LEADS Program Letter

This page will allow the user to advocate for the CUNY LEADS program.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

As a supporter of CUNY LEADS, I respectfully request that you send a letter to the Higher Education Committee Chair and Chamber Leadership supporting the University's request for $2 million dollars to continue funding CUNY LEADS and that you speak up for this successful, job development program in conference.

CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics, & Disability Services), is an existing partnership between the City University of New York and Vocational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), created to provide students with disabilities academic support, career development, and job placement services CUNY LEADS' individualized, holistic approach has resulted in unprecedented success for students, who are generally regarded as an at-risk population: participants have an 86% retention rate and intend to pursue advanced degrees leading to higher paying employment outcomes; CUNY LEADS students who are job-ready have a 71% employment rate, compared to the 56% national employment rate for people with disabilities; and starting wages are 35% higher than for non-LEADS, VESID clients.

CUNY LEADS has proven to be a significant stimulus. A modest investment of approximately $10,000 can prepare and place a CUNY LEADS student in competitive employment saving New York State $14,312 per year in disability benefits alone. Over the course of a 30 year work history, this represents a total savings of $418,222 in NYS disability benefits for each LEADS job placement.

The worst nightmare would be for CUNY LEADS to fade away. Right now, CUNY LEADS funding is scheduled to run out in July 2010 which would mean that 70% of students in the CUNY LEADS pipeline would lose crucial supports, including all-important job placement services. 23 CUNY LEADS staff - fellow New Yorkers who work so hard to create opportunities for students with disabilities, would lose their jobs.

Again, as a supporter of CUNY LEADS, I respectfully request that you send a letter to the Speaker supporting the University's request for $2 million dollars to continue funding CUNY LEADS and that you speak up for this successful, job development program in conference. 
  
INVEST IN NEW YORK'S FUTURE!

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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