The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is proud to announce the launch of The Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt Scholarship, which is designed to alleviate financial barriers for students in the School’s Youth Studies programs.
Named after the Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, a pioneer and innovator in the field of youth development, the scholarship will offer financial support to youth development professionals attending the School’s Youth Studies programs who have been impacted by the criminal justice system (self, parent, or immediate family member); and/or students with a demonstrated commitment or interest in contributing to the educational preparation, study of, and research in supporting individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in some way, with preference to those focused on the impact on youth. Incoming and current students in both the BA and MA Youth Studies programs who are African American, Caribbean American, Latinx, or Asian; and/or students with disabilities; or students with a demonstrated commitment or contribution to the educational preparation of African American, Caribbean American, Latinx, or Asian students and/or students with disabilities, in leadership and research in the youth-serving field, are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit here.
Developed with the hope of encouraging a new generation to follow in Rev. Dr. Wyatt’s legacy of transformative youth development work, the scholarship was founded with initial donations by Dr. Sarah Zeller-Berkman, academic director of the CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs; Dr. Whitney Hollins, associate professor in the CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs; Deepmalya Ghosh, an advisory board member for the CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs; and April Glad, senior program officer at the Pinkerton Foundation who is also on the Advisory Board of Youth Studies.
“CUNY SPS Youth Studies is thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt Youth Studies Scholarship! Dr. Wyatt is a pioneering architect of the Positive Youth Development field and a true giant in our community. His mentorship has shaped generations of youth workers who are now leading voices in New York City’s youth services sector,” said Dr. Zeller-Berkman. “Dr. Wyatt’s unwavering commitment to uplifting those impacted by incarceration—encouraging them to use their lived experiences to guide the next generation away from the carceral system and to combat systemic oppression—has not only transformed our field but also redefined NYC’s approach to public safety. We are honored to have a scholarship in his name to help youth-workers achieve their educational aspirations. I am delighted to be a founding contributor.”
“I will say that l am both appreciative and humbled. I thank the planning committee for seeing this through. A foundational principle in youth development theory is the role a helping adult can play in the life of a young person,” said Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt. “I have been blessed to be that person in the lives of countless individuals going back three generations. This scholarship in my name will further my ability to plant seeds in ground l may never see.”
“As a first-generation college graduate and directly impacted woman, I know exactly how overwhelming and daunting the college process can feel. There are a number of talented individuals who may never pursue higher education because the cost feels prohibitive and that is a loss to society as a whole. We must act,” said Dr. Hollins. “I believe The Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt Youth Studies Scholarship is a much-needed step in the right direction. Its namesake is a mentor to many (myself included) and an inspiration to all. He has changed the lives of so many individuals through his guidance, support and knowledge. This scholarship extends the reach of his passion for helping others to the CUNY community and I am so proud to be a founding contributor.”
“The work of uplifting-community and seeing all of its members for their true-value and worth demands authentic mentoring from those who know that the human soul is most sacred when it is filled with hope and love…at times, this requires that we step away from the safety of our varying perches and to, instead, dive directly into the fires that are consuming out neighborhoods,” said Ghosh. “Over decades, our most incredible messenger and our father, Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, has led the charge of feeding all of his mentees, of which there are many and still not enough. He has taught us to walk the streets and to protect our brothers and sisters. From South Jamaica to East New York to Washington Heights, he has inspired so many of us to protect and honor the overlooked…to offer ourselves as vessels for hope. Through this scholarship, we can honor the legacy that his vision has placed before us…and continue to provide hope to the generations ahead.”
“All of us at The Pinkerton Foundation are honored to support this scholarship in the name of the most esteemed and beloved Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt.,” said April Glad, senior program officer at the Pinkerton Foundation. “Rev. Dr. Wyatt has been a mentor to me personally and to the Foundation over decades. He is beloved to us all.”
To learn more about The Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt Scholarship, visit the CUNY SPS Scholarships page. Charitable contributions to the scholarship may be made here.
About the CUNY SPS Youth Studies Program
The CUNY SPS MA in Youth Studies, the first program of its kind in New York, was established in 2017, and the BA in Youth Studies was launched in Fall 2022. These programs, along with the Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies, aim to support the needs of individuals ages 12 to 24 by training qualified frontline youth workers, directors, and administrators. In addition to offering a high-quality degree, the youth studies program has a research agenda that uses youth-adult partnerships and a critical participatory action research approach to inform youth policy and practice in NYC. Current projects include collaborations with ACS and DOE and Amplify, a set of new and innovative research tools designed to engage young people in city-wide policy-making and drive local action.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu