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 2025 are OPEN.
- ✓We are accepting applications for students who wish to begin participation in January 2025. 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
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
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.
