Free Mentor Program Helps NYCHA-CUNY Amazon Scholars with Career Planning 

NYCHA residents studying at CUNY colleges this fall are getting some guidance on how to plan for future careers from some seasoned professionals.  

Thanks to a new free program, recipients of NYCHA-CUNY Amazon scholarships are receiving individualized mentoring and career development support from NYCHA employees and other professionals for post-graduation success. The program is an initiative between the Authority and the nonprofit Fund for Public Housing, with funding provided by Amazon for up to two years of mentorship cohorts, starting with the Fall 2022 semester.  

“The NYCHA-CUNY Amazon mentorship program is an opportunity for scholars to connect with industry professionals who will provide information and guidance to support their post-secondary studies and career goals,” said Josephine Melendez, Assistant Director of Adult Education and Training at NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), which administers the scholars program.  

The participating scholars are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at CUNY colleges, and they will meet with mentors who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree and acquired five years or more of professional experience. The Fund for Public Housing has encouraged NYCHA employees, staff at community-based organizations, and other partners to volunteer as mentors for the young residents on their path to graduation.   

College mentoring and scholarship opportunities support the goals of the Fund’s Youth Pathways initiative, helping to prepare youth for careers, leadership roles, and future success.  

“The Fund is here to elevate and support the quality of life of residents, and we know that one of the most important ways to become economically mobile in society is to be educated,” said Claire McLeveighn, Deputy Director of the Fund. “We want to support students on the path of higher education, and providing a mentor is one way of doing that.” 

The Amazon grant funding for the NYCHA-CUNY Scholars program has doubled the number of new scholars and fellows who are able to participate over the next two years. In addition to scholarships, Ms. McLeveighn said the program will provide mentorship services for 70 scholars and allow 10 students to receive 75-hour paid fellowship opportunities with NYCHA departments and the Fund for Public Housing.  

“Through this partnership we hope to create greater economic opportunity for NYCHA residents and expand the local talent pipeline for Amazon, as well as other employers,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon New York. “We thank CUNY and NYCHA for allowing us to engage in this innovative opportunity.” 

Focusing on career preparedness and professional development, the one-on-one meetings and workshops with mentors will teach the scholars about resume building, cover letter writing, virtual interview skills, interpersonal skills, and the importance of networking. The Fund also plans to invite people of color who are in leadership positions in various industries to speak with the youth.  

Photo caption: NYCHA Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble addresses scholars at the ceremony for this year’s NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarships. Recipients of the Amazon Scholarship are participating in a new mentorship program with experienced professionals this fall.