekly MetroCard
  • Is required for requesting child care
Request a HRA-154 School Letter

Participation Pays Off

 

cuny edge with graduation cap background image

You are in control of showing the Human Resources Administration (HRA) that you are meeting your participation requirements. Meet with your CUNY EDGE advisor at least once a month.

  • Monthly advisement will give you the personalized support you need to succeed at CUNY
  • You will also meet HRA’s participation requirements
Advisement is your time. Use it well!

Be ready to talk about:

  • Your goals
  • Your academic progress
  • Your classes and class attendance
  • Your grades on your assignments
Schedule Advisement Appointment

Meet Us

Director’s Note

Tanya Santiago

The CUNY EDGE Office at Hunter College caters to students who receive public welfare benefits, specifically Cash Assistance. CUNY has a longstanding 20-year partnership with the City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assist public assistance recipients attending CUNY, fulfilling HRA work requirements, graduating on time, and securing meaningful employment. Annually, these programs collectively benefit over 3,500 students across 19 campuses.

At CUNY EDGE, we have high expectations for our students. We motivate our community to set objectives and ensure accountability by providing guidance and coaching to help each student reach their goals. As a supportive service, we strive to inspire you to approach each semester with determination and a positive mindset.

We equip students with the necessary tools and resources for academic success while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Our Advisement Services nurture a strong bond between advisors and students, covering various topics such as course selection, Degreeworks review, and addressing Financial Aid matters. Academic advisement sessions offer a platform to discuss academic challenges and study strategies with your advisor. Together, we will devise and execute a plan to address any issues.

Let’s work together to make the most of your academic journey.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

ChaoRan Chen
Advisor

212-396-6967 (office)

cc9857@hunter.cuny.edu
Meet with ChaoRan
Tanya Santiago
Director

212-396-6968 (office)
929-322-4023 (cell)

ts1882@hunter.cuny.edu
Meet with Tanya

Other Links

 

In-Person Hours & Location

We are available Monday–Friday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm virtually, no appointment necessary. Visit us in-person at the hours listed below or meet with us virtually via Zoom.

Day Hours
Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
CUNY EDGE

Hunter College – Main Campus
695 Park Avenue
North Building, Room N-204

cunyedge@hunter.cuny.edu

212-396-6979