Message From The President
2024-2025 HOSTOS CATALOG MESSAGE
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu’s observation was true when it was first made thousands of years ago, and it remains true today. Wherever we want to go, wherever our dreams and desires may lead us, it all starts with a single action.
Many of you will soon take that first step by enrolling at Hostos. This might be your initial foray into secondary education or you might be returning to it after an interim in which you pursued other personal and professional goals. Whatever your circumstances, you’ve decided to take charge of things and take an active role in shaping your destiny.
Hostos was founded close to 60 years ago to assist students with that very process. The College arose from the vision and activism of many Puerto Rican, Latino, and other supporters who believed the South Bronx deserved its own community college. Hostos found and continues to find inspiration in the work and life of its namesake: Don Eugenio María de Hostos, the Puerto Rican philosopher, educator, man of letters and fighter for the independence of Puerto Rico. He believed in the transformative power of education; we share in that belief and carry his message forward.
Our mission remains the same as it was in 1968 – making affordable and high-quality secondary education accessible for all who seek it – but the College has changed with the times and now utilizes a wide variety of virtual, actual and/or hybrid learning opportunities. The world is ever-changing and ever-expanding, and offer students the most up-to-date courses of study to participate effectively in it. (For example, Hostos was the first CUNY school to offer a degree in Game Design.)
Chances are, if you’re interested in studying a particular subject or pursuing a certain discipline, Hostos is just the place you’ve been looking for. The College offers associate in arts (A.A.) and associate in science (A.S.) degrees in over two dozen fields of study, encompassing – but not limited to – Liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies; Criminal justice/law enforcement administration; Business administration and management; Community health services/liaison/ counseling; Dental hygiene/hygienist; Registered nursing; Accounting technology/technician and bookkeeping; Medical radiologic technology/science and therapy; Animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects; Adult development and aging; Foods, nutrition, and wellness studies; and well over a dozen other areas of study.
Certificate Programs are another venue to personal and professional achievement. Our hard-working Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) Department certifies students in various aspects of Allied Health, Construction, Language Skills, Professional Development, Site Safety and other fields.
Hostos understands that the process of education isn’t only a matter of academics. We pay close attention to extra-curricular matters that can affect your work in the actual and/or virtual classroom. Financial aid is available to those in need. Student Parents can rest easy knowing their little ones are being taken care of in our on-campus Children’s Center. Our Food Pantry helps to fight food insecurity issues. Our Counseling Center promotes psychological well-being. Other resources include the College’s Career Services Office; the Hostos Academic earning Center (HALC); the Health Services Office; Orientation and Advisement; Veterans Affairs; and many others, all of which are prepared to go the extra mile for you.
Hostos is not only an institution of higher learning; it is also part of the larger community of the South Bronx. We are proud to play a role in the artistic, cultural, economic, and political lives of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, to name only one example, is nationally recognized for its support of Latino/a/x and African-based programming. To name another: Hostos has served as the home for town halls, forums, and other gatherings designed to discuss local, state, and federal legislation and policies that affect our students and their families. The South Bronx is our home, and we believe in giving back.
Your journey to a new future is about to begin. This catalog will help you determine how and where and when you go about that journey. Our award-winning faculty members are committed to your scholastic success and are part of the supportive, nurturing community you’ll find at Hostos. Everyone – faculty, administration, staff – is dedicated to helping you derive the most from your time here.
If you have questions, we have answers.
You have goals – and we’ll help you achieve them.
It is a joy to welcome you to Hostos!
I wish you much success. Thank you for choosing Hostos as you begin your new journey.
Sincerely,
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President