LaGuardia Community College Biology Major Tabia Tarannum Wins Competitive Kaplan Leadership Fellowship

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (November 18, 2024) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY biology major Tabia Tarannum, 19, has been selected as a 2024 Kaplan Leadership Fellow. Tabia, a first-generation college student who hails from Bangladesh, plans to graduate from LaGuardia in the spring of 2025 and, with Kaplan’s financial support, aims to transfer to a prestigious institution, e.g., Stanford or Harvard, to pursue a bachelor’s in biology with a minor in psychology. Her goal is to complete an MD-PhD program and conduct biomedical research, focusing on improving healthcare for underserved communities

“Winning the Kaplan Leadership Fellowship is life-changing,” said Tabia. “It provides resources, mentorship, and a network to support my journey to a four-year college focused on biology. I’m excited about the mentorship, personal growth, and leadership training opportunities, especially within a community that values service and academic excellence. Kaplan’s resources will strengthen my path toward an MD-PhD program, where I hope to contribute to healthcare and research, particularly for underserved communities.”

The Kaplan Leadership Program, established in 2006, supports high-potential, low-income, and historically underrepresented community college students in completing their associate degrees and transferring to selective four-year institutions. As a Fellow, Tabia will receive stipends, tutoring, academic advisement, leadership and career training, and other resources to help her achieve her goals and attain leadership roles. Ninety-two percent of Kaplan Scholars earn a bachelor’s degree, with many accepted to prestigious schools like Yale and Cornell.

Dr. Julianne Salazar, co-director of the Transfer Engagement Initiative (TEI), expressed gratitude to the Kaplan Leadership Program for their support of Tabia and other students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.

“We are grateful to the Kaplan Leadership Program for supporting students like Tabia. In addition to the Kaplan Fellowship’s generous financial package, Tabia will receive academic support and leadership training. An opportunity like Kaplan Leadership Fellows that helps students alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a bachelor’s degree while supporting their personal development is invaluable,” said Dr. Salazar, who also directs College Discovery at LaGuardia. “

TEI supports LaGuardia students aiming to transfer to four-year colleges by streamlining communication about transfer scholarships and resources and aligning college support services. The initiative is co-directed by Dr. Misun Dokko, Assistant Professor of English, with coordination support from Josie Bergin-Ko.

Tabia, who lives in Queens Village, has a 3.97 GPA. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Born and raised in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Tabia moved to the U.S. in 2023 and began her college journey at LaGuardia. “As a first-generation college student new to the American education system, I initially found it challenging to navigate. However, LaGuardia’s resources and supportive environment have helped me adjust and thrive,” she said.

Tabia is grateful for the mentorship she’s received from faculty and advisors, especially Dr. Ingrid Veras (Natural Sciences) and ASAP advisor Anabel Rivas. “Professor Veras recognized my passion for biology early on and encouraged me to pursue research opportunities, including the NIH Bridges Program. Anabel Rivas guided me through the U.S. college system and encouraged me to apply for Kaplan and take on leadership roles, like becoming president of the STEM Club,” said Tabia.

“Coming from Bangladesh and adjusting to life and education in the U.S. was challenging. The Kaplan Leadership Fellowship felt like a way to make my dream of transferring to a top-tier university achievable,” said Tabia. Drawn to Kaplan’s commitment to community service, she found that its values aligned closely with her own. “Kaplan offers the resources, mentorship, and network I need to excel academically and expand my capacity to help others. This fellowship provides the foundation to continue building those skills and to use my education to serve others in impactful ways.”

Tabia is eager to immerse herself in the mentorship, leadership training, and personal development opportunities that Kaplan provides. “Being part of a community that values both academic excellence and service is inspiring. I look forward to engaging in community-focused initiatives and collaborating with other fellows committed to making a positive impact. This experience will strengthen my academic and leadership skills and prepare me to serve my community in meaningful ways,” she added.

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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

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