The North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center proudly honors Mr. Mitch Duren, our esteemed former Executive Director, on the occasion of his retirement in September 2024.

Under his leadership, NBCCOC has continued to deliver tuition-free education, workforce training, and support services to Bronx residents, especially, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Mr. Duren has emphasized outreach and partnerships: NBCCOC collaborates with various community-based organizations to help participants overcome barriers like food insecurity, housing, and transportation. Over its history (25 years), the center under his stewardship has enabled thousands of young adults to gain upward mobility. He has also played a role in promoting the center’s visibility in the community (branding, public events) to raise awareness of its services and engage local stakeholders.

As he embarks on this new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations. May his future endeavors bring him continued joy, purpose, and success.

On January 30, 2025, the North Bronx Career Counseling & Outreach Center held its annual Coat Drive to support individuals and families in need throughout our community. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, Faculty, and partners, we collected and distributed dozens of warm coats to help Bronx residents stay comfortable during the winter season. Your kindness truly made a difference—thank you for helping us spread warmth and care!

On May 2nd, 2025, the SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center partnered with the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) to host a dynamic and impactful Job Fair, and the results were nothing short of a success.

Held on-site at our center, the event brought together job seekers from across the Bronx and beyond with a wide array of top-tier employers and organizations. Attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from FDNY, Good Temps, MTA, Urban Pathways, NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Rapid Armored Corp, NPower, New York Life, and the Department of Labor. The event featured on-the-spot interviews, resume reviews, and real-time job leads, creating a direct pathway for community members to access career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Whether participants were looking to start a new career, make a change, or re-enter the workforce, the fair provided a valuable platform to network and engage with employers actively seeking talent. We are proud to have collaborated with the Department of Labor and thank all the participating agencies for their commitment to workforce development and community empowerment. The positive feedback from both employers and job seekers underscores the importance of these events in promoting economic mobility and opportunity within our community.

The job fair was also attended by guests from the SUNY University at Albany’s Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD). Attending the event were Tamara Frazier, SUNY Deputy Chief Operating Officer; Lisa Jackson, Associate Provost and Director of the UCAWD; and Christopher White, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility for SUNY. These esteemed guests spoke with job seekers, vendors, and staff, and they helped to make the day even more special.

As we look ahead, the SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center remains dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible career services that meet the needs of our diverse population. Stay tuned for more events, resources, and partnerships designed to support your journey toward meaningful employment.

On Friday, May 30th, 2025, the North Bronx Career Counseling & Outreach Center proudly hosted its inaugural Alumni Breakfast—and what a meaningful morning it was!

Held at SUNY North Bronx, the event welcomed former students back to the place where many began their career journeys. Alumni from across the years gathered to reconnect, share stories, and learn about the center’s exciting programs and partnerships. Over a warm and delicious breakfast, attendees engaged in heartfelt conversations, celebrated each other’s achievements, and heard from staff about expanded opportunities now available through SUNY North Bronx. The room was filled with laughter, gratitude, and a shared sense of purpose.

The morning also featured updates from NBCCOC leadership, including program offerings, career development services, and ways alumni can stay involved in mentoring and outreach efforts.

We’re thankful to all who joined us and helped make the event such a success. Whether you attended or could not make it this time, we look forward to keeping the alumni spirit alive through future gatherings and opportunities.

 Stay connected—this is just the beginning!

“Success doesn’t just happen—it’s built, one goal at a time.” Says our SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center Admissions Counselor, Kristen Ford.

For students in our GED program, that journey begins with a single step: walking through the doors and meeting the admissions team that’s ready to guide them every step of the way.

This past year, the momentum has been undeniable. From increased enrollment to inspiring completion stories, our GED program has seen real progress, and it’s thanks in large part to the dedicated, behind-the-scenes work of our Admissions team and Instructional Staff.

From the initial intake to orientation, testing, and class placement, the admissions process is designed not just for efficiency, but for empathy. Many of our students come to us balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and past educational gaps. The admissions team takes the time to understand each person’s needs and connect them to the right supports.

This student-first approach has made a measurable impact: increased retention, improved completion rates, and a growing community of GED alumni who are now pursuing college, training programs, and career opportunities through SUNY North Bronx and beyond.

“To see students go from hesitant to confident—from goal to graduation—is why we do what we do,” says Administrative Support Specialist, Khadejia Bass. “It’s more than paperwork. Its purpose.”

As we continue building momentum, we salute the dedicated GED admissions team for helping turn aspirations into achievements, one student at a time.

We are thrilled to shine this month’s Student Spotlight on Jennifer Rodriguez, who recently achieved a major milestone by earning her high school equivalency diploma through the GED program at the North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center.

Jennifer’s journey is one of determination, perseverance, and a deep commitment to personal growth. From day one, she stood out for her consistent preparation, eagerness to learn, and active class participation. Her willingness to support fellow students and her strength in overcoming academic challenges reflect a resilience that truly inspires.

Now, with her diploma in hand, Jennifer is already setting her sights on the future. She has applied to college and plans to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging—a field where her focus and compassion will no doubt shine.

We’re proud of Jennifer’s accomplishments and excited to see where her drive and dedication take her next. Congratulations, Jennifer—you are a shining example of what’s possible with hard work and heart!

Congratulations!!!

SUNY NBCCOC STAFF

Jeffrey Vanderwerf, Executive Director

Sutonia Boykin, Senior Career Planning and Development Associate

Kristen Ford, Admissions Counselor

Khadejia Bass, Administrative Support Specialist

Eric Vails, Advisor, College Connections Initiative (CCI)
Erin Miles, Advisor, College Connections Initiative (CCI)

Evelyn Poole, Attain Lab Technology Coordinator/Manager

Karen Wilson, Attain Project Technology Coordinator/Lab Manager

Lydia Lutterrodt, Instructor

Raymond Wilson, Instructor

Felipe Munoz, Instructor

The SUNY North Bronx Summer Institute 2025, which began May 1, 2025, through September 5, 2025, utilized the Career Ready Model for the SYEP participants, which required the participants to receive work-readiness training in addition to Microsoft Office certifications.

The following was achieved during Summer Institute 2025:

Total number of Microsoft Certifications earned: 119

Total Summer Institute Participants Registered: 45

The Annual Summer Institute Recognition Ceremony at SUNY North Bronx was held on August 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM. During the event, participants from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial skills through PowerPoint presentations on Entrepreneurship.

Four teams presented their innovative start-up concepts:

• • • • • • • • Team 1 introduced “StudyLink,” a networking app designed to help high school and college students connect with peers studying similar subjects.
              • Team 3 launched a community-focused record label dedicated to making a positive social impact rather than pursuing mainstream recognition.
              • Team 4 presented “Eye Scripture,” a next-generation eyewear brand founded on principles of accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and transparency.

The presentations were both insightful and engaging, sparking meaningful dialogue and thoughtful questions from the audience after each team’s showcase.

Summer Institute Team: Evelyn Poole, ATTAIN Lab Technology Coordinator/Manager, Dr. Jeff Vanderwerf, and Ms. Karen Wilson

At the SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center (NBCCOC), we believe that education is the cornerstone of opportunity. This year, we proudly celebrate the incredible achievements of our adult learners who have completed the GED, Microsoft Office Certifications, Digital Literacy, and Vocational training programs — turning hard work into diplomas and aspirations into reality.

These determined individuals have overcome personal and academic challenges, balancing responsibilities while committing to their education. With the support of our dedicated instructors, counselors, and staff, students have gained not only knowledge and skills but also the confidence to pursue further education, training, or careers.

Empowering Futures Through Education

To honor the achievements of our students, NBCCOC hosted its 2025 Recognition Ceremony on June 30th. This special event celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and growth of graduates who completed programs at our center—many of whom are the first in their families to reach this milestone.

Executive Director Jeff Vanderwerf opened the ceremony with a heartfelt address, acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of the students in attendance. Following his remarks, Lisa Jackson, Associate Provost and Director of the SUNY University Center for Academic and Development, shared a congratulatory video message and delivered the event’s first formal presentation.

Next, respected GED Instructor Lydia Lutterodt took the stage to honor each graduate’s hard work. She drew inspiration from her hero, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, emphasizing Johnson’s belief in “simple steps” and the power of consistent “daily habits” as essential tools for long-term success.

The ceremony concluded with a moving speech by Maria Sanoguet, a 2021 alumna of our North Bronx GED program. Maria completed her studies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming the dual challenges of remote learning and a language barrier. Today, she is enrolled full-time in a Bachelor’s program, majoring in Accounting.

We couldn’t be prouder of each student who made this journey. Their stories remind us all that it’s never too late to change your path and pursue your dreams.