Hostos Community College: A Beacon of Opportunity in the Bronx
Hostos Community College stands as a vital educational institution in the South Bronx, New York City. As part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Hostos has been transforming lives and communities for over half a century. This article explores the college's history, academic offerings, student life, and its significant impact on the surrounding area.
A History Rooted in Community Advocacy
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College was established in 1968 by an act of the Board of Higher Education in response to demands from the Hispanic/Puerto Rican community. This community sought a college that would serve the people of the South Bronx. Hostos was initially conceived as a bilingual institution. While the college's bilingual focus became more limited after 1997, it continues to offer many courses in Spanish.
The college's journey began in 1970 when it admitted its first class of 623 students. Classes were held in a renovated tire factory at 475 Grand Concourse. Recognizing the need for more space, Hostos moved to a larger site nearby at 149th Street and Grand Concourse several years later.
In the mid-1970s, Hostos faced a significant challenge. During a fiscal crisis in 1975, the city proposed closing or merging several public institutions, including Hostos. In response, a dedicated group of professors, counselors, and students formed the "Save Hostos Committee." This committee mobilized a large-scale effort to save the college. Key figures in this movement included Gerald Meyers, a history professor who served as the Chapter Chair for the Save Hostos Committee, and Ramón Jiménez, a lawyer and professor who led the community coalition. The Save Hostos Movement involved various strategies, including letter writing, petitioning, voter registration, and community outreach. Jiménez's actions were disruptive and militant, including taking over Hostos and Grand Concourse.
Campus and Location
Hostos Community College is centrally located at the intersection of 149th Street and Grand Concourse in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. The closest subway station is 149th Street-Grand Concourse, served by the 2, 4, and 5 trains. Over the years, the campus has expanded significantly with the construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing structures. These include a sprawling academic complex, a vibrant Cultural Center with state-of-the-art theaters, well-equipped athletic facilities, and modern training labs.
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Beginning in Fall 2025, Hostos is expanding its campus into the historic Bronx General Post Office building at 558 Grand Concourse.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Hostos Community College offers 28 associate degree programs and one certificate program. These programs facilitate seamless transfer to CUNY's four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College offers career programs accredited by the New York State Education Department, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the American Dental Association.
Hostos provides students with a clear path to seamless transfers to four-year colleges within CUNY and beyond. Hostos is the only community college in New York City to offer a Game Design program.
The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. A total of 694 students have enrolled in the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD)’s no-cost programming.
Student Life and Resources
Hostos is committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its students. The College has a brand new comprehensive student advisement center. Robust financial assistance programs further underscore the College's commitment to educational success.
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Hostos Community College teams participate as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Caimans are a member of the community college section of the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC). Men's sports include basketball and soccer; while women's sports include basketball and volleyball. Hostos Athletics has announced the addition of Esports for Fall 2020.
The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture is a performing arts center contained within the college campus. It consists of a museum-grade art gallery, a 367-seat Repertory Theater, and a 900-seat Main Theater, presenting artists of national and international renown. Hostos was the first-ever community college to be invited to participate in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival.
A Diverse and Inclusive Community
As gathered by the Hostos Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Assessment (OIERA), our students embody the diversity of the Bronx. Nearly half are Black (45.23%) and Latino (46.7%), and more than three-quarters speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the multilingual vibrancy of our community. The majority (72.9%) call the Bronx home, with 66% identifying as female and 31.9% as male. The College's faculty is also a model of inclusivity.
Recognition and Achievements
Hostos Community College has received several accolades for its commitment to student success and community impact. The College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education's inaugural Postsecondary Success Recognition Program for promoting equitable access, success, and positive post-college outcomes for underserved students. Hostos is also a two-time Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalist.
The College holds the largest endowed scholarship in its history thanks to a $1 million gift from Aspira Capital Management and the Wright Foundation.
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In the summer of 2023, the College received a $1.5 million grant from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson for cafeteria renovations. For his part, Congressman Ritchie Torres presented $1 million in Community Project Funding to Hostos. In April 2023, Hostos was awarded the Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant from the Dept.
Leadership and Impact
Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis is recognized as a trailblazing leader in higher education. She was honored by Senator José M. She inspired youth at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon as the keynote speaker.
Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for over half a century.
Visiting Hostos
The informational tour of the college is led by an admissions advisor. Topics covered during visits include the admissions process, academic programs, student life and more. Registration can be completed by high school counselors, teachers or community based organization representatives interested in requesting a group tour for a maximum of 25 students per event.
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