Brooklyn College is proud to join the City University of New York (CUNY) throughout 2026 in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) Program. As the nation’s first state‑funded academic opportunity initiative, SEEK has opened doors to higher education for more than 100,000 CUNY students from underrepresented communities, helping generations of Brooklyn College students achieve academic success, leadership excellence, and lifelong impact. “SEEK has not only opened doors to higher education, but it has also transformed lives,” said Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson. “Here at Brooklyn College, we see every day how this program empowers students. Celebrating this anniversary reaffirms our commitment to access, equity, and opportunity for generations to come.” A Legacy Born from the Civil Rights Era SEEK was born out of the Civil Rights movement and student activism of the 1960s, responding to calls for greater equity in higher education. Initially piloted at City College in 1965 to increase enrollment of Black and Hispanic students, SEEK provided individualized courses, specialized academic support, and mentorship from trained educators. In 1966, the program became the nation’s first state‑funded academic opportunity initiative, thanks to the legislative leadership of Assembly Members Percy E. Sutton and Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn College alumna and trailblazing congresswoman. SEEK’s success inspired similar programs, including the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY, and laid the foundation for expanded access at Brooklyn College and across CUNY. Celebrating “SEEK at 60!” at Brooklyn College Brooklyn College’s anniversary series honors six decades of achievement and community impact: February 24: Tribute to the legacies of Percy E. Sutton and Shirley Chisholm, featuring alumni reflections on how SEEK shaped their journeys. March 17: “They Lead! Celebrating Women’s Strength and Success” panel, featuring accomplished SEEK alumnae discussing mentorship, representation, and resilience. April 23: Quilt‑Making Marathon Workshop, an intergenerational collaboration between students and alumni creating a visual tribute to SEEK’s vibrant community. May 11: “SEEK Day” officially recognized by the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, celebrating the program’s transformative role in higher education and public service. All the information and registration for these events are here. Transforming Lives Across Generations At Brooklyn College, SEEK continues to provide academic support, tutoring, financial assistance, counseling, and career guidance, helping students overcome barriers and realize their full potential. Since 1990, CUNY-wide SEEK participants have earned over 60,000 associate and bachelor’s degrees, Brooklyn College recently launched the Innovative Career Opportunity and Research Program, providing research experience and graduate school preparation for up to 150 students each year. Brooklyn College is proud to sustain SEEK’s mission for the next generation. Through continued access, academic support, mentorship, and community engagement, the College ensures that students from all backgrounds can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. SEEK remains at the heart of Brooklyn College’s commitment to opportunity, excellence, and social mobility.
