Stony Brook University has secured a $500,000 grant from the American Talent Initiative's College Excellence Program and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The funding is aimed at enhancing opportunities for transfer students from lower-income backgrounds. This initiative, called "Seawolves at Suffolk," involves a partnership with SUNY Suffolk to provide these students with research-centered experiences and skills necessary for the workforce.
The program includes an accelerated pathway to paid summer research or internship opportunities with Stony Brook researchers before students transition to the university. Students who start their education at SUNY Suffolk will have guaranteed entry into certain programs at Stony Brook University, provided they meet specific transfer milestones. Programs include Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, English, and Psychology.
SUNY Suffolk transfers more students to Stony Brook than any other community college, maintaining a robust partnership through various initiatives such as National Science Foundation projects and internships at Brookhaven National Laboratories.
Interim Stony Brook President Richard L. McCormick highlighted the importance of the grant: “Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies, accepted transfer students from Suffolk County Community College are already a part of the Stony Brook University community prior to their first day of classes.”
Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, added: “With support from the American Talent Initiative grant, we will provide Suffolk students with an accelerated pathway to engagement at SBU... This partnership allows us to support even more deserving Long Island students and families.”
Suffolk County Community College is noted as the largest community college in the State University of New York system. It serves over 21,000 students across more than 100 degree programs and boasts over 145,000 alumni.
Stony Brook University is recognized as New York’s flagship public university within the SUNY system. With over 26,000 students enrolled and significant contributions to economic growth on Long Island totaling $8.93 billion in increased output, it holds an influential position in higher education.