RETHINKING HOW WE EDUCATE OUR YOUTH FOR THE BUSINESS WORLD TODAY
SOPHIA FRANCO
CONGRATULATIONS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, YOU DID IT! THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST EXCITING TIME IN A TEENAGER’S LIFE, BUT THE WORK IS REALLY JUST BEGINNING. THIS IS ALSO A TIME WHERE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ARE FORCED TO JUMP HEAD FIRST INTO THE REAL WORLD.
All will agree that higher education is paramount, but this leaves many high school seniors perplexed and wondering, is college even worth the effort, or should I just go ahead and get a job so I can start my real life? If I start this journey, am I even going to finish? I’ve spent the last twelve years in yeshivah, do I really want to spend the next four years in a place where I am not even sure how to address my fellow classmates? What should I do?
For almost two decades, our children’s lives are planned to perfection. Now, for the first time, the decision is theirs: what will they do with the rest of their lives?
Today, the new Focus Program in collaboration with Touro University has given us compelling answers to these burning questions. Abraham Sultan, board member, explained, “Focus is presenting incoming students with an accelerated route to their Associate’s Degree in a protected and secure environment. Designed by the community for the community, the program minimizes the burden of superfluous core courses that are not directly beneficial to the chosen careers of our students, and brings these young adults to the end goal faster, and safely.” Community member Joe Mansour added, “The only area that our community never really attacked, until now, is the area of post high school secular education.”
Located in a brand new 30,000 square foot building on Ocean Avenue and Avenue J, Focus can accommodate up to 500 students, and is both convenient and safe. The class schedules are flexible, catering to any student’s schedule. This program is custom tailored to each individual student’s needs, allowing for a more time-efficient route. While, of course, it goes without saying that all courses and any form of education is useful, in today’s society, as the saying goes, “time is money.” This is an incredible opportunity for those looking to further their education and career prospects, with a concentrated strategy.
On April 24th, Focus hosted an open house info session on the campus at 2002 Avenue J. A testament to the great interest and high demand for this program, the place was literally buzzing. Many eager parents and students showed up to learn more, and ask questions, and forge a path that makes sense.
Board Members Michael Tawil and Abraham Sultan introduced the program, providing important details and introducing Dean Henry Abramson and Dean Esther Braun to the crowd. Together they fielded many thoughtful questions from attendees during a live Q&A session. They covered a lot of ground, and if this is any indication, it looks like there will be a full student body this September.
Q: What types of courses will Focus Education be offering, and how were these courses selected?
A: The current concentrations that Focus offers are numerous, covering ground in marketing, finance, accounting, management, digital multimedia, JAVA programming, cybersecurity and networking, sonography, real estate, para legal, and education; selected based on community needs and feedback.
Q: Can you explain the fast-track program and how students can complete an AS degree in 12 to 24 months?
A: In this program there are fewer liberal arts and required courses. The focus is on the field each student wants to major in. The standard completion is two years, but an industrious student can complete it sooner if they enter with previous credits, either from high school, summer school, or other college courses. Credits are easily transferable to and from this program.
Q: How does Focus Education differ from traditional universities in terms of its values and learning environment?
A: In general, Touro college is much more in line with our community’s values and beliefs. It is a more contained environment, and that will carry through to Focus.
Q: Will other concentration programs be added to Focus for students who are interested in pursuing careers out of those ten that you currently offer?
A: Yes, of course. Our goal is to serve the community’s needs. If we see that other tracks are in demand, we will surely add more courses. We are open to suggestion.
Q: What is the difference between Focus and a CUNY school?
A: Unlike in a CUNY, students will have the ability to choose much more focused courses toward their major, and take fewer “core” required ones. This not only saves time and money, but is a great asset to an ambitious student who wants to excel in his field.
Q: Will students be able to continue on at Focus to get their Bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes, and that will also go quickly. Most students will be able to complete their Bachelor’s in approximately three years.
Q: Will there be internships available and possible outplacing services to help students find jobs after graduating?
A: Yes, there will be. Touro University has plenty of intern and job placement resources already available, and entrepreneurial students of Focus will be able to take advantage of all of them.
Q: Will the teachers of Focus be community teachers?
A: No, they will be Touro accredited teachers, but there will also be opportunities to hear experienced and recognizable guest speakers from the community throughout the programs.
Q: How does the partnership with Touro University benefit students at Focus Education?
A: Touro University is a worldwide accredited program that has been established for over 50 years. Students of Focus will have the benefit of hundreds of personnel and tens of thousands of alumni, and all the resources, connections and networking that those relationships offer — while they are in school, and thereafter.
Q: Will there be any financial aid or scholarship options available for students at Focus Education?
A: Yes, where applicable.
Q: How will the community aspect of Focus Education help students with their career goals?
A: This is a community backed program, and it offers that camaraderie and business networking opportunity to all of our students. We want our students to succeed and will use Focus’ vast network of community members and Touro alumni to help place all students who work hard and dedicate themselves to their field of choice. We created it especially, to serve that goal. There are academic advisors available throughout the experience, and community members on the board that are willing to lend an ear or a hand whenever necessary.
Q: How does Focus Education ensure that its curriculum is up-to-date and relevant to the current job market?
A: We lean on Touro for that; Touro is an international school system on top of all academic standards and keeping up to date with everything.
Q: Will there be any opportunities for internships or hands-on experience in the industry as part of the program?
A: Absolutely, yes. We have job placement services available, and we offer a flexible schedule — with courses available mornings, afternoons and evenings — so, we’ll help you get a job, and we’ll give you the flexibility to do it. This also allows for other commitments, or employment, while still in school. Our goal is to do everything in our power to help a conscientious student reach their goal. We are here to help.
Ranked #1 in the nation in Money Magazine’s, 50 Colleges that add most value, a Touro education is one that is focused on its student’s career success. Focus is making it that much easier to succeed in the program. From the looks of this meeting, our community is walking into Focus with guns blazing, and an optimistic attitude. Michael Tawil said, “In twenty years we’ll look at this program and wonder how we ever lived without it.”
To apply, please visit www.FocusEducation.us or call 718-426-5040.
Sophia Franco is a mom and grandma, and a lover of the written word in all forms. She has been an author, lyricist and poet for our community for more years than she can count. Additional reporting for this article was done by Linda Berkovits.
