About Training Opportunities
This page is designed to help CUNY LGBTQIA+ students and allies find support, learn about their rights, and access resources that promote equity, safety, and inclusion. Many students face barriers when searching for affirming services, especially around housing, food insecurity, mental health, immigration support, and discrimination reporting. This page brings together resources, trainings, and advocacy tools in one accessible space to make support easier to find and navigate.
GLAAD.org – GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change.
Training Opportunities
CUNY students can access a variety of free and low-cost trainings focused on advocacy, financial literacy, identity support, professional development, and student wellness. Many programs are available virtually, while others are hosted directly on campus.
Gender-Based Violence Training
NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Location: Virtual and in-person trainings across NYC
Hours: Vary by training session
Cost: Free
Focus: Supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and gender-based harm through trauma-informed and inclusive practices.
CUNY SPARC Training Program
CUNY SPARC Training Program
Location: Available online for all CUNY campuses; administrative office at 25 West 43rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Hours: Online training available 24/7
Availability: Available to all CUNY students systemwide through CUNYfirst and Brightspace
The SPARC (Sexual & Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course) program provides gender-based violence prevention education, including consent, bystander intervention, survivor support resources, reporting options, and sexual misconduct awareness training for students across the CUNY system.
John Jay College Office of Compliance and Diversity
John Jay College Office of Compliance and Diversity
Location: 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Monday–Friday during standard campus business hours
Availability: Primarily available for John Jay College students, faculty, and staff rather than all CUNY students
This office offers Title IX education, anti-discrimination workshops, and gender-based violence prevention training focused on sexual harassment prevention, survivor advocacy, campus reporting procedures, and inclusive support practices.
Financial Literacy Training
CUNY Financial Literacy Programs
- Available at multiple CUNY campuses, including:
- BMCC
- City Tech
- Queens College
- Location: Campus student support centers and online resources
- Hours: Typically available during student services hours (Monday–Friday, approximately 9 AM–5 PM)
- Cost: Free for students
- Topics include:
- Budgeting
- Taxes
- Credit management
- Financial planning
- Student employment resources
BMCC Money Works Program
BMCC MoneyWorks Program
Location: Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
Hours: Seminar schedules vary by semester; campus offices generally open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Cost: Free for students and community members
Topics include: budgeting, taxes, savings, credit management, investing, financial goal setting, and entrepreneurship resources. The program offers free financial literacy seminars and workshops led by Certified Financial Planners for BMCC students and the public.
City Tech Financial Literacy and Default Prevention
New York City College of Technology Financial Literacy and Default Prevention
Location: New York City College of Technology, 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Financial Aid Office and Web-Lab hours vary throughout the week; most services available Monday–Friday
Cost: Free for students
Topics include: budgeting, saving, taxes, debt management, identity theft prevention, student employment resources, financial counseling, and credit education. City Tech provides workshops, online resources, and financial counseling designed to help students make informed financial decisions and manage student loan debt responsibly.
Life Skills & Student Advocacy Training
CUNY CARES
Campuses: Select CUNY campuses, especially in the Bronx and New York City area
Location: Student affairs and resource centers
Hours: Usually weekday office hours
Cost: Free
Services include:
Public benefits assistance
SNAP and Medicaid application help
Housing and healthcare referrals
Peer navigator support
Self-advocacy and student wellness guidance
CUNY Office of Student Conduct, Advocacy & Referral
CUNY Office of Student Conduct, Advocacy & Referral
Location: 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 and 555 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Monday–Friday during standard university business hours
Availability: Available to all CUNY students systemwide
This office provides student advocacy support, conflict resolution guidance, referrals, leadership development resources, and education on student rights, university policies, and self-advocacy skills. Students can receive support navigating academic, personal, and institutional challenges.
Bronx Community College Justice and Advocacy Alliance
Bronx Community College Justice and Advocacy Alliance
Location: 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453
Hours: Training schedules vary; campus offices generally open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Availability: Primarily available to Bronx Community College students, though some educational resources may be publicly accessible
This program offers trauma-informed advocacy training, leadership development, empathy-based communication skills, wellness education, and justice-informed practices designed to help students support their communities and strengthen professional and interpersonal life skills.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Healthcare & Communication Training
The Trevor Project
- Location: Online trainings and workshops
- Hours: Self-paced and scheduled sessions available
- Cost: Free and paid options depending on certification level
- Focus:
- LGBTQIA+ affirming communication
- Suicide prevention awareness
- Supporting queer and trans youth
- Mental health advocacy
LGBTQIA+ Hub
CUNY Policies regarding LGBTQIA+. Find more at the LGBTQIA+ Hub
