Chancellor John B. King Jr. opened The Bronx Educational Opportunity Centers at 2467 Jerome Avenue neighborhood..
The EOC had been housed in its previous location on Bathgate Avenue for the past three decades. “The Bronx EOC has built a legacy of service through their academic and workforce development programs, which support economic advancement, and that work will only be enhanced by this cutting-edge facility,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “EOCs are a cornerstone of SUNY’s commitment to foster upward mobility for communities and populations that have historically been excluded from such crucial opportunities. Thanks to the support of our champions in state and local government, and our partners at Bronx Community College, the Bronx EOC is now better positioned to add a new chapter to its proud history of advancing equity for individuals and families.”
Dr.King was joined at the Bronx EOC by SUNY Board Trustee Marcos A. Crespo, who said, “As a Bronx resident, I am profoundly proud to join SUNY leaders, elected officials, and community members at the ribbon cutting for the new Bronx EOC facility. We are confident this facility will broaden opportunities for New Yorkers in search of economic and career mobility, and we're excited to continue working with EOCs across our state as they reach new heights.”
Through more than 35 years of affiliation with CUNY Bronx Community College, the Bronx EOC has served as an adult learning education center, with academic programs leading to GED attainment, access to higher education, and innovative workforce training that provides a path to gainful employment. In the 2023-24 program year, the center enrolled 580 educationally and economically disadvantaged students. This resulted in over 230 certificates and licenses earned, as well as more than 50 confirmed job placements.
Tamara Frazier, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of SUNY’s Black Leadership Institute added, “For nearly four decades the Bronx EOC has been a pillar in uplifting members of the community as they look to achieve their professional and personal endeavors. I am confident that the new EOC facility will only extend the work of this already impactful network. As we open these new doors, we are thankful for the work and dedication of the Bronx EOC team, and the financial commitment and support from our Governor, the legislature, and local community leaders.”
Bronx EOC Executive Director Ronnie Hector said, “At the Bronx EOC, lives are transformed, dreams are realized, and hope flourishes. Our students are our neighbors, friends, family, and new friends from around the globe. With this new cutting-edge facility and the support of our faculty and staff, the State University of New York, our host campus Bronx Community College, elected officials, and employer and community partners, the Bronx EOC is poised to provide additional pathways to economic and social mobility.”
SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development Associate Provost and Director Lisa Jackson said, “As the Bronx EOC approaches 40 years of service to the community, this relocation underscores the center’s enduring ability to adapt and thrive for the betterment of the people it serves. The new location will open doors for more Bronx residents to access the EOC’s life-changing programs and services, and the facility is equipped to enhance what the center offers today and into the future. I thank and commend Chancellor King, Interim President Santiago, Mr. Hector, and our legislative partners for their work to solidify and expand the Bronx EOC’s impact.”