http://insideschools.org/free-programs
ACADEMIC PREP
Get homework help, prepare for college, or work with an academic mentor at one of the city’s free academic prep programs.
These programs include the well-known Posse Foundation’s college-prep program or the College Now program at CUNY.
This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome your feedback and additions. Send your suggestions to info@insideschools.org.
A BETTER CHANCE (ABC)
WHAT
ABC places top students in highly ranked independent day schools, boarding schools, and public schools
WHO
Middle and high school students of color
DETAILS
Students with at least a B+ average who are ranked in the top 10% of their class are eligible to apply
TIP
Candidates must apply one year in advance
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applying to ABC is an 18-month process. Applications are available starting in February
APEX FOR YOUTH
WHAT
Mentorship opportunities and an SAT and college prep program that runs year round
WHO
Middle and high school students
DETAILS
Mentors help with schoolwork, English, college prep in addition to playing sports, exploring the city, and participating in group events
TIP
Students meet with their mentors twice a month
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
THE BOYS' CLUB OF NEW YORK
WHAT
Classes and other opportunities that cost less than a dollar all year
WHO
Boys between the ages of 6-20
DETAILS
Participate in computer classes, attend summer camp, get homework help, and receive dental services at the Boys' Club
TIP
The club has a location in Flushing, Queens and two in Manhattan
COST
Less than a dollar
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK AT THE TOWN SCHOOL
WHAT
A free, year-round enrichment program
WHO
Highly motivated middle-school students with limited educational opportunities
DETAILS
Take enrichment classes, visit museums, and work with mentors on various issues including high school placement
TIP
There is a two-year commitment
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
The admissions process begins in January and ends in May
BUILDING SCHOLARS OFFERED BY UNION SETTLEMENT
WHAT
Program to provide high school seniors with additional guidance and support to reach their fullest potential and expose them to career opportunities
WHO
Rising seniors at risk of not meeting promotional requirements
DETAILS
Program provides community service opportunities, work readiness, preparing for college, tutoring and summer jobs
TIP
Contact Ledonia Baruch at (212) 828-6134 to complete the intake
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
September 25th
COLLEGE NOW
WHAT
A college prep program that matches public high schools with one or more of the 17 City University of New York (CUNY) colleges during the summer
WHO
Public high school students
DETAILS
Improve your high school performance and get a head start on college through academic courses, campus tours, cultural events, and scholarships
TIP
Students may receive college credit for some courses
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Application deadlines depend on the type of course or activity and on the application procedures of a particular campus’s College Now program
CUNY'S COLLEGE FOCUS 2015 SUMMER PROGRAM
WHAT
Students in this program will prepare to pass the CUNY assesment test, to exempt them of having to take remedial courses in college.
WHO
Rising High School seniors
DETAILS
Programs are for math, reading, writing or ELA courses. Schedules and locations vary. Program is from July 13th to August 13th.
TIP
Participants receives free metrocard, lunch and application fee scholarship.
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Early admission is June 5th and final deadline is June 26th
DYCD (DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
WHAT
A summer program that focuses on academic enrichment and creative pursuits
WHO
Middle school students of working families
DETAILS
Participants pursue literacy and STEM-enrichment activities, along with projects in theater, music, creative arts and recreational activities, plus planned trips and community explorations. Programs are open from 8 AM to 6 PM
TIP
Several program sites, see program directory here
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Pre-enrollment deadline is in June, Regular enrollment is in July
EVERYONE READING
WHO
Afterschool program: students in grades 3-5 with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Summer program: students in grades 4- 12 who are 2 grades or more behind in reading
DETAILS
After-school: provides students with 1 hour, 2 days a week of evidence-based instruction. Summer program: provides 4 week, one-to-one tutoring using the Wilson Reading System®
TIP
Preference will be given to students receiving free and low cost lunch
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
After-school program is currently full, but you can add your child to the waitlist by emailing info@everyonereading.org. Summer Program registration is in Spring
GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
WHAT
1 to 1 college counseling, mentoring and tutoring for students
WHO
Students in 11th or 12th grade or with a high school diploma or GED
DETAILS
Program provides 1-to-1 college counseling for 11th and 12th graders, support to help college students persist through graduation, and scholarship and internship opportunities and visits to college campuses
TIP
Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesday afternoons(2:00pm-3:30pm). The program provides a resource center with up-to-date materials and internet access
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
HARLEM EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FUND (HEAF)
WHAT
HEAF offers intensive academic enrichment activities aimed to assist college-bound students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged communities during the school year and summer
WHO
Middle and high school students
DETAILS
Participate in test prep, academic classes, and social and personal development activities to prepare for college
TIP
Activities take place after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT ADOLESCENT ACADEMIC SERVICES
WHAT
Expanded Horizons helps high school students negotiate the college admission process every step of the way
WHO
Lower East Side Residents and other New Yorkers
DETAILS
Tutoring and College Prep year-long
COST
Varies
WHEN TO APPLY
Varies by appointment and program
HOMEWORKNYC.ORG
WHAT
A website run by the public libraries to help students with their homework
WHO
Students in grades K-12
DETAILS
Get help with every area of the NYC schools curriculum including live, online assistance
TIP
