PROGRAMS

BEYOND COLLEGE PREP 
Youth have big dreams that can take them many places but they shouldn’t have to make the journey alone. Our vision is to build a dynamic network of motivated students, caring adults, and valuable resources which inspire, challenge, and propel youth to design and realize bold futures. This relationship with students and families begins well before they apply to college and long after they enter.

WHO WE SERVE 

To be eligible, Fellows must:
Applications for Spring 2023 are OPEN.
  • ✓We are accepting applications for students who wish to begin participation in August 2023. Rising 9th-11th grade students can apply by completing an online application.

While each application is reviewed on an individual basis, CYC prioritizes applicants with the qualifications listed below:

Are a first-generation college student
• Have a GPA of 3.3 or better
• Live in a household with an income less than $60,000 or demonstrate financial need

APPLY TODAY REFER A STUDENT

CYC is a proud partner of the Jordan Brand Wings Program! Learn more here.

TO AND THROUGH COLLEGE
PROGRAM COMPONENTS

CYC Fellows have access to an array of programming that facilitates frequent opportunities for students to access valuable resources and build quality relationships between staff, peers, and mentors. Programs generally fall into two categories: core programs and support programs.

Core Programs

Grade-level specific programs focused on where Fellows are in their social and academic development which provide ample opportunity for continued growth. For the entirety of a school year, Fellows commit to attending two Core Programs per week between Monday and Thursday.

For Torch Fellows, Core Programs are built around key focus areas:

Freshmen (9th Grade): Academic Habits, Self-Awareness, Career Exploration
Sophomores (10th Grade): College Exploration, Leadership skills, ACT Prep, Career Exploration
Juniors (11th Grade): ACT Prep, Consciousness Dialogue, Writing Workshops, College Application Process Support
Seniors (12th Grade): ACT Prep, 1:1 College Application Process Support, Financial Aid, College Transition Coaching, Scholarships

Support Programs

We offer a wide range of scholastic and extracurricular programming that is open to all Fellows.
College Tours (In-state and out-of-state)
College Preview Days
Annual Empowerment Retreat
Professional Networking Opportunities
Financial Literacy workshops
Full-length Practice ACTs
ACT Bootcamps
Healthy Relationships workshops
Community Service Projects
Holiday Parties and more!

The Youth Union

All CYC Fellows have access to our Youth Union! The Union serves as our program and resource hub that Fellows are welcome to enjoy on Mondays -Thursdays and some weekends. At CYC, there’s way more than just your two mandatory weekly programs. If you show up before Core programs, you are welcome to work independently, meet with a tutor or your mentor, grab a snack, or just hang out until program starts.


PROGRAM FOCUS

Our after-school, college-preparatory model employs a holistic approach through three programmatic pillars:
COLLEGE

Delivering personalized college admissions, financial aid, matriculation, and persistence support.

1:1 College Mentors
Weekly, personalized standardized test prep and academic support provided by MasteryPrep
Academic tutoring and coaching 
College Knowledge programming 
Financial aid support and connection to scholarships
College counseling 
College tours and information sessions
Individualized college transition support

CONSCIOUSNESS

Facilitating the development of self-awareness and self-advocacy skills.

✓ Weekly programming which engages youth in dialogue around key social justice issues 
✓ Writing workshops and coaching to assist students in composing effective college essays and resumes
✓ Monthly Community Conversations
✓ Special guest speak and panels
COMMUNITY

Fostering an empowering community of supportive youth and adults

Monthly individual check-ins and small group circles
1:1 Community Advocate support: Each Fellow is matched with a staff member who will support the Fellow during her/his time in CYC.
Connecting youth to valuable resources and opportunities throughout Charlotte and beyond.
Special Events and Support Programs.


Share by: