Since 1966, a slightly larger group of Black and Puerto Rican students have joined the Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK) program. Established by the New York State Assembly, the goal of this program is to provide more educational access to low-income students in the New York public school system by helping to prepare them for entering college. While SEEK has attracted an exciting group of faculty to campus who are dedicated to its educational mission, some have grown increasingly frustrated that it is only available to a limited amount of students. There is also a lack of job security and tenure for the SEEK instructors that is afforded to the rest of the faculty, and some students feel that some of the teachers, social workers, and psychologists hired to work in the program lack a fundamental understanding of their lives and experiences as low-income New Yorkers of color. It is a fledgling program in need of more resources, especially as CUNY begins to expand and considers admitting more students. 

As you approach the table, you see three people talking excitedly with each other. One of them seems much more older than the other two. They seem engrossed in their conversation, not really paying much attention to anything going around them. You hesitate to interrupt, but also don’t want to stand around awkwardly waiting for them to notice you.

Just as you decide to go to another table, the older-looking person calls out to you: “Hey there! Welcome. Are you a new student?” You tell them that yes, you are. Come to think of it, your cousin might have been a SEEK student. . . You talk to them to find out more.