The library site is also affiliated with the teacher’s union Dial-A-Teacher, a helpline that allows students and parents to talk directly with a city teacher Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7pm: 212-777-3380
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
N/A
KHAN FOUNDATION OF NYC
WHAT
College access program. Students will receive targeted guidance and mentorship through weekend workshops that will discuss college admissions preparation, as well as application and scholarship assistance
WHO
Students in grades 11-12 from Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx
DETAILS
Workshops are held Saturday morning, beginning August 1st
TIP
Apply early, seats are limited
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Spring
THE LIBERTY LEADS PROGRAM @ BANK STREET COLLEGE
WHAT
An after-school drop-out prevention and college access program that provides services to students 6 days a week
WHO
Students in grades 5-12
DETAILS
Get homework help, take college prep classes, work with a counselor, and participate in a variety of other enrichment activities
TIP
About 260 students participate in the program each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing. Request an application by emailinglibertyleads@bankstreet.edu
MONROE COLLEGE JUMPSTART
WHAT
A program that lets students take a free 15-week college class of their choosing in either the fall or spring semester
WHO
High school juniors and seniors
DETAILS
Earn 3 college credits by taking a class in accounting, business, criminal justice, culinary arts, allied health professions, hotel and restaurant management, marketing, web design, and information technology
TIP
Students who complete the program are eligible for freshman scholarships if they choose to attend Monroe for college
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Registration takes place in September for the fall semester and January for the winter semester
NY CITY COUNCIL ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMP
WHAT
Academic-centered summer camp from July 1st -Aug. 8th, 3-4 hours per day, 4 days a week
WHO
Children in middle school and high school
DETAILS
Program includes tutoring, study skills improvement, high school and college entrance exam prep, character development, community service learning projects in addition to sports and arts activities. Locations in Bronx, Brooklyn, Mt. Vernon and Queens
TIP
Choose a summer camp site, then follow the instructions to obtain an application for the site of your choice
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
June
NYC GREAT!
WHAT
NYC GREAT! (Girls Reaching Every Apex Together) is designed to provide experiences that support the development of leadership and communication skills in young women who are currently attending high school
WHO
The program will begin with young women in the 9th grade, attending high schools serving community school districts 7-12 in the Bronx
DETAILS
Students who are selected are expected to participate in three Saturday student conferences in spring 2015 (April 18, May 16, June 20) at a Bronx location
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
ASAP
THE OLIVER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
WHAT
A program that selects highly motivated students to attend top independent day and boarding schools across the Northeast
WHO
Seventh graders of Latino and African American descent from public, parochial, and charter schools in NYC
DETAILS
Oliver Scholars staff supports the scholars with high school admissions, SAT prep, and college tours among other activities
TIP
There is a rigorous admissions process including an open house, a standardized test, and interviews
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
The application process begins in the fall when students are nominated to participate in the program. They are then invited to attend an open house, and then an interview in April. Decisions are made in May
OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
WHAT
A Brooklyn-based nonprofit group that provides a variety of classes for youth and community members year round
WHO
Various ages
DETAILS
Programs include a paid internship program for young people between the ages of 17-21, which includes classes in English, math, computer training, and GED preparation. The Opportunity Knocks program provides five weeks of business skills training before matching participants with an 11-week paid internship
TIP
OBT has several locations throughout Brooklyn
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
PAL (POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE) SMARTS
WHAT
After-school program to enhance the academic performance of youth
WHO
Children in 1st-8th grade
DETAILS
Program engages students in educational, cultural and recreational activities. Special projects include citywide essay contests, monthly workshops, and events that encourage parental involvement
TIP
For information on registering contact education@palnyc.org
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
THE POSSE FOUNDATION
WHAT
An 8-month pre-collegiate training program during the academic school year
WHO
High school students
DETAILS
Students are grouped in multicultural teams called “posses” and are prepared to apply to top-tier universities and colleges nationwide
TIP
Students are identified through a unique evaluation method designed to identify young leaders who might be missed by traditional admissions criteria
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
The recruitment process takes place between September and December
PREP FOR PREP
WHAT
A year-round program that places high-achieving students in independent and boarding schools and prepares them for college
WHO
Students of color in grades 5-7
DETAILS
Students participate in a 7-week summer program in addition to weekly Wednesday and Saturday classes
TIP
About 6,000 students are nominated each year for about 125 spots
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
The admissions process lasts an entire academic year, starting with student nominations in the fall and ending with notifications in the spring
READ AND PLAY AT THE CHILD’S PLACE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
WHAT
Book-sharing and creative educational playtime at Brooklyn public libraries
WHO
Children up to five-years-old with and without disabilities
DETAILS
Children learn social skills and language development is stimulated by playing together with age-appropriate toys
TIP
Parents or guardians must accompany their child
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
No application necessary
REACH PREP
WHAT
A 15-month program that prepares select students for 5th and 6th grade admissions to top independent and boarding schools in New York and Connecticut
WHO
Fourth graders of Black and Latino descent from the Bronx
DETAILS
