New York Exploration Program

Ron Kim has served in the New York State Assembly since 2012, representing portions of Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, and Murray Hill in Queens. Kim spoke with the students about his responsibilities and duties, and discussed what it means for him to be the first (and, so far, only) Korean American elected to the New York State Legislature.

At the start of each program, CCIP hosts a casual kick-off gathering at which the students and staff mingle and the program’s itinerary is discussed. The staff also presents important tips and recommendations for how to enjoy New York City, including “dos and don’ts”, safety tips, and cultural etiquette.

Located at the World Trade Center site, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is the foremost institution dedicated to exploring the causes and impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Students visited the museum to gain a greater understanding of the continuing significance of the tragedy.

Aithent is an information technology company based in Manhattan’s Financial District. Students met with an Aithent executive and learned about the company’s core business, IT development, and potential career paths in the field.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has served as the junior US Senator from New York since 2009 and was previously a member of the US House of Representatives. Students toured Gillibrand’s district office in New York and met with Brook Gesser, senior advisor for the senator, who discussed the daily operations of a US senator’s office as well as important aspects of governance, including constituent relations, the process of turning a bill into law, and parliamentary procedure.

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that promotes international co-operation and seeks to create and maintain international order. The students participated in an official tour at the UN’s headquarters, located in Midtown Manhattan.

The students visited the Queens County Criminal Court to learn about the daily mechanisms of the court as well as New York’s legal system. The day was led by Marc A. Haken, a community activist and the Chair of the Youth, Education and Library Committee of Community Board 8, and included an opportunity to witness a real trial in action.

Opened in 1928 and situated in Jamaica in the heart of Queens, the Jamaica YMCA has a rich history told through diverse cultures. The students attended a presentation given by the executive director, Cedric Dew, on the operations of a large-size nonprofit organization and his personal experiences with professional engagement and relationship building. They also saw how a branch works with the administrative office, other branches, and the community of Jamaica.

Situated in the heart of Queens, the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning is a world-renowned venue for performing and visual arts. Students toured the venue, watched a jazz performance, and learned about the center’s history and strategic direction from the JCAL’s executive director, who also shared her immigration story.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard, which houses hundreds of companies from various industries across 300 acres, is a showcase for the changing nature of urban manufacturing in NYC. Students toured Newlab’s 84,000-square-foot space at the BNY, built in a former machine shop that now provides space for 500 designers and entrepreneurs using the latest technologies.

Dumbo (or DUMBO) is a rapidly evolving neighborhood located “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” which offers some of the most spectacular views of Manhattan. The students visited Dumbo before experiencing an unmissable New York City experience: strolling across the elevated pedestrian walkway of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a globally admired and prestigious art venue, showcasing many of the most influential works of modern and contemporary art from around the world. In touring the museum, students received an overview of the major artistic movements of the last hundred years.

The workshop was focused on résumé building, specifically for American businesses. Students learned how to improve their résumés with their strengths, skills, and experiences, while also receiving tips on proper proofreading and common mistakes to avoid.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens, located in the Flushing neighborhood, is a community teaching hospital that serves Queens and metro New York residents. The students visited the hospital too learn about hospital operations and career opportunities.

Admerasia is an award-winning ad agency specializing in multicultural advertising, with a client list that includes McDonald’s, PayPal, Citibank, Nissan, and more. During their visit, students gained insights into New York City’s extensive, multicultural advertising industry.

GC Eng & Associates is an engineering consulting firm that provides diversified engineering solutions by applying advanced technologies to a broad spectrum of projects. Students met with the owner to learn about his immigration story, and how to start and stay competitive in the engineering industry as an Asian-American entrepreneur.

Citi Field, the home of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets, is located in the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park area of Queens. Students toured the venue, learned about the history and industry of baseball, and met with a team sales manager to learn about business development.

John Chun Yah Liu is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate for the 11th District in northeast Queens. The students visited with Liu to learn about the political realities of a state senator and to ask questions about governance in the United States.

Padilla & Company is a Filipino-owned CPA firm with a culturally diverse staff specializing in nonprofit accounting, auditing, tax, and payroll for various businesses. Students met with Padilla’s senior staff to learn about its day-to-day operations and the challenges of running a CPA firm in New York City.

The famous Rockefeller Center houses the headquarters of NBC, one of the “Big Three” television networks in the US. Students were given a tour of the NBC Broadcast Operations Center and had their very own ON AIR “30 Rock” tryout where they took on different roles: anchor, rock band, production crew, and more.

The US Small Business Administration is a US government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Man-Li Kuo Lin, an Economic Development Specialist, District International Trade Officer, and Emerging Leaders Program Project Manager for the SBA, led a seminar with the students, which covered multiple topics, including the role and services of SBA, how to turn an idea into a business, and the various business structures.

CCIP concludes the summer sessions with an annual farewell dinner for students, staff, and special guests, including representatives from the local government. This year, NYC Councilmember Peter Koo spoke, and the students presented what they had learned and experienced during their time in the US.

Flushing Bank offers a full range of banking services across the region to both individual consumers and businesses. Students met with high-level bank staff at a Flushing branch and learned about banking operations and career prospects.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Fed”), considered the powerhouse of the US economy, sets monetary policy, supervises financial institutions, and conducts economic research. On a tour, the students learned about how the Fed works to keep the US economy stable and were also shown the bank’s vault full of gold.

Ron Kim has served in the New York State Assembly since 2012, representing portions of Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, and Murray Hill in Queens. Kim spoke with the students about his responsibilities and duties, and discussed what it means for him to be the first (and, so far, only) Korean American elected to the New York State Legislature.

Calligaris NYC is an award-winning modern Italian furniture company, which has franchises across the city and is recognized for its influential contemporary style. Students met with a co-owner, Niki Cheng, who discussed her immigrant success story and entrepreneurial inspiration.

The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences™ is a charity that connects voice actors to sources of training, education, mentoring, and employment. Students met with the founders of SOVAS to gain firsthand insights into the voice arts industry from seasoned voice arts professionals.

Crystal McKenzie, Inc. is an award-winning multi-disciplinary communication agency specializing in creating, managing, and marketing communications programs and projects. Students met with the agency co-owners to learn about their entrepreneurial experience and how to make an impact as a minority-owned business.

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer was previously the Borough President of Manhattan and has served as Comptroller since 2014. Stringer met with the students to discuss the responsibilities and challenges of managing the finances of the city.