UMLP Injects Funding to Support Lehman Students

Members of the Urban Male Leadership Program attend the 10th Annual Awards & Scholarship Brunch. Photo: Lehman Multimedia Center

By Daniel Douglas

Amid growing concerns over federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, the Urban Male Leadership Program at Lehman College marked the return of its largest fundraiser, its annual brunch, after a six-year COVID-19 pause. UMLP aims to surpass the $20,000 raised at its last in-person brunch during its 10th Annual Awards & Scholarship Brunch on Feb. 7 at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx.

The fundraiser comes as the City University of New York system faces uncertainty in federal support. In 2025 and 2026, dozens of CUNY research projects were threatened after federal grant cancellations put millions of dollars at risk, prompting the university to launch a “Research Bridge Fund” to sustain affected work.

“We understood how important this was not just for us, but for the organization itself and for future generations.”

-Ferdinand Essizewa, Lehman Alumnus

Increasing tuition and cost of living in the Bronx add to the financial strain on students. According to CUNY data, most undergraduates come from households earning less than $30,000 annually, making scholarships and private fundraising essential to closing financial gaps.

“We do receive money from the City Council and the state, but those tax levy dollars can only be used for operational expenses,” said Dr. Jermaine right, vice president for student affairs at Lehman. “With the fundraiser dollars, we’re able to provide scholarships for books and tuition - things that help students make it to the finish line.”

Proceeds from the event will go directly to programs and services that help students succeed beyond the classroom, filling gaps that government funding cannot cover.

“The funds raised today will support our spring induction ceremony and other student programming,” said Adeleke Akano, student life manager for UMLP. “It’s an example of what happens when the community comes together to support our students.”

Students and alumni said the program also provides mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Gabriel Bencosme, a Lehman senior graduating this semester, said UMLP transformed his college experience.

“All I wanted was a bachelor’s degree,” Bencosme said. “I had no intention of joining programs or finding a community.”

But through UMLP, Bencosme said he gained mentorship and professional preparation that extended beyond academics.

Alumnus Ferdinand Essizewa said the program’s fundraising and mentorship model helps support future students.

“We understood how important this was - not just for us, but for the organization itself and for future generations,” Essizewa said.

As federal funding remains uncertain, UMLP leaders said expanding scholarships and strengthening community partnerships will remain central to helping more Lehman students graduate.

The Urban Male Leadership Program supports students at Lehman College by strengthening academic skills, leadership development and personal growth. With a focus on historically underrepresented Black and Latino males, the program aims to improve retention and graduation rates while fostering a strong sense of community, making events like the annual brunch a critical investment in student success.