Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program Toggle navigation

The SEEK Program (Search for Education and Elevation and Knowledge) at CUNY was a major achievement and victory for the fierce civil rights struggles of the 60’s. In New York state, civil rights leaders and communities saw their demands accepted that a college education be made available to young people long excluded because of ethnicity or economic status. The performance and achievements of this pioneering, carefully chosen group of students soon led to a policy of open admission in all CUNY colleges.

Through the years, SEEK and has served as a model for the development of innovative tutoring, financial aid and support services throughout the university. Students in these programs— understanding the importance of their roles—have aided in bringing educational opportunities to their communities as well as in the creation of ethnic studies programs throughout CUNY.

SEEK today continues its mission to bring educational opportunities—and enhanced economic opportunities—to as many young people as possible. SEEK understands that in these difficult days, colleges must provide—in addition to academic classes—the tutorial, counseling, economic and other support services that students need to succeed. Thus they, and our whole society, will benefit from having a confident, educated generation of young people with the potential to create economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.