Partners & Programs

The Center of Optimal College Readiness (COCR) places students in one of our several local partner schools, including In-Tech Academy, City College Academy of the Arts and Public School 7, where they provide outreach tutoring, mentoring, help with academic counseling and college application-related work. Additionally we are partners with the following organizations:

Kids 2 College

The Kids 2 College Program brings early college awareness and a college-going culture to communities across the country. The Sallie Mae Fund provides the national curriculum and training free of charge to schools and community groups.

Riverdