Program Services

Each funded program is uniquely designed to provide participants with the academic resources, along with necessary activities, social support and collaborative opportunities, needed for them to succeed in higher education and develop positive life skills. The Urban Scholars serves as the bridge to all of the programs and since its inception; the urban Scholars have enjoyed great success, in some cases placing 99% of active participants in colleges and universities nationwide.

The program provides students with unique opportunities and assistance in exploring their potential for academic, social, and personal growth.

Academic Year
During the academic year, the Urban Scholars provides numerous academic support services to students. Academic Support and College Preparation Services includes:

Weekly Tutoring
Tutoring is available everyday after school at the City College of New York for grade improvement. Students can also attend drop-in tutoring to get help with homework or get extra help with school assignments.

Saturday Workshops
Scholars attend Saturday enrichment classes and workshops which cover topics like: study skills, career exploration, the college and financial aid application process, life skills, and other related topics. Scholars also participate in committee meetings.

College & Career Awareness
Students participate in college visits and other educational field trips.   Guest presenters are invited to speak about various colleges, majors and careers.   Students learn about the requirements for admission to public and private colleges and universities.   Career assessments are administered to help students set and achieve personal, educational, and career goals.

Advisement
The Urban Scholars staff regularly monitors each participant's academic progress during the school year. They also provide advising on selecting college-preparatory courses and short and long term planning that will enable them to be eligible for college or be prepared for the world of work.

Test Preparation
Students practice the PSAT and SAT in preparation for standardized exams administered in school, and in preparation for applying to colleges. Individual tutoring for the SAT is also available, if requested.

Workforce Prep
Participants have access to mentoring and internship opportunities, workshops in independent living skills, career prep, pre-employment/work readiness activities and activities such as mock interviews, entrepreneurship training, community service and job shadowing.

Leadership Development
A small group of students are selected each year to serve on the Student Advisory Board, to represent the program at school/community functions, to serve as advisors on program policies, to fund raise for Urban Scholars activities and plan student retreats. Students in this program will also participate in leadership development activities throughout the year.

Summer
The Summer Enrichment component is offered for six weeks during June, July and August. Along with enrichment classes, scholars participate in recreational activities that include many interesting trips.

Summer Residential Program

The purpose of the summer residential program is to expose students to college life while they are in high school. Students take college preparation courses and live in residence halls on the campus of SUNY Maritime College for three-four weeks. At the end of the program, they are also eligible to participate in a five-day college tour or summer excursion. Participants also:  

•    Receive academic, personal and career counseling
•    Receive mentoring from current college students at Stanford
•    Earn units of elective high school credit (must be  approved by school principal)
•    Learn about the college and university admission process
•    Attend recreational and educational field trips
•    Participate in personal, cultural, and leadership development activities
•    Engage in community service
•    Develop effective study habits