Bronx, NY- Today, U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) awarded $1,000,000 in community project funding to Hostos Community College in the Bronx. The funding, which Rep. Torres successfully secured in the final Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, will be used to enable sixteen students to transfer to high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate degrees in Public Health at Columbia University, Engineering at City College’s Grove School, and Arts Administration at Queens College.

“It’s no secret that there has been catastrophic underrepresentation of places like The Bronx, and students of color, and immigrants in fields like STEM, and public health, and epidemiology,” said U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15). So, in order to address those disparities, I’m proud to report that we secured $1 million to support academic partnerships, dual degree programs, between HOSTOS College and four year institutions like Columbia, Queens College, and City College. Because I strongly believe that the students of The Bronx deserve the same educational opportunities as student elsewhere in the country.”

“I want to thank Congressman Ritchie Torres who made this program possible by fighting for Hostos Community College to receive a $1 million federal grant that will cover participating students’ expenses including tuition, books, laptops and stipends. These funds will allow these young scholars to pursue four-year degrees at Queens College and City College, and in the case of the Columbia program a master’s degree as well. I commend these proud Hostos students on their fine work and academic achievements.” Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, President, Hostos Community College

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Torres for his long-standing support for public higher education opportunities and the CUNY system. This innovative program will allow Hostos Community College alumni to attend Queens College seamlessly to study arts administration and business. We look forward to welcoming the students to our beautiful campus.” Frank H. Wu President, Queens College

“The Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY) is proud to partner with Hostos Community College. The longstanding professional working relationship between Grove and Hostos continues to provide access to the excellence of Grove’s undergraduate academic programs as well as its research opportunities.” Rawlins R. Beharry Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at The City College Grove School of Engineering

“The Columbia School of General Studies is thrilled to build upon our longstanding partnership with Hostos Community College to provide a seamless, supportive, and empowering pathway to Columbia University for high-performing New York City community college students, while also deeply enriching the classroom environment at Columbia University.” Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Ph.D. Dean at The Columbia School of General Studies

In the final Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Rep. Torres was able to successfully secure more than $16.2 million in funding for 15 community projects that will directly respond to the most pressing needs of the Bronx, including expanding opportunities for middle class families and small businesses, strengthening access to quality healthcare and education, and reversing decades of disinvestment.

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