Cannabis in the Bronx doesn’t look the way it used to, and that change didn’t happen overnight. Since New York passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021, legal dispensaries have slowly started to take shape across the borough. But even now, the shift from illegal to legal isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Students at Lehman College in the Bronx say accessing affordable, healthy food remains a major challenge, as rising costs and limited options push many toward cheaper, less nutritious meals. This issue affects students both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods, where fast food is often more accessible than fresh, healthy alternatives.

On April 17, Lehman’s Excellence in Education and Community Conference showcased human-centric educational practices such as hands-on, experimental learning and a design thinking model. Sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the event empowered students to access their multilingual abilities and personal histories and trained educators to ensure that empathy is at the front of their work with students.

As mental health challenges continue to rise in the Bronx, college students across the borough say the pressure of working full-time, supporting their families, and keeping up with classes is pushing many to seek counseling or step away from school entirely.