On September 14th, 2023, this year’s Non-Profit Capstone client, City College’s own Charles Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI),  tasked 2nd year BICsters creating a communications strategy for a nationwide initiative that is especially timely, especially given President Biden’s current infrastructure policy. 

Launched in 2022, the Charles Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI) at The City College of New York is a presidential-level initiative designed to operate within the rapidly evolving landscape of workforce development. Named after Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Statesman-in-Residence at City College and the Lion of Harlem who dedicated more than four decades to serving the people of New York City, RIWI has received $1.5 million in federal funding just as the nexus of higher education and workforce development is undergoing a profound shift. 

This semester, BICsters will develop an IMCP that addresses a multitude of stakeholders who stand to benefit, including the underserved and underrepresented community of prospective students. They were briefed by RIWI Professor Dr. Angelo Lampousis and Director of Communications Nora Sherman. The class was also visited by CCNY Distinguished Professor and Program Chair, Dr. Robert ‘Buz’ Paaswell.   

Taught by Professor Katina Scott, the Non-Profit Capstone takes on a mission-based communications project each Fall with the intention of making a positive impact on society. As a signature requirement of the BIC program, it’s also pivotal to the success of next semester's Corporate Capstone taught by BIC Program Director and Professor Nancy R. Tag.

Divided into three interdisciplinary teams, BICsters from each track will tackle this semester-long project by taking a cross-disciplinary approach to create distinctive integrated marketing communications campaigns. In mid-December, the teams will pitch their proposals to RIWI along with other community leaders who will determine the winning campaign.  

Past non-profit capstone clients have included Harlem Mother’s S.A.V.E., Memorial Sloan Kettering, CUNY School of Medicine, CUNYArts, Sandy Hook Promise, The Grove School of Engineering, Columbia Children’s Health, The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, and the UJA.

Stay tuned to see the dynamic campaigns these BICsters present on their final client pitch, December 14th!