50 for 50: Janae Antoine

For over 20 years, QCH has helped young people bridge the gap between high school and adulthood. To meet the needs of graduates navigating college, training, or the workforce, we created the College & Career Pathways program. Through financial aid assistance, academic advisement, mentorship, and connections to resources, Pathways gives young adults the support and flexibility to stay on track and pursue their goals. One person who experienced this firsthand is Janae Antoine.

“I graduated from Queens College in 2023 with my bachelor’s degree, and I know I couldn’t have gotten here without QCH.

I first connected with QCH in 2019, the summer after high school, through the Summer Youth Employment Program. That’s how I learned about Pathways and applied.

My family didn’t know much about the college process. FAFSA, TAP, registration — it was overwhelming. Pathways stepped in right away, helping me with financial aid, class registration, and even covering books when I couldn’t afford them. They gave me MetroCards and tutoring support when I needed it. Having that guidance made me feel like I wasn’t going through college alone.

After my first semester, I became a peer counselor, helping new students the way I had been supported. It was my first leadership role, and I still use those skills today in project management and my professional life.

When the pandemic hit, Pathways didn’t disappear. They checked in, helped me adjust to online learning, and connected me to training that led to my first full-time job.

Graduating from Queens College was a huge milestone. I’m the first in my family to earn a degree, and it feels like I’ve opened doors — not just for myself, but for my family too. Pathways wasn’t just a program — it’s been a steady presence in my life, supporting me at every step.”

— Janae Antoine