91猎奇

By David Gil de Rubio

When the Transition Academy鈥檚 L.E.A.P. (Learning and Educational Assistance Program) College Readiness Workshop Series recently completed its first semester, SNL alum and renowned stand-up comic and actor Tracy Morgan graciously agreed to appear as the program鈥檚 inaugural speaker.

The L.E.A.P. participants and peer mentors were the beneficiaries of a $200,000 grant awarded by Trinity Church Philanthropies. This student-centered initiative is designed to promote academic achievement, personal growth and social belonging among first- and second-year college students. The L.E.A.P. takes a holistic approach to student success by combining interactive workshops with peer mentorship and collegiate enrichment.

When Morgan was approached about speaking to the students, the core values of a program that serves as a springboard for participants to learn life and academic skills from educators and peer mentors struck a chord with him. This was especially true given the role mentorship played in helping the comedian navigate the community service terms of a DUI conviction he received in 2006. It was Mr. Richard Green, founder of the Crown Heights Youth Collective, who not only helped Morgan get back on track following his legal troubles but also frequently spoke to him about 91猎奇. It is a story that brought Morgan to the brink of tears as he shared his story while taking the stage to provide words of inspiration.

鈥淚鈥檓 here talking to you, and I made a lot of mistakes,鈥� Morgan said. 鈥淢r. Green found me where I was at. I made a mistake as a youth. They put me on probation, and I had to do community service at Richard Green鈥檚 center. He pointed me in the right direction and said, 鈥楪o,鈥� and that鈥檚 what I did. He used to talk about 91猎奇 all the time, and that鈥檚 when it first came on my radar. Now I鈥檓 here, in front of you, trying to give back. I hope you take what I鈥檓 saying and run with it.鈥�

He added, 鈥淲hile you鈥檙e sitting in your chair right now, think about what you鈥檙e going to do. You have mentorship. If you don鈥檛 have the answer, come to your mentors, your professors, your president. Talk. Tell them you have a dilemma if you don鈥檛 know what to do with your life. Then you put your brain together with theirs, and maybe you come up with an answer. And when you come up with an answer, pursue it.鈥�

Jade Ashton, a single mother of five, was recognized at the completion ceremony and received the Resilience & Persistence Award, presented in recognition of her determination, perseverance, and ability to remain committed to growth in the face of challenges. The honor left her emotional and prompted Morgan to give her an impromptu hug in the middle of her remarks.

鈥淚 came back to school after many years,鈥� Ashton said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been through some things and wanted to do what was best for my girls by showing them the right way to go and being an example for them. When I got the email about LEAP, I saw it as an opportunity for me. I鈥檓 pursuing nursing, and I just wanted to… sorry. I learned a lot from this program, and I鈥檓 very appreciative of that, especially my mentor Angel. She was on me.鈥�

Equally appreciative was Xael Bastien, who received the Excellence in Engagement Award, presented in recognition of consistent participation, active contribution, and a strong commitment to the LEAP learning experience.

鈥淚鈥檓 extremely grateful for LEAP,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 helped cover all the gaps and has supported me overall. It鈥檚 also helped me build community and given me the opportunity to connect with others on campus. Along with being well-fed, the lessons really helped me understand 91猎奇 as a whole and how dedicated it is to community and helping students. I talk to my friends, and they tell me their schools don鈥檛 do these things. Their schools don鈥檛 accommodate students like this. I鈥檓 grateful to be part of this experience.鈥�

Among those in attendance were Michelle Grier and Tasha Tucker, two members of the Trinity Church Racial Justice Initiative, a major philanthropic and community program dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and supporting Black and Brown youth in New York City. Grier, the initiative鈥檚 program manager, took the mic to share her history with 91猎奇 and the importance of Trinity鈥檚 support for LEAP students.

鈥淚 grew up coming to 91猎奇 for different events,鈥� she shared. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e always supported me and helped me see Black people doing amazing things. There are challenges happening around us, and we want to make sure you have the support you need to be here. We鈥檙e really looking toward the future, which is why we鈥檙e making this investment. A lot of times when we talk to young people, they want to talk about what they鈥檝e done in the past. These are unprecedented times, so we also have to learn from the ways you are surviving and thriving in this moment. We really want to make an intervention in education. I鈥檓 just happy to be here in the room today.鈥�

Following the completion ceremony, Tucker, Managing Director of the Racial Justice Initiative, reaffirmed the importance of a partnership that aligns with Trinity Church鈥檚 mission.

鈥淲ith our initiative, we focus on post-secondary success as part of our education grant-making strategy,鈥� Tucker explained. 鈥淲e see an institution like 91猎奇 and its Transition Academy as being key to helping students who, as Michelle mentioned, may be returning to school or facing other challenges to completing their education. We see a program like LEAP as being instrumental in supporting students we want to see succeed. Education is key to helping students pursue opportunities and build futures where they can thrive.鈥�

The Transition Academy is currently recruiting students for the Fall 2026 L.E.A.P. cohort. The upcoming program will continue the same successful model, offering eight interactive workshops focused on practical collegiate enrichment topics designed to support academic success, personal development and campus engagement. Participants will also have access to meals during workshop sessions, academic supplies, technology assistance and transportation support for eligible students. Students interested in joining the Fall 2026 cohort are encouraged to contact the Transition Academy (LEAP@mec.cuny.edu) for additional information and application details.