A recent study on income mobility published by The Equality of Opportunity Project ranked Berkeley College New York in the top 1 percent of 2,137 colleges across the nation for overall income mobility, at No. 21.

The study, titled, “Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility,” provides an analysis of “colleges in America that contribute the most to helping (students) climb the income ladder.” According to the study, which looks at access and outcomes, 39 percent of students at Berkeley College moved up two or more quintiles in their income.

“For many years Berkeley College has served as an institution that provides the environment and rigor for students to succeed in a dynamic universe. This study statistically validates and evidences what Berkeley College has been accomplishing for our students by creating value-added educational experiences,” said Michael J. Smith, President of Berkeley College. “We are so proud of all the work our students have undertaken by investing in their futures, the returns on which are being manifested on a daily basis.”

While national efforts have included expanding access of low-income students to elite colleges and universities, the authors of the study state: “Although these highly selective colleges have excellent outcomes, expanding access to the high-mobility-rate colleges identified here (in the study) may provide a more scalable model for increasing upward mobility for large numbers” of students. Mobility rate is defined as the percentage of students who come from a family in the bottom fifth of the income distribution and end up in the top fifth of the income distribution.

The income mobility study was recently published in “The Upshot” column in The New York Times, which reported on economic diversity and student outcomes. “The Upshot” is a New York Times website with analysis and data visualizations about politics, policy and everyday life.

To read more stories about Berkeley, scroll down:

Berkeley Nursing Student Finds Career Growth as Part of Inaugural LPN to BSN Program
Mayor of Newark Merges Arts and Education with Berkeley College Students
Berkeley College Students Present History and Sustainability of Fashion at Paterson Museum
CIANJ Recognizes Berkeley College Best Practice in Career Services
Council for Interior Design Accredits Berkeley College Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

Djenane Bartholomew (left), DNP, Practical Nurse and Patient Technician program, School of Health Studies, Berkeley College, faculty mentor, and Latoya Yvette Spears, LPN-BSN student, in the classroom at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Berkeley College Nursing Student Finds Career Growth as Part of Inaugural LPN to BSN Program

In the fall of 2016, a special program for licensed practical nurses (LPN) seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree began at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, as the result of a collaboration with Union County College that was supported through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Jersey Health Initiatives Program. Latoya Yvette Spears of Kenilworth, NJ, is proud to be one of the students in this inaugural class who expects to complete the last semester of the program and graduate in December 2017.

For Ms. Spears, the road to career success has been long. It took her six years to earn a Licensed Practical Nurse degree while working full time as a Pharmacy Technician at Walgreen’s and raising a family of five children with her husband. Inspired by her family and colleagues, she was honored to accept a special invitation to join the inaugural class at Berkeley College that would open new doors.

“The LPN to BSN program affords Licensed Practical Nurses the opportunity to seamlessly transition and advance their education,” said Josiane Hickson, EdD, RN, Chair, Practical Nurse and Patient Care Technician programs, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. “Due to the fact that industry demand for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses is growing, this program gives nurses a variety of choices for professional experience and growth.”

Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, CEO, National League for Nursing, also has acknowledged the value of this historic program in New Jersey. “The design and implementation of seamless models that promote academic progression and lifelong learning is vital to meet the national call for a highly educated and competent nursing workforce,” said Dr. Malone.

Despite her busy schedule, Ms. Spears finds ways to make it all happen. While she is enrolled full time in the rigorous LPN to BSN program, she works for two home health care agencies. “Working in home care rather than in a job with fixed work times made it easier for me to accommodate my schedule,” she said.

She enjoys helping people and also finds time to give back to the community, serving in two ministries at her church. Ms. Spears recalls admiring her aunt who is a nurse and all of her accomplishments. When working alongside Registered Nurses at a school for children with special needs, her colleagues encouraged her to obtain a higher degree. Now, as part of her semester’s portfolio development work with Dr. Hickson, Ms. Spears is researching how to further her education by pursuing professional opportunities and enrollment in a Master of Education program after she graduates with her Bachelor’s degree. On her own initiative, Ms. Spears asked one of her professors, Djenane Bartholomew, DNP, Practical Nurse and Patient Technician program, School of Health Studies, Berkeley College, to be her mentor.

“All of my professors challenge me to do my best,” Ms. Spears said. “They are all approachable, willing to explain and go the extra mile if I cannot grasp a concept right away. They show that they care about me and my success.”

