Celebrating 55 Years of Curiosity and Community at CUNY BA!

As we get settled into the new academic year, we want to extend a warm welcome to our entire CUNY Baccalaureate community, both new and returning.

This year represents a landmark for our program. Fifty-five years ago, CUNY BA was established on a simple but radical vision: that motivated students should have the freedom to pursue their intellectual curiosity and produce new ways of knowing without being constrained by disciplinary restrictions. During this time, CUNY BA has worked tirelessly to bring that vision into reality. Our program’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering support from our dedicated students and our selfless faculty mentors, alumni, and staff members. 

While we take pride in celebrating our history, we are even more excited to see what the future holds. Students are at the center of that future; therefore, we encourage you to dive into the CUNY BA community. Whether by attending our events, engaging in peer mentorship, joining the student leadership council, or applying for our scholarships and internships, your voice, perspective, and presence enrich the experience for us all. 

Welcome back! Let’s make this historic year unforgettable together.

Meet Our Fellows

We are thrilled to introduce five new doctoral fellows who, together with our returning fellows Casey and Joe, will support our students and vision. Read their bios and research interests here.

Upcoming Events

More information and RSVP HERE.

Leadership Opportunities

Join the Student Leadership Council!

We are very excited to announce 5 open seats on the CUNY BA Student Leadership Council (SLC)!

This is a great opportunity for CUNY BA students interested in gaining leadership experience and amplifying student voice within the CUNY BA program and beyond. Apply here by September 21st.

Become a Peer Mentor!

Share your knowledge, advice, and enthusiasm for CUNY BA with new and prospective students.

We are looking for dedicated student leaders to serve as Peer Mentors and Student Ambassadors. Apply here by September 21st.

Join the CUNY BA “Social Entrepreneurship” Mentorship Group

In this group, you will understand the elements involved in creating a business and gain firsthand insight into the challenges that may arise.

The group’s goal will be supported by CUNY BA alumnus Ethan Frisch, who will facilitate discussions and share best practices in a group setting. Apply here by September 30th.

Opportunities: Scholarships, Internships, and Graduate Programs

Funding is waiting for you, explore these scholarship opportunities and apply today!

• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Apply by Thursday, October 1st. More information HERE.

• The Barbara Price Scholarship (for first semester students!). Apply by Wednesday, September 30th. More information HERE.

• The Anne Duncan Somsen Memorial Fund. Apply by Wednesday, September 30th. More information HERE.

Internships Available at Ladders for Leaders

Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in New York City. 

More information HERE.

The CUNY SPH 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program Information Sessions

This program allows eligible CUNY BA undergraduates to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree.

Attend one of these virtual information sessions to learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 6 – 7pm I Register

Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 1 – 2pm I Register

We are honored to highlight CUNY BA alumnus Eric Santiago (’99), whose dedication to our community comes full circle as a new donor! Eric’s commitment to giving back helps empower the next generation of scholars to pursue their unique academic paths. 

In his own words, Eric shares what inspired him to invest in current CUNY BA students:



When I think about why I chose to establish these scholarships and commencement awards, I keep coming back to one word: gratitude. As a proud CUNY BA graduate, the program gave me the flexibility to turn a nontraditional path into a degree that became the foundation for my career and future. As the son of parents who came to this country from Puerto Rico with limited formal education, I grew up believing that education is one of life’s greatest opportunities, and their sacrifices inspired me to give back. I’m also deeply grateful to my wife, Carla, whose unwavering encouragement and support made it possible for me to begin this tradition of giving. I hope these scholarships and awards recognize both achievement and potential, reminding students that their journey matters, their perseverance is seen, and their future is full of possibility. This isn’t about looking back at what I’ve accomplished—it’s about investing in the next generation of CUNY BA graduates and honoring the community that helped shape my own journey. 

Learn more about the Miguel & Magdalena Santiago Memorial Scholarship HERE.

Join Eric in fostering our students’ success. Explore ways to make an impact HERE.

Students, mark your calendars for these upcoming workshops!

• Advanced AOC Strategy Session – Monday, September 14 at 2pm. RSVP here.

• Scholarships & Funding– Friday, September 18 at 12PM. RSVP here.



• Internship Search and Tips – Tuesday, September 22 at 12PM. RSVP here.

• Find a Faculty Mentor: Advisement Session – Thursday, September 24 at 12PM. RSVP here.

• Find a Faculty Mentor: Advisement Session –  Monday, September 28 6:00 PM. RSVP here.

View full calendar HERE.

Learn more on how to support our students and ways to give such as one-time donation and planned giving.