Bronx Community College (BCC) recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP), recognizing three decades of helping immigrant and multilingual students strengthen their English-language skills and prepare for academic and professional success.
Founded in 1996 by CUNY Central Office members Leslee Oppenheim and John Mogulescu, CLIP was created to address the challenges many English language learners face while simultaneously taking ESL and college-credit courses. The program’s immersive model provides 25 hours of intensive English instruction each week, helping students build the language, academic and personal skills needed to succeed in college.
The anniversary celebration featured a historical presentation with archival photographs, remarks from longtime faculty and staff, recognition of student achievement and the annual Pina Capone Essay Contest, where students reflected on how the program impacted their lives.
Over the years, CLIP has evolved into more than an English immersion program. Students from across Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have built a multicultural community while participating in museum collaborations and educational trips to places such as Washington, D.C. and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
“CLIP students are very grateful for the assistance that we give them,” said CLIP Director Jason Davis, who has been with the program since its inception. “It’s very fulfilling to see that you’re changing people’s lives and helping them move forward.”
According to college data shared during the celebration, CLIP students at BCC are twice as likely to graduate as non-CLIP students and, on average, earn a full letter grade higher academically. Program leaders attribute those outcomes to CLIP’s intensive structure, strong attendance expectations and wraparound support services.CLIP alumni have gone on to careers in medicine, higher education, public service and other fields, with some returning to BCC in professional roles.
“What makes this program special is that it’s not just about learning English,” Davis said. “Students build confidence, community and a sense of possibility for their future.”
The winners of this year’s Pina Capone Essay Contest were: First Place, Said Rosario; evening program – Hoguady Hilario and Second Place: Ana Fernandez; evening program – Marielys Marquez.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
