Medgar Evers College Hosts Annual SEEK Awards
Medgar Evers College Hosts Annual SEEK Awards
Medgar Evers College Hosts Annual SEEK Awards
Program receives funding $25,000 grant from Spectrum to bridge digital divide
BROOKLYN, NY – May 15, 2023 – On May 4, Medgar Evers College held its annual SEEK Awards ceremony. Founded in 1964 by the Board of Higher Education of the City University of New York City, the Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK) Program targets students who require a four-year college education. SEEK students receive up to 10 semesters of economic and academic support while meeting the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
One of the evening’s highlights was the Medgar Evers College Educational Foundation being awarded a $25,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant. This donation is part of the company’s six-year, $8 million commitment to promote digital education and broadband technology in communities across the country. With the money earmarked to provide laptops for 65 incoming freshmen students, Medgar Evers College Patricia Ramsey is well aware of the impact it can have.
“With the $25,000 Spectrum will be donating to our SEEK program, devices will be purchased for 65 students, enabling them to fulfill their potential while pursuing their degrees,” said Dr. Ramsey. “Up to this point, these young people have had to resort to doing school work and homework on their phones due to their inability to afford their own computers. This grant goes a long way in bridging the digital divide.”
The grant was made possible through the efforts of Sonia Wilson, development specialist on the college’s advancement team. Among those on hand at the check-presentation event were New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams; Dr. Patricia Ramsey, Medgar Evers College President; and Rodney Capel, Spectrum Vice President for Government Affairs.
“Digital skills are critical to navigating everything from finding a job, to going to school, to buying groceries – yet too many families still have not adopted internet at home,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of Internet, Mobile, TV, and Voice services. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education Grant program, we’re committed to supporting local initiatives like Medgar Evers College Educational Foundation to promote digital literacy and inclusion, and help educate community members in New York City about the value of adopting broadband in their lives so they can succeed in today’s connected society.”
The centerpiece of the evening’s festivities was recognition of SEEK students’ accomplishments and abilities. More than half (54 percent) of the SEEK Graduating Class of 2023 have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Shamiqua Wilson and Angel Auguste gave music performances and Ghavita Sugrim was the Isaac Morgan Scholarship winner. Martiniy Derameaux (BA, Psychology) and Brian Garrett (BS, Public Administration) were named SEEK Students of the Year. The former has been accepted to an Accelerated BSN Program at Tour College while the latter will sit for his LSATs this summer in preparation for law school and a career in Intellectual Property Law.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
About Medgar Evers College
Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Medgar Evers College offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees. A four-year college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Medgar Evers College was established in 1970 with a mandate to meet the educational and social needs of the Central Brooklyn community. In its commitment to providing students with a sound academic foundation and an opportunity for personal development, Medgar Evers College offers high-quality, professional, career-oriented degree programs within the context of a liberal arts education. Medgar Evers College is part of NASA’s Space Grant Project as well as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as a predominantly black institution. For more information, visit mec.cuny.edu.
