As 2025 came to a close, Brooklyn College’s SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) Director Randall Clarke and Provost April Bedford welcomed CUNY Dean for Special Programs Michel Hodge to campus for a firsthand look at why SEEK is not just a program, it’s a movement. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, SEEK is a state-mandated CUNY program that provides comprehensive academic, financial, and counseling support to economically disadvantaged, first-time college students to help them succeed in earning a bachelor’s degree. It offers tutoring, advisement, workshops, and career services to build academic skills, promote personal growth, and ensure equitable access to higher education for capable students who might otherwise face barriers. During the visit, Hodge experienced how deeply SEEK is woven into the cultural fabric of Brooklyn College, highlighted by the annual SEEK quilt project. Created by first-year students, the quilt stands as both artwork and affirmation—a collective statement of identity, resilience, and belonging. With strong leadership from Bedford and thoughtful coordination by Clarke, the visit sparked rich conversations about expanding student support. Topics included enhanced English Language Learner initiatives, STEAM-focused tutoring, and new opportunities for study abroad. “SEEK students are essential to Brooklyn College,” Clarke said. “Their energy, engagement, and leadership make them a vital part of our campus community.” The day concluded with students, staff, and the Office of Special Programs team gathering for an Academic Support presentation, where SEEK counseling staff offered candid insights that inspired meaningful dialogue and reinforced the program’s commitment to student success.
