York EmpowerED 2025: Students Taking Flight Toward Their Future

On April 30, 2025, York College came alive with energy and purpose as more than 160 students, families, educators, and college professionals gathered for York EmpowerED: Bridging the Gap from High School to College. With over 100 high school students in attendance, many visiting a college campus for the first time, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, hope, and opportunity.

Now in its second year, York EmpowerED is a CUNY wide initiative proudly launched and led by York College. The program supports students with IEPs and 504 plans as they prepare for the transition to college, blending early outreach, practical resources, and meaningful student engagement.

Dr. Karen Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, opened the day with a warm welcome and a message of encouragement. Charmaine Townsell, Senior Director of Wellness and Resources, introduced the Wellness and Resources team and framed the day through a lens of connection, confidence, and care.

Although unable to attend in person due to the legislative session in Albany, New York State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, a member of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities, shared a powerful video message. He encouraged students to approach this next chapter with confidence and reminded them that their voice and perspective matter.

The morning continued with featured speakers Raymond Perez from the CUNY Central Office of Disability Services and Rachel Rippey Cheun, Strategic Advisor, Postsecondary Outcomes, Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning, New York City Public Schools. Together, they emphasized the value of collaboration among high schools, colleges, and advocacy organizations to create equitable and informed transitions to college.

During the breakout session, high school students engaged in a dynamic peer to peer conversation led by the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York (CCSD@York). They were joined by York College student leaders from the Student Government Association and academic programs such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Business, all proudly identifying as students with disabilities and allies. Volunteers also included York alum and CUNY student leaders from other campuses. The dialogue was empowering and affirming, with students expressing that they felt welcomed and understood.

After the discussion, students participated in a hands on aviation experience in York’s state of the art flight simulation labs. The experience helped students connect the day’s insights with real world academic programs and future career pathways in aviation and related fields.

While students engaged in the simulator labs, high school professionals remained in the Faculty Dining Room for a robust dialogue with college leadership. They heard directly from Deans and Directors across campus, including representatives from SEEK, ACE, Enrollment Services, the Schools of Business, Health Sciences, and Arts and Sciences, and the Center for Students with Disabilities.

The event concluded with a second simulator tour tailored for CUNY professionals and school staff, offering a deeper understanding of how York’s aviation programs align with student interests and career readiness.

York EmpowerED 2025 was more than a program. It was a shared experience, a reminder that when institutions work together, when students are supported, and when access is prioritized, futures truly take flight.