The City University of New York’s Accelerated Study In Associate Programs was created in 2007 with support from the New York City Center for Economic Opportunity, and is designed to help students earn their Associate’s degree as quickly as possible, prepare for higher-paying jobs and continued educational opportunities.

•Served as an intermediary between CUNY Hostos Community College and the Department of Education in the South Bronx to coordinate academic and enrichment support services for high school students preparing to take college credit classes. •Collaborated with stakeholders representing various institutions.•Worked collaboratively to implement and evaluate the Early College Initiative model.•Provided classroom instruction using evidence-based curriculum to students and Department of Education staff to navigate and empower students through the higher education process.

•Promoted organization-wide initiatives, maintained genuine rapport with staff and students, and implemented effective management strategies to meet program outcomes. •Served a key and collaborative role in the leadership committee within Friends of the Children NY, conducted local and national trainings.•Identified ways to improve program success. •Served an integral role in the development of a strategic growth plan, leading to a new Friends NY site opening in the South Bronx. •Planned and led local and regional student organized events and worked closely with other community organizations to meet the developmental needs of the student population.