When asked about how her enrollment at Berkeley College is preparing her for success she said, “I see myself being successful in the future and always continuing my education because you should never stop learning,” Ms. Spears added. “I am also successful if all of my children see me as a role model or imitate or learn from my example of never quitting and obtaining their goals.”

Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ (third from left), welcomes the Newark community to the opening reception of the annual Open Doors Citywide Festival, held at the Newark Museum on October 11, 2017. Also picture with the Mayor is Marco Hall, Newark-based fashion designer (fourth from right); Camille Brown of East Orange, NJ, President of the Berkeley College Fashion Club in Newark (second from right); Earl Brown, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College, Newark; and models who appeared in a fashion show organized by Mr. Hall and students from the Berkeley College Fashion Club.

Mayor of Newark Merges Arts and Education with Berkeley College Students

Berkeley College Fashion Club Collaborates with Designer Marco Hall for Open Doors Citywide Festival

The City of Newark, NJ, ignited its initiative to give locally grown talent and artists a platform to inspire its community at the opening reception for the Open Doors Citywide Festival, held at the Newark Museum on October 11, 2017. Hosted by Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ, the evening gave leaders of the arts, education and business communities a first look at an exhibit created by students from the Berkeley College Fashion Club in Newark in collaboration with renowned Newark-based designer Marco Hall.

“The Open Doors Citywide Festival is an exciting opportunity for all of us to not just showcase art in our city, but also to show the rest of the country how to advance community by using art,” said Mayor Baraka.

A fashion show at the reception highlighted designs that inspired the contribution from Mr. Hall and the Berkeley College students to the Open Doors Citywide Festival, a signature celebration hosted by the non-profit organization Newark Arts. Titled “Asian Minor,” the exhibit displays an eclectic mix of pattern, prints and colors that embodies the culture and essence of Turkey, Tibet and Mongolia.

“This was a chance for me to not only help bring out the talent and love these students have for fashion, but also to give them a glimpse at the industry from behind the scenes,” said Mr. Hall. “I hope our collaboration gave the students a better sense of the hard work and true passion it takes to achieve your dreams.”

While the Fashion Club is comprised of students from all majors, many members are enrolled in the Berkeley College Fashion Merchandising and Management program, which integrates the creative and business aspects of the fashion industry with current technologies, covering the complete fashion global supply chain.

“Working with someone with as much experience in the fashion industry as Marco taught us how to better work and communicate with each other,” said Camille Brown of East Orange, NJ, President of the Berkeley College Fashion Club in Newark, NJ. “Seeing our efforts implemented and executed was inspirational.”

“Asian Minor” is part of an array of exhibits, screenings, workshops, artist talks, performances, and open studios that are occurring throughout the City of Newark as part of the Open Doors Citywide Festival. Mr. Hall and students’ collaboration will be on display from now until October 15 at the Berkeley College campus in Newark (536 Broad Street).

“We are totally committed to involving Newark’s next generation in arts and culture events like this festival, and are glad to have Berkeley College and its talented students as partners,” said Lauren Craig, Marketing Manager, Newark Arts.

“Being a part of an initiative that presents Newark as an arts hub for New Jersey and beyond provides our students access to the arts and resources that will enhance their higher educational experience and prepare them for success in dynamic careers,” said Earl Brown, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College, Newark. Mr. Brown also lauded Anthony Clark, Business Developer with the Office of Career Services at Berkeley College, for his role in facilitating the collaboration between Newark Arts and Berkeley College.

Models present a historical overview of style at the Paterson Museum’s eco-friendly fashion art installation, Paterson Eco-Chic, during a fashion show orchestrated by the Berkeley College Fashion Club of Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Berkeley College Students Present History and Sustainability of Fashion at Paterson Museum

Students from the Berkeley College Fashion Club in Woodland Park, NJ, helped the Paterson Museum launched its eco-friendly fashion art installation, Paterson Eco-Chic, on September 17, 2017. The exhibit displays garments made with recyclable materials donated by manufacturing companies based in Paterson, NJ.

“Paterson Eco-Chic is meant to bring awareness to not only the silk and textile industry’s rich history in Paterson, but also to the undeniable need for sustainable practice in fashion,” said Cristina Deutsch, Paterson Eco-Chic Project Director & Curator at the Paterson Museum.

As part of the opening reception for Paterson Eco-Chic, the Berkeley College Fashion Club orchestrated a fashion show that presented a historical overview of fashion style in Paterson, displaying garments that ranged from the Victorian era to the 1960s.

