Two women sit at a table working together on a laptop in a modern office setting, focusing on college persistence and graduation support, with a smartphone and pen on the table.

CollegeJourney

As Student Leadership Network alumni, you’re not alone in navigating the challenges and opportunities of college. CollegeJourney is our peer-to-peer program to support high school alumni enrolled or transferring to any college in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Upper-level alumni serve as Peer Leaders, who, together with the College Persistence team, provide tailored support, outreach, and resources to help students adjust to campus and college life.

I was able to confide in my Peer Leader and have conversations that didn’t necessarily involve school. I wasn’t alone in adjusting to college and the changes in my life. The people you surround yourself with make a difference in the way you see yourself and help bring value to your life! — CollegeJourney participant

Program Services

CollegeJourney focuses on:

  • Finances and FAFSA Renewal
  • Academic Support
  • Community Events
  • 1-on-1 Peer Leader Guidance
A group of sixteen young women pose together in a library or classroom space, standing and kneeling in front of a colorful digital display highlighting college persistence and graduation support.
CollegeSendoff for graduating seniors

Peer Leaders

Alumni who are current upper-class college students guide CUNY students via text, in-person, and virtual support. They currently support alumni at all CUNY schools.

  • Almasur – City College, City Tech, LaGuardia CC, Queensborough CC, York
  • Miskatul – Brooklyn, Guttman CC, Hunter, Kingsborough CC
  • Nicole – Baruch, Bronx Community College (BCC), Hostos CC, Lehman
  • Ryan – Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), College of Staten Island (CSI), John Jay, Medgar Evers, Queens
Four people are sitting on a patterned blue sofa against a plain white wall, looking at the camera and smiling.
Peer Leaders 2025-2026: Nicole, Miskatul, Almasur, Ryan

Community-Building Events

The College Persistence team and Peer Leaders host workshops and events each semester to offer resources to college students, timed with the academic calendar. Recent events include:

  • Study Habits and Sleep Hygiene (webinar)
  • Personal Finance 101 (in-person)
  • Travel Abroad Opportunities (webinar)

Upcoming Events

  • August 14, 2025 – Back to School Bash: HS Class of 2025, Meet Your Peer Leaders (in-person, NYC)
Two people stand in front of a screen displaying a presentation titled Relax & Reset: Fall 2024 - De-stress Event, highlighting college persistence and graduation support, in a room with blue curtains and a circular ceiling light.
Workshop on techniques to manage stress led by Peer Leaders

97%

of CollegeJourney participants agreed that their Peer Leader helped them persist in college

  • Peer Leaders are like older siblings. We look out for others and ensure they have the tools to succeed.

    A young man with short, dark hair smiles at the camera
    Almasur
    Peer Leader and college student at CUNY