Bronx Community College’s math tutoring is more than academic support – it’s a pathway to confidence, persistence, and discovery. At the center of that experience is Academic Resources Specialist Yanil De La Rosa, whose passion for teaching is matched by her commitment to student success. 

Since joining BCC in 2016, De La Rosa, who coordinates Math Lab services under the Learning Commons, has transformed the Math Lab into what she describes as a “powerhouse” for learning. Once focused primarily on mathematics and computer science, the lab – through a partnership with Perkins – now supports a wide range of disciplines, including physics, dosage calculations, data science, computer information systems, accounting, and business statistics. Open to all matriculated students, it offers flexible, personalized support regardless of major or skill level. 

Each semester, about 20 percent of BCC students enrolled in mathematically-inclined courses use the lab’s services – a strong indicator of its impact. In Spring 2025, 585 students made more than 3,600 visits, totaling over 5,500 hours of tutoring. Those numbers tell an important story: students don’t just come once – they return, building skills and confidence over time. 

De La Rosa leads a team of 28 tutors and academic support staff who tailor each session to individual student needs. Whether through scheduled appointments or walk-in visits, students receive one-on-one or small group support, with the flexibility to extend the session across multiple subjects. Tutors also introduce tools such as graphing calculators, coding platforms, and data visualization software, helping students strengthen both conceptual understanding and practical skills. 

But what truly defines the Math Lab experience is something less tangible: the “aha moment.” 

“I particularly love when students have that light bulb moment,” De La Rosa says. “When something that felt complex suddenly becomes clear – it’s empowering.” 

For many students, math can be a source of anxiety – especially for those returning to school after years away or those who have struggled in the past. De La Rosa and her team work intentionally to dismantle that fear, creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where students feel seen, supported, and capable. Sessions break down complex concepts into manageable steps, helping students build momentum and reduce overwhelm. 

The lab also fosters a sense of community. Students are encouraged to bring classmates, creating collaborative learning environments that reinforce peer support. Workshops, study halls, embedded tutoring in classrooms, and online services further expand access, ensuring help is available when and where students need it. 

Beyond the lab, De La Rosa played a key role in advancing STEM success at BCC. She co-led the STEM Summer Bridge program, which began in summer 2022, spearheading curriculum development and instruction, mentorship of students and staff, and facilitation of the STEM Alumni and Faculty Panel and Luncheon. A first-generation college graduate raised in the Bronx, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work. 

Her commitment to equity is also central. Nearly 50 percent of the tutoring team is female, reflecting her focus on representation and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM. 

For De La Rosa, the mission is simple: ensure every student leaves the Math Lab with greater clarity, confidence, and a sense of possibility – often sparked by a single, powerful moment when everything clicks.