Queensborough Students Named Kaplan Educational Foundation Scholars for 2024-25 Academic Year
Queensborough Community College is pleased to announce that Sabreen Qaisar and Melanie Jerez, ‘24, have been named Kaplan Leadership Scholars for the 2024-25 academic year. They join newly selected Kaplan scholars from CUNY’s Laguardia, BMCC, Kingsborough and Hostos community colleges.
The Kaplan Leadership Program helps high-potential, low-income, underserved community college students complete their associate degree and successfully transfer and go on to earn a four-year bachelor's degree at the nation's most highly selective schools.
Sabreen is an aspiring clinical psychologist and Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President for Evening Students. She said Queensborough helped her build strong foundations through programs such as the CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) on campus and the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP). She is also a delegate for Queensborough at the University Student Senate (USS) and volunteers as an advocate for Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Abuse victims.
Sabreen will graduate this fall 2024 semester. “I am very excited to explore my options to continue my education.”
Melanie, who graduated from Queensborough with an associate in science (A.S.) degree in psychology, gave the Valedictorian address at the College’s Commencement Ceremony last spring. The first in her family to graduate from college, Melanie was proactive at Queensborough, where she worked as a math tutor and college assistant in CUNYStart. “I helped students to gain confidence with their quantitative skills and grasp a better understanding of the curriculum by providing guidance, and other support.”
“Both Melanie and Sabreen represent what it means to be a model college student and have all the makings for a bright future. It was a pleasure working with them to submit their application for this prestigious program,” said Annette Lazaro, Confidential Executive Coordinator, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
“I am extremely fortunate to work with students as they strive for excellence and apply for various scholarships and internships through our information sessions,” said Stephen Atkins, ASAP Student Career Senior Advisor. “The Kaplan Scholarship partnership is a great example of the successful results of this work built on QCC’s values of equity and inclusion.”
“Our scholars reinforce the fact that community colleges are rich with diverse, resilient, talented students with leadership potential, when given the opportunities to succeed,” said Nolvia Delgado, Executive Director of KEF. “We remain committed to our mission to remove barriers and provide greater access to higher education for our newest cohort of talented, motivated individuals."
Images courtesy of Phe Studios
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Queensborough Community College is New York State’s highest-ranked community college and one of the best community colleges in the United States, according to a 2023 report released by WalletHub.com. It is the sixth year in a row Queensborough has been listed as a top institution of higher education by WalletHub for its education outcomes, career outcomes, and affordability. Queensborough was also ranked among the best community colleges in New York in 2024 by the online publication Intelligent and number two in New York in 2024 by the online publication Niche. These rankings reflect Queensborough’s commitment to developing students holistically in a nurturing and diverse environment that fosters a culture of equity and inclusion, preparing them to be successful in a dynamic, global workforce.
The Kaplan Educational Foundation seek to eliminate barriers to higher education for overlooked and underserved students and develop them as world leaders and advocates for their communities. We do this by providing a broad range of hands-on support services and financial help to high-potential community college students, supporting them as they finish their associate degree, transfer, and earn a bachelor’s degree from a highly competitive four-year institution.
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