Young Invincibles advocate for CUNY students' financial aid access and support programs

The City of New York held a significant meeting on April 29, 2025, focused on addressing financial barriers faced by students at the City University of New York (CUNY). The discussion highlighted the urgent need to improve access to higher education for low-income students, particularly young adults of color, who often encounter hidden costs beyond tuition.

Key speakers, including Lisa Nishimura, a CUNY alum and engagement coordinator at Young Invincibles, emphasized the importance of eliminating these financial obstacles. Nishimura shared her personal experiences and those of current students, illustrating how costs such as transportation and textbooks can hinder academic success. She noted that while programs like Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and the Access to College Education (ACE) initiative provide some relief, many students remain unaware of these resources or do not qualify for them.

Nishimura pointed out that students often face a "cliff" effect, where they lose eligibility for financial support as soon as they begin earning a modest income. This situation can lead to difficult choices, such as skipping meals or forgoing transportation to attend classes. She called for better education about available programs and the expansion of initiatives like free metro cards to support students' daily needs.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges CUNY students face, with testimonies revealing that many still struggle with basic necessities while pursuing their degrees. The discussions aimed to foster a more inclusive educational environment by advocating for policies that ensure all students can access the resources they need to succeed.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed a commitment to continue working towards solutions that will remove these financial barriers, ensuring that no student has to sacrifice their essential needs for the sake of their education.