CUNY EDGE

CUNY EDGE (Educate, Develop, Graduate and Empower), formerly known as the COPE program, is funded and operated in partnership between the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the City University of New York (CUNY). This partnership provides matriculated CUNY students with the support they need to succeed in college, secure sustainable employment, and become civically engaged members of society.

The crux of the CUNY EDGE program comprises academic, personal, and career advisement services. The goal is to promote a culture of academic excellence to support students receiving public assistance to graduate. The program provides ongoing individualized planning and advising to help students achieve timely graduation and secure meaningful and sustainable employment.

Additionally, CUNY EDGE manages the HRA Fellowship Program (FP), which offers on-campus paid work opportunities that provide students with invaluable professional experience. HRA determines HRA Fellowship Program eligibility, and CUNY EDGE ensures the appropriate assignments align with students’ majors, interests, and experience levels.

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.

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

Academic Advisement

Professional Advisement

Personal Advisement

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

The Human Resources Administration (HRA) Fellowship Program provides a limited number of paid work opportunities for CUNY EDGE students.

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.
• Learn more about the steps to the HRA Program

 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.

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

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

Director’s Note

Other Links

• • CUNY EDGE at CUNY
  • View Our Linktree