2. Mission, Vision and Values CUNY EDGE
CUNY EDGE envisions a world in which all people have access to the educational
opportunities and support they need to achieve academic success, a sustainable career,
and a brighter future. We commit to working with this vision always in mind.
CUNY EDGE’s mission and core purpose is to help CUNY students who are receiving
public assistance achieve academic excellence, graduate on time, and find employment.
3. The CUNY EDGE Program aims to provide
resources, career services, graduation support
and personal counseling to students who receive
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) or Safety Net benefits. Additionally,
students must be matriculated at CUNY; and
who have Family Independence Administration
(FIA) letters, and have completed and signed a
FERPA agreement.
Family Assistance
Safety Net Cash Assistance
Safety Net Non-Cash Assistance
OUR STUDENTS
CUNY EDGE
4. HRA WORK REQUIREMENTS WHILE IN COLLEGE
CUNY EDGE
• Paid Job. SSL 336 (1)
• Class time. SSL 335-b(2)
• Unsupervised homework. SSL 385.9(6)
• Supervised homework e.g., study hall,
tutoring. SSL 385.9(6)
• Federal Work Study Program. SSL 336 (8)
• Internship. SSL 336 (8)
• Externship. SSL 336 (8)
5. Services Offered CUNY EDGE
The vision and mission of the program
are demonstrated in our core activities
CUNY EDGE Offers:
• Academic, personal, and career planning advisement
• Personal and professional development seminar series
• Career readiness services
• Connects students to internship, HRA work study, and job opportunities
• A culture of academic excellence
• Collaboration with campus offices and other supportive programs
• Help to students to remain compliant with all HRA rules and
regulations.
6. Incentives ! CUNY EDGE
CUNY EDGE students are defined as matriculated CUNY students
who are enrolled in classes during the current semester,
receive TANF or Safety Net benefits from HRA,
and have a FIA school letter completed.
Personal and Professional
Seminar Attendance
• Students who participate in at least 50% of the seminars will earn a $50 campus book store or
cafeteria voucher at the end of that semester.
• Attendance at CUNY EDGE events and workshops that are co-sponsored with another college
office will count towards a student’s participation goal.
Academic Excellence Achievement
• At the end of each semester, students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher will
receive a $100 graduation incentive. Students will be eligible only if they have attended their
required number of advisement sessions during that semester.
More Incentives to be discussed during our next event: Group Advisement
7. CUNY EDGE STAFF
Yelena Meytes LCSW, Program
Manager
• Supervises program staff
• Provides academic, career and personal
advisement for Juniors and Seniors.
• Provides support services pertinent HRA-
related access and resources
• Identifies career-focused internships and
employment options for all HRA Students
Soheila Fortuna, Program Advisor
• Provides academic, career and personal
advisement for Freshman and Sophomores.
• Provides support services pertinent HRA-
related access and resources
• Conducts student assessments, monitors
student progress, including degree mapping
and transition planning
• Career counseling: internships,
scholarships, and opportunity programs
Linda Reals, Workshop Facilitator
Workshop Topics
• Financial Literacy Seminar
• Goal Setting
• Time Management & Organization
• Stress Management
• Exploring Careers
Amorita Jones, Attendance Monitor
• Responsible to monitor and report
attendance in classes, HRA Work Study,
Federal Work Study, and internships
utilizing the required data systems.
• Supports student-centered events, supports
students and faculty with deadlines and
troubleshooting required
• Creates a welcoming, supportive
environment for students.
8. HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER?
Our Thoughts..
CUNY EDGE
Staff & Faculty
• On Campus Professional Mentoring
• Interdepartmental Wrap Around Services
• Access to resources
Students
• Build a social network by attending
workshops and group advisement events
• Let us get to know you, share your stories
with our team, come for individual advising
9. How To Access Our Services
CUNY EDGE
Scheduling Individual and
Workshop Appointments
Call The Career Center at 212-237-
8754
Schedule Online at
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/Career-
services
Schedule in Person, we are located at
L72.00 NB
Contact Edge Staff Directly
Yelena Meytes, Program Manager
212-393-6412 ymeytes@jjay.cuny.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Soheila Fortuna, EDGE Advisor
212-393-6890 sfortuna@jjay.cuny.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Linda Reals, Program Facilitator
212-393-6312 lreals@jjay.cuny.edu
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-2pm
Amorita Jones, Attendance Monitor
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs., Fri 8:30am-5:30pm
No Wednesday Hours
