LaGuardia Community College took a decisive step to support its adult student population by receiving a $94,342 grant from the College Completion Innovation Fund (CCIF). With these funds, the school will launch the Adult Learner Evening Hub, a space designed to offer academic and support services at night, aligned with the reality of those who work during the day.
The initiative responds to a specific need: more and more adult students are enrolling in degree programs, but they encounter barriers to accessing advice, tutoring and procedures because most services operate only during daylight hours. The new Hub seeks to close that gap and prevent many from being forced to pause or abandon their studies.
Since 2015, CCIF has invested nearly $8 million in 34 innovative projects in New York colleges and community organizations, with the goal of strengthening student retention and graduation. The LaGuardia project adds to that effort to promote student-centered solutions with systemic impact.
Dr. Marsha Oropeza, director of Adult Student Success and Credit for Prior Learning, is leading the initiative. As he explained, the idea of the Adult Learner Evening Hub arises directly from daily work with adult students. “Many of them, especially those transitioning from job training or certificate programs to degree programs, tell us that they cannot access essential services because they are not available at night,” he said.
The context makes the project even more urgent. LaGuardia is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with adult students becoming the majority of its population. Added to this is the implementation of the New York State Opportunity Promise, which requires rapid and adapted institutional responses. “Students must receive support that reflects their life realities,” Oropeza emphasized.
The Adult Learner Evening Hub will serve as a centralized, comprehensive support center for adult learners taking credit-bearing programs and attending evening hours. Planned services include academic advising, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) assessment, tutoring, office hours with professors, career counseling, support for basic needs, and rotating access to key offices such as registration, treasury, and financial aid.
Although the main focus is on degree programs, the Hub draws on the work-to-credit transition paths that LaGuardia offers, guaranteeing continuity in academic and personal support.
Located in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, is an institution serving diverse and traditionally underserved communities. With more than 50 associate degrees and 65 continuing education programs, the college reaffirms its historic mission to advance socioeconomic mobility and open doors to new opportunities for New Yorkers.
