Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the American Talent Initiative (ATI) College Excellence Program and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The grant is intended to support transfer students from lower-income communities by providing high-impact experiences, research opportunities, and workforce-ready skills.

The university is collaborating with Suffolk County Community College (SUNY Suffolk) on the "Seawolves at Suffolk" program. This initiative aims to facilitate academic and social engagement for students transferring to Stony Brook. It includes an accelerated on-ramp to a paid summer research or internship opportunity before their transfer.

Through this partnership, Stony Brook intends to increase enrollment of lower-income transfer students while addressing disparities in graduation rates. The initiative seeks to create a model that tackles declining enrollments in community colleges, especially for underserved communities.

Stony Brook was recognized as an American Talent Initiative "High Flier" University in 2023. The university's commitment focuses on increasing lower-income student enrollment and activating talent nationwide. It has been acknowledged for its efforts in college access and success for lower-income students.

Interim Stony Brook President Richard L. McCormick stated, “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.” He added that the grant will expand their commitment to social mobility by offering paid experiential learning and career counseling opportunities.

Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, president of Suffolk Community College, expressed his support: “SUNY Suffolk has always prepared our graduates for success at elite colleges and universities like Stony Brook... With support from the American Talent Initiative grant, we will provide Suffolk students with an accelerated pathway to engagement at SBU.”

The American Talent Initiative aims to expand access for talented low- and moderate-income students at top colleges nationwide. It encourages member institutions to enhance recruitment efforts and support these students through collaborative learning and research initiatives.

Stony Brook University is part of the State University of New York system and serves over 26,000 students. It is recognized as New York’s flagship public university with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.