News
Students on CUNY Campuses Learn How to Achieve "Success by Degrees"
June 15, 2009For the second year in a row, CAT is helping hundreds of CUNY undergraduates manage life's challenges effectively, so they can stay in college and earn their degrees.
In 2008-2009, CAT's interactive Success by Degrees, program is reaching more than 650 students on 18 CUNY undergraduate campuses. Through the CATalyst Method (c), students address such topics as juggling work, family, and school; embracing diversity at school and work; and, new this year, basic financial literacy.
In faculty members' post-program evaluations:
- 91% reported that students’ conflict resolution skills improved after participation in Success by Degrees.
- 82% reported that students’ communication skills, decision making skills, and sense of personal responsibility for their actions had improved.
In evaluations, CUNY students cited what they felt were the most meaningful aspects of the program. Their responses gave insight into the program's strengths:
- "...the confidence and knowledge I gained."
- "...how to manage conflicts and emotions."
- "... money and conflicts."
- "...how to handle school and problems at home at the same time."
- "...the way that drama can encourage discussion."
Success by Degreesreceives generous support from the CUNY Black Male Initiative. This year, The Heckscher Foundation for Children provided key funding to implement the financial literacy component, and McGraw-Hill generously provided a copy of Business Week to every participating student.
