Students at the Metropolitan College of New York’s (MCNY) Bronx campus are now eligible for a $25,000 scholarship, thanks to the donation from one of its alumnus.
The school recently announced the Victor M. Rivera Scholarship made possible by its namesake, who is currently the president and CEO of the Bronx Parent Housing Network (BPHN). The scholarship will serve as tuition assistance for two Bronx-based students —one man and one woman — who have at least a 3.0 GPA and are a single parent or were formerly incarcerated.
“We are excited to be able to offer the Victor M. Rivera Scholarship to students who are striving to create more promising futures for themselves and their families through the power of Purpose-Centered Education,” said Joanne Passaro, president of MCNY. “We are thankful for this gift from Mr. Rivera, and we celebrate all that he does for our Bronx community. MCNY is proud to have him as an alumnus.”
Rivera earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MCNY, which was founded more than 50 years ago by Audrey Cohen. According to the institution, its entire approach is based on Purpose-Centered Education, which blends theory and practice into the lives and jobs of its students. As a result, the school’s curriculum “promotes social justice and encourages positive change in workplaces and communities.”
Nearly 20 years ago, Rivera started BPHN to address his own street homelessness and issues of substance use, incarceration and gang violence. Over the past two decades, Rivera has been committed to the organization’s mission of transforming people’s lives which leads them to meaningful employment and safe, affordable and permanent housing.
“MCNY and I have a shared mission and this scholarship is a step toward fulfilling it,” said Rivera, “Nobody should have to choose between having shelter, paying bills or putting food on the table. Education built my path. Education helps people transform and stand on their own with pride knowing that THEY have made the choice to succeed for a better life — for their families and communities.”