Students hone their organizational, academic, and social skills before they matriculate to prep school and continue to receive support throughout high school
TIP
Only 20 students are admitted each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in February
SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY (SEO)
WHAT
A free 8-year academic program that works with motivated youth to help them develop throughout high school, college, and their careers
WHO
High school students from low-income public high schools in NYC
DETAILS
SEO provides three major programs: the Career Program, the Scholars Program, and the Alumni and Philanthropy Program
TIP
Students must apply in the 9th grade
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in December
STAR LEARNING CENTER
WHAT
1 to 1 academic tutoring
WHO
Children in grades 2-12 and receive free or reduced-cost lunches
DETAILS
This program is equipped with an extensive resource center, a well-stocked library, and computers
TIP
Must contact the program to register at 212.799.2369 x303
COST
Price ranges from $40 - $120
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
SUMMER ON THE HILL @ HORACE MANN
WHAT
A Saturday-morning enrichment program that works with students through elementary, middle, and high school to prepare them for college
WHO
Students start in the 2nd grade and continue until they are placed in high school
DETAILS
Students study language arts, math, and science and attend a 6-week summer program
TIP
The program admits 250 students each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are available in January
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
WHAT
A paid summer employment program
WHO
NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24
DETAILS
Participants work up to 25 hours a week for six weeks, earning $7.25 per hour. Job sites are spread out across all five boroughs and include government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, museums, nonprofits, small businesses and retailers
TIP
Participants are selected through a lottery
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in May
SUMMER YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY
WHAT
A 6-week summer program designed to educate young people about the challenges and responsibility of police work
WHO
Children between the ages of 10 and 16
DETAILS
Students will attend classroom sessions with lectures, role-plays and topical demonstrations by police officers in the areas of law, behavioral science, drug prevention and gang resistance
TIP
Field trips to a Police Department facility or a City park are also part of the curriculum
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in June
SUPERSTARS SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY @ POWERPLAY NYC
WHAT
6 week long, girls-only summer program that combines introductory sports and fitness with college prep, personal and professional development, and fun, educational activities and field trips
WHO
Rising 9th through rising 12th grade girls
DETAILS
Students will learn workplace skills, participate in sports and fitness, college prep, group projects, one-on-one advisories, field trips, and internships
TIP
Each participant accepted to the program receives a scholarship covering tuition and all field trips but are responsible for their own travel expense to and from the Academy and their lunch
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in May
TALENT SEARCH @ THE DOUBLE DISCOVERY CENTER
WHAT
A career and college counseling program to ensure quality high school enrollment, rigorous course selection, high school completion, and post-secondary education during the school year
WHO
Students ages 12-27
DETAILS
Students choose from among one-to-one advising, workshops, homework help, tutoring, academic classes, internships, field trips, and special events
TIP
Over 750 students participate in the program each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due one month prior to the start of each term—in August and December
THE TEAK FELLOWSHIP
WHAT
A year-round program that works with middle and high school students and prepares them for college
WHO
The program runs from 7th grade until college placement
DETAILS
The program includes academic year and summer programs to provide academic support and help with the college admissions process
TIP
Only 30 students are accepted each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due in February
TEEN RESOURCE CENTER
WHAT
The Teen Resource Center (TRC) is a place where you can talk to Teen Health Educators about health and learn more about our programs and activities
WHO
NYC Teens
DETAILS
Has many programs, some 3-6 months long and others are one-day events. Additional services as well
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Varies on program
UNITED NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES
WHAT
A list of neighborhood houses and community centers in NYC, many of which offer college counseling after school
WHO
High school students
DETAILS
Search UNH’s member neighborhood houses to find one near you that offers college counseling
TIP
UNH works with 400 neighborhood houses and community centers throughout the city each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
UPWARD BOUND @ THE DOUBLE DISCOVERY CENTER
WHAT
A year-round intensive academic immersion for students who show promise for college success
WHO
Students in 9th and 10th grades may apply and continue through high school graduation
DETAILS
Get after-school homework help, take Saturday enrichment classes, and participate in the residential UB Summer Academy at Columbia University
TIP
About 195 students participate each year
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are due one month prior to the start of each term—in August and December
YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (YAIP)
WHAT
A 2-weeks job readiness program followed by a 12-week paid internship organized by the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
WHO
Young adults between the ages of 16-24 who are unemployed and not currently enrolled in school, GED or employment assistance program
DETAILS
Attend workshops on job readiness, interview techniques, and more. Plus receive one on one job and academic counseling
TIP
Earn up to $2,500
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Ongoing
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM @ ECUMENICAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (ECDO)
WHAT
A paid summer employment program
WHO
Young people between the ages of 14-21
DETAILS
ECDO also provides educational/employment counseling, job readiness skills, on the job training and referrals
TIP
Participants get paid $7.50/hour in the summer program
COST
FREE
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications are available starting in April
