Dear Incoming Ninth Grader:
We would first like to say CONGRATULATIONS on your recent match to Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Queens! On behalf of the BHSEC Queens Admissions team and Bard DNA Family, welcome to Bard! We are excited that you have shown interest in an early college education and in attending BHSEC.
Bard DNA Fellows Program
Attending BHSEC affords all of our students the opportunity to engage in a rigorous academic environment and contribute to a dynamic community. As an incoming ninth-grade student, you have the exciting opportunity to join the Bard Diverse Network of Action (DNA) Fellows Program! The purpose of the Bard DNA Fellows Program is to provide additional academic support, mentorship, professional and leadership development, and a sense of community to BHSEC Queen’s students during their four years here. The Bard DNA Fellows Program aims to support students from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic and social transition to BHSEC Queens. Therefore, due to the limited number of students we can offer this opportunity to, preference will be given to students who identify as being from a group who has been historically underrepresented in higher education. These groups include students who racially identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), American Indian or Alaskan Native; first-generation college-goers; students with disabilities; or students who are eligible for free lunch.
Bard DNA Fellows will receive:
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Access to leadership and skill-development workshops
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Access to a Chromebook
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Mentoring opportunities
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Invitations to special field trips and opportunities
Bard DNA Fellows are required to:
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Attend the 2023 Bard DNA Virtual Summer Program (July 10 - July 28)
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Attend the monthly Bard DNA Fellows leadership and skill development workshop series, held after school during the school year
2023 Bard DNA Summer Program
This summer, we will be hosting our 6th Annual Bard DNA Summer Program for students who enroll in the Bard DNA Fellows Program. The Bard DNA Summer Program is three weeks long, from July 10th - July 28th, 9:00am - 3:35pm, and will be held at BHSEC Queens. Students will be able to participate in the summer program at no cost.
The summer program will challenge students and help them build the necessary skills to be successful in an early college environment. The summer DNA teachers will immerse students in engaging coursework and connect with students to discuss their potential for academic growth and advancement. Additionally, students will be supported by Bard DNA Peer Mentors who are current BHSEC students. By facilitating workshops and leading our community bonding sessions, Peer Mentors will serve as a resource and support for incoming students as they prepare to transition into the BHSEC Queens community. Integrated into the three week program are Friday field trips off campus, including a visit to our partner institution Bard College.
Please note: There will be a Family Meeting held at BHSEC Queens, for all students participating in the DNA Summer Program, on Thursday, July 6th at 5:30pm. Parents and families will be able to attend the meeting with their incoming 9th grader to meet the summer teachers, student leaders and learn more about what to expect during the DNA Summer Program. More details to come, once your enrollment in the DNA Fellows Program is confirmed.
If you are interested in joining the Bard DNA Fellows Program and participating in the Bard DNA Summer Program, please complete the online application by Monday, June 5th: https://tinyurl.com/DNA-2023-Application.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Karimah Shabazz
Director of Bard DNA
718-361-3133
