New York City schools must do better, if students are to have the best chance of succeeding at college. Recent data shows that only one in four graduates from local high schools is ready for the rigors of college curriculum. And the figures are worse for minorities.
Saleenal Butler, 20, says she had to spend her first semester at Bronx Community College taking remedial classes.
CUNY Prep
The City University of New York system is one of the most comprehensive public university systems in the country. Its 25 colleges, which range from four-year schools to community college, are known for their excellent academics and accomplished faculty. They also offer competitive tuition rates. In addition, the Excelsior Scholarship makes CUNY more affordable for students from low-income families.
CUNY is home to numerous programs that help students prepare for college, including the College Discovery Program, which helps high school students research and apply to colleges. In addition, the program offers support for students through a number of services, such as tutoring and seminars. Students who participate in these programs are more likely to enroll in a CUNY college, and many of them go on to graduate with degrees in their fields.
Many of the CUNY Prep programs are free and are designed to help underprepared students. They include reading and writing instruction, college preparation workshops, and academic counseling. The program also offers career and social services, including financial assistance, job placement, and career development. It also provides scholarships and internships to students who need them.
Students who attend a CUNY campus are typically more than half as likely to graduate with a degree as their peers at private universities, according to a recent study. This is in part due to the quality of instruction and the large student body. Those who graduate on time are also more likely to get jobs.
CUNY’s extensive network of prep programs is another important reason it is so popular with students. These programs are located in every borough of the city and provide students with the support they need to succeed in school. The CUNY Tech Prep program, for example, helps students pursue careers in technology by providing them with an internship and mentoring.
In addition to preparing students for college, these programs teach them life skills, such as how to manage money, build healthy relationships, and set goals. They also provide students with the resources they need to apply for FAFSA and TAP applications. In addition, the CUNY College Discovery Program helps students write compelling college essays and find scholarships.
KIPP
The KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) is a national network of free public charter schools that have a proven track record of helping students in low-income communities excel academically. KIPP provides its students with the skills and support they need to succeed in college, career, and life. Its model has been replicated across the country and around the world, with similar results. KIPP is committed to transforming the lives of students in urban communities by providing them with high-quality college preparatory education.
KIPP students spend 50-60% more time in school than their peers, both over the course of the day and the year. KIPP teachers believe that the key to student success is an intense focus on learning, a supportive environment, and a strong bond between students and their teachers. Students who attend KIPP are referred to as “kippsters.” This close relationship with teachers and the emphasis on rigorous academic standards help set KIPP students apart from their peers.
Like all public schools, KIPP is open to all families in its enrollment area. If the school has more applicants than available spaces, it chooses students using a lottery system. KIPP’s founder, Michael Feinberg, has been accused of sexually abusing a minor girl in Houston in the 1990s. He denies the allegation.
The school’s specialized teaching methods are designed to help students meet their educational goals and pursue the careers of their choice. The teachers also place a strong emphasis on helping students develop positive character traits. This includes encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions and to learn from their mistakes. KIPP also offers a variety of support services to its students, including tutoring, study groups, and a dedicated AP staff.
Stephanie Clase, a senior at KIPP NYC College Prep High School, recently received early acceptance into NYU Steinhardt for her studies in educational theater. She credits her accomplishment to the KIPP college and career counselors, who helped her navigate the complex application process. They also helped her form close bonds with her mentors and teachers, many of whom have known her for years.
NYU Summer Programs
The summer is an important time for high school students to build college-ready skills. They can sharpen writing and critical thinking skills, prepare for required classes, and gain a head start on their degree. This is especially important for students with limited opportunities to take required courses during the academic year. During the summer, students can also experience campus life and explore new interests.
NYU Summer Programs are a great way for high school students to explore their academic interests while earning college credits. These programs are available for students from all over the world and provide a wide range of options. From introductory courses in math to advanced courses in art, students can find the right fit for them. Students can even earn money and gain practical job experience through these unique internships and work-study opportunities.
Many colleges are recognizing the value of these immersive summer experiences. In fact, some are now requiring students to participate in them. For example, CUNY’s Career Edge offers a two-week course on college preparation in areas like computer science and math. Similarly, NYU’s Precollege Program offers college-level courses in a variety of subjects for students who are interested in majoring in business, arts and media, STEM, or the humanities.
Moreover, these immersive summer programs can offer students a chance to explore their careers. They can also help them gain a competitive advantage in the admissions process. For instance, NYU Steinhardt’s Visionary Studio: Saturday Art Intensive is a music and performance intensive that allows high school students to infuse issues of social justice into their art-making practice. Moreover, NYU’s CREATE Lab offers an interactive learning experience on coding and game design.
Another popular option is the Tisch Summer High School Program, which gives aspiring artists and performers the opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of NYU’s master faculty. Students can choose from artistic tracks in dance, production & design, dramatic writing and filmmaking. They can even learn about robotics and mechatronics at the NYU Tandon Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC). In addition to these courses, students can attend concerts and Broadway shows and get free or discounted access to dozens of NYC museums.
NYC Public Schools
Despite challenges, NYC’s public schools have much to offer students. They are committed to providing students with the skills they need for college and career success. This is especially important for underrepresented groups, such as students with disabilities or those who are multilingual. In addition to supporting students in their academic growth, they also offer numerous opportunities for students to gain valuable experiences outside of the classroom.
For example, CUNY Prep offers a full-time program for students to earn their high school diplomas and receive early college credit. The program also includes paid work experience and regular advising to help prepare for the workforce. Another program, FutureReadyNYC, provides resources for schools to launch new career tracks, including in education, technology, business, and health care.
Students can access many of the programs that they need by visiting their zoned middle and high schools. The Department of Education website lists all schools, their quality ratings and scores, and student demographics. Additionally, parents can create a MySchools account to find and apply for all NYC public schools. They can also enroll their children in specialized schools or charters.
While the city’s graduation rates are high, many students are not prepared for college. In fact, nearly half of all students who graduate from high school require remediation in college. Moreover, the city’s black and Hispanic communities have the highest rates of students who do not graduate on time.
The city’s graduation rate is not enough to address this problem. In order to do so, the city needs to take a holistic approach to student education. This should include focusing on the needs of low-income students, establishing clear goals for high achievement, and offering support to students who are struggling.
The most important thing for students to do is start planning for their future. They should begin researching colleges and careers early, even in elementary school. They should also make sure they are taking the right classes, preparing for high school exams, and attending parent-teacher conferences and school activities. Additionally, they should set up a MySchools account to track their progress in school.
