Events & Support

Writing Labs

The OPA is fortunate to partner with Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC), which provides WAC Fellows to assist our students in outlining, drafting, and editing their application essays. Students may spend several sessions working with a WAC fellow to perfect their application essays and other written application materials. For more information on how to connect with an OPA WAC Fellow, contact the office at prestigious.awards@lehman.cuny.edu.

Tea Chats

OPA Tea Chats are 1-hour informal conversations with past fellowship and award winners and professionals working in different fields (Researchers, Policy Makers, Lawyers, Health Care Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Education Professionals, Etc.). This is a way for Lehman College students to gain insight into various application processes and program experiences of past winners. Moreover, ttudents have the ability to network and develop their knowledge of different fields and career paths.

Wednesday Workshops

OPA Wednesday Workshops aim to support students applying for competitive awards, enrichment programs, and graduate/professional school. Wednesday Workshops guide students through the stages of the application process, helping them improve their writing and develop their personal stories and narratives for application essays. Students are also provided with tips and strategies for articulating their interests and improving their communication skills to engage in discussions with professionals in their field. (For example, they learn how to approach potential research mentors.) Moreover, students also learn how to effectively communicate with their recommenders during an application process to help them produce competitive recommendations.

Wellness Support

Applying to competitive awards, enrichment programs, and graduate school can be stressful. To ensure that students strike a balance between work and play, the OPA also hosts game and movie nights where students can step away from their applications, form community amongst their peers, and have some fun. Every OPA event also incorporates a wellness segment where we check in with students and engage in an activity to ensure that students are engaged and motivated throughout their interactions with the office.

For more up to date information on OPA events and support, visit the Center for Honors and Scholar Engagement (CHASE) at Lehman College here.