Election Day 2012

The 2012 election is just days away. As eligible voters, each of us has a duty to understand the electoral process. The right to vote is a tremendous privilege and we show our appreciation by participating in the democratic process.

As President of Berkeley College, I am especially interested in encouraging the youth of the nation to be politically active citizens. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, “roughly 11 million eligible voters, ages 18 to 24 are in college, about a quarter of all eligible young voters.”

The youth vote is sadly underrepresented, even though important issues facing students such as financial aid funding, loan repayment terms and job creation will be affected by the outcome of the election. I am proud that Berkeley College students have demonstrated that they understand the importance of the election and are spreading the word to others. This year more than 75 students participated in "Rock the Vote" events at the New York City campus.

The social media team has also been busy reminding students about deadlines to register and have provided live streaming links to the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates.

Click on the video below to see how Berkeley College students are taking charge of their future and voting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVAKn2MnelU&feature=youtu.be

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, I will cast my ballot. I encourage you to do the same.

Cordially,

Dario A. Cortes, PhD
President, Berkeley College

Berkeley College Celebrates our Community Partnership with the Town of Greenburgh

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Career services, job training, and community partnerships have always been an important part of the Berkeley College mission. Last week I was able to see a community partnership in action with a win-win solution.

The White Plains Career Services Department has partnered with the Town of Greenburgh, NY to provide students with real world work experience through the federal work study program.

The program has been so successful that year after year, the town asks for more student workers, and this year nine Berkeley College students will provide service to help combat the back-log of paper parking tickets and save the town close to one million dollars!

On September 20, 2012 I participated in a press conference with Paul Feiner, Town Supervisor who thanked Berkeley College for its continued participation in this important project.

Mr. Feiner said, "This partnership is of tremendous benefit to the Town of Greenburgh and the 90,000 citizens we serve. We are so proud of these talented students from Berkeley College who are performing meaningful government work, gaining real government work experience, and saving our taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

The Greenburgh partnership showcases the best of Berkeley College and once again proves that our students are hardworking individuals with valuable education and work experience. Meaningful projects like this are a testament to the success of Berkeley College.

I encourage you to share your comments on this and other Berkeley College success stories in the comments section of this blog.

Cordially,

Dario A. Cortes, PhD

President, Berkeley College