Historic Meeting Unites Latin American Consulates of N.J. and N.Y. at NJCU to Launch New Portal for First-Generation College Students
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | In a groundbreaking moment for regional diplomacy and education, the Guarini Institute for International Education and Economic Mobility at New Jersey City University (NJCU) hosted a historic joint reception for the Latin American consulates of New Jersey and New York on April 3, 2025. The event marked the first time that GLACO (Grupo Latinoamericano de Cónsules en Nueva Jersey) and CLACNY (Coalición Latinoamericana de Cónsules en Nueva York) held a working meeting together in the state of New Jersey.
The event was held at the NJCU School of Business, located in Harborside in Jersey City, N.J., as the Guarini Institute welcomed esteemed consuls general, dignitaries, university leaders, and community advocates committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino communities on both sides of the Hudson River.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Commissioner Manuel Castro, head of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. His remarks emphasized the impactful initiatives launched under his leadership, including the largest citywide campaign to disseminate information about the rights of immigrants in New York City. He also highlighted his office’s ongoing collaborations with other city hall agencies to support immigrant access to education and workers’ rights.
NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to international and community partnerships, stating: “This meeting is also a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the partnerships we forged in 2023 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between NJCU and GLACO. As the first higher education institution in New Jersey to enter into such an agreement, we have already seen tangible outcomes—from hosting high-level events with your governments to offering consular services on our campus and sharing NJCU’s educational resources with your constituents.”
A major highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a new digital portal created by the Guarini Institute to guide first-generation college students through the U.S. higher education process. Presented by Dr. Adrián Franco, Executive Director of the Guarini Institute, the platform offers a tailored roadmap based on each user's personal background—whether a local high school graduate, a veteran, or an international applicant from Latin America seeking a student visa.
“This is more than a website—it’s a lifeline for students and families navigating college for the first time,” said Dr. Franco. “With the support of our partners, we can bring this tool directly to the people who need it most.”
With the energy and vision on display at this unprecedented meeting, the Guarini Institute and NJCU reaffirm their mission: to be not just a university, but a trusted partner and advocate for the students and communities shaping the future of the region.
For more information about the Guarini Institute or the new student portal, visit the institute’s website or contact Dr. Adrián Franco at afranco@njcu.edu.
About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
About the Guarini Institute for International Education and Economic Mobility
Launched in November 2020, the Institute’s mission is to create novel tools to facilitate the economic mobility of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Its vision is that financially vulnerable individuals and families have access to relevant information and resources to improve their upward economic mobility. The Institute has previously facilitated formal agreements between NJCU and the Mexican Government, higher education institutions in Ireland and the Port of Ashdod in Israel.
About GLACO
GLACO was established with the purpose of promoting the interests of its member countries and the defense of the rights of their nationals. GLACO works based on the full conviction that through the adoption of joint goals and actions it can effectively advance towards the central objectives of its communities. It has as a guiding framework the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and ratifies its commitment to continue promoting the progress and welfare of its populations living in this region, strengthening its economy, culture, history and life.
Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301