Baruch College Expands Business Academy

Guttman Community College becomes fourth partner in Baruch’s initiative to create a smooth path into the business sector for students who reflect the rich diversity of New York City.

November 27, 2024

Baruch College’s Business Academy—which provides a transparent, predictable, and smooth path for transfer students to obtain a top-notch business education at the Zicklin School of Business—celebrated another significant milestone in its expansion efforts to collaborate with additional partner schools.

On November 26, Baruch College President S. David Wu and Guttman Community College (GMCC) President Larry D. Johnson, Jr. co-hosted a signing event to officially launch the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy, which will streamline the process for students to obtain their associate and bachelor’s degrees in business and position them for successful careers in the competitive industry.

The event, which took place at GMCC’s midtown Manhattan campus, was attended by senior leadership from The City University of New York (CUNY), elected officials, and faculty and students from both colleges.

GMCC, a minority- and Hispanic-serving institution with a 94 percent minority student enrollment and 58 percent first-generation college students, joins the Academy’s three other CUNY community colleges partners: Borough of Manhattan, Queensborough, and LaGuardia.

At the celebratory event, both CUNY presidents remarked on the vital importance of this partnership.

President Wu said: “The Business Academy isn’t just about education—it’s about transformation. We’re cultivating a diverse talent pool that will enrich workplaces and redefine industries. With college costs rising, partnerships like this prove that an affordable, world-class education isn’t just a dream—it’s a promise we’re delivering.”

President Johnson, Jr. said: “Guttman is elated to launch the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy in collaboration with our colleagues at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business. This collaboration continues Guttman’s commitment to access and social mobility for our students. The seamless transfer to Baruch allows Guttman students to complete their degree in finance and enter a highly competitive field with the skills and knowledge to be an asset to the industry.”

Zicklin’s Willem Kooyker Dean, Bruce W. Weber, added: “We’re excited to welcome Guttman Community College into the Baruch Business Academy and this deep partnership with the Zicklin School. Expanding the Business Academy to include CUNY’s newest community college broadens access to our highly ranked, fully accredited business degree programs. The Zicklin School has launched successful management careers for more New Yorkers than any other business school. This new connection with Guttman enhances our reputation as an engine of social mobility, and most importantly, equips the workforce of tomorrow with the skills to succeed.”

Dignitaries who spoke at the event were Manhattan Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James and CUNY administrator Dr. Alicia Alvero, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and University Provost.

A Launchpad to Professional Success

In today’s world where the value of a college degree is being called into question, the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree are undeniable. Job opportunities and earning potential increase, economic stability is far more certain, and professional growth is multiplied.

Through the Business Academy, transfer students who complete the Business Administration Associate degree at a partner community college are guaranteed admission to Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business, conditional on meeting certain academic criteria. When at Zicklin, students in the Business Academy receive comprehensive support through peer and faculty mentorship and advisement, community-building events, and access to Baruch’s award-winning Starr Career Development Center.

Upon graduation from Zicklin, Academy students join Baruch’s global network of more than 170,000 alumni who live and work across the country and around the world.

Scaling the Academy Model: Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies 

Earlier this year, Baruch College and Borough of Manhattan Community College, the Academy’s inaugural partner, were awarded a two-year $250,000 American Talent Initiative IDEAS grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

This grant will further institutionalize this partnership and help build infrastructure that will allow the model to be scaled across The City University of New York and potentially beyond.

WATCH VIDEO: President Wu explains the new ATI IDEAS Grant.

Backed by a long tradition of excellence in higher education, the Zicklin School of Business is located within Baruch College—an institution that consistently ranks among the region’s and nation’s top performers in academic excellence, diversity, and value.

Learn more about Zicklin School of Business here and meet some of their distinguished alumni.

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