“Our objective was to create a fashion show that enhanced consciousness within the community about the role Paterson and sustainability have played in fashion,” said Palenia Pichardo of Paterson, President of the Berkeley College Fashion Club in Woodland Park.

While the Club is comprised of students from all majors, many of its members are enrolled in the Berkeley College Fashion Merchandising and Management program, which integrates the creative and business aspects of the fashion industry with current technologies, covering the complete fashion global supply chain.

“The experience of developing this show gave Berkeley College students, who are cultivating a business intellect along with a sense of style, a chance to apply what they are learning in class into practice,” said Professor William Filerino, PhD, Fashion Merchandising and Management, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®.

Curated by Ms. Deutsch, Paterson Eco-Chic is made possible in part from a grant administered by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council with funds provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The garments displayed in the exhibit were created by local artists, students from the Bergen County Academies, and acclaimed theater designers like Victoria Pero. Recyclable materials used to make the pieces were donated by Les Metalliers Champenois, Accurate Box, Greenbaum Interiors, Feldman Brothers, and more.

Commerce and Industry Association of NJ recently held its Best Practices awards event at Naninas in the Park in Bellville, NJ. / Russ DeSantis Photography and Video, LLC

CIANJ Recognizes Berkeley College Best Practice in Career Services

Berkeley College was among the honorees at the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE magazine Best Practices Awards reception, held on September 12, 2017, at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, NJ. Other recipients of the best practices award included notable firms such as Deloitte & Touche, Valley National Bank, Hackensack Meridian Health and Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti.

Berkeley College was honored for the best practice in the Office of Career Services that empowers students and graduates to realize lifelong success in dynamic careers. Lifetime career assistance is available to more than 50,000 Berkeley College alumni.

From resume writing to interviewing for required internships, researching firms, establishing and sustaining digital footprints and employment, the department’s staff of more than 30 professionals provides one-on-one career counseling from the time a student first enrolls through and beyond graduation.

“The career services focus of Berkeley College for our students and alumni is essential to supplying a constant flow of talent into our workplaces and our communities,” said President Michael J. Smith. “We move career-focused students across the graduation stage into lifelong professional and personal success.”

The Berkeley College Office of Career Services conducts approximately 45 career fairs and 95 on-campus recruiting events annually. It also organizes 70 workshops and panels for students and alumni, including those for special audiences such as military and veteran students or those interested in a particular field.

The independent panel of judges selected award recipients in the areas of accounting, architecture and engineering, banking, contractors, environmental business, financial services, food and beverages, fundraising, healthcare, higher education, human resources, law, manufacturing, marketing/website development, real estate, supply chain, technology, utilities, and wine and spirits. You can see a full list of all Best Practice award recipients here.

Council for Interior Design Accredits Berkeley College Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

Accreditation Recognizes Achievement in Graduate Preparation for Interior Design Practice

Berkeley College has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) in Grand Rapids, MI. The accreditation is effective for a period of six years, through 2023, when the program will be visited again for re-accreditation.

According to the CIDA, institutions that receive accreditation have undergone a rigorous evaluation process of programs that prepare graduates for interior design practice. The evaluation process for accreditation of the institution’s interior design program takes about one year. Enrolling in a CIDA-accredited interior design program means the student can be confident that the program meets standards recognized by the profession and fulfills educational requirements necessary for entry into the profession upon graduation. This accreditation gives Berkeley College students the added benefit of being affiliated with more than 150 quality interior design programs at institutions worldwide.

“Accreditation by the CIDA affirms the commitment of Berkeley College to continuous improvement and to provide an excellent education in interior design for our students and for our graduates,” said Beth Castiglia, PhD, Berkeley College Provost. “Berkeley is proud to join the other programs accredited to deliver a quality curricula and support to students in the field of interior design that have committed to the principles of the CIDA.”

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Associate’s degree programs offered at Berkeley College prepare students to pursue careers in creative positions as residential or commercial interior designers, exhibit designers, designers in architectural firms, and others. Faculty members in this program are selected for both academic excellence and relevant professional experience in interior design. They combine firsthand knowledge and know-how with classroom instruction for a thorough education for entry into the professional world.

“An accredited program means that Berkeley College voluntarily placed itself before the scrutiny of the profession,” said Michael McAteer, DBA, Dean, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies. “Berkeley has invested resources to ensure that the education a student receives will not only serve the student during her or his time at school, but also position the student for future professional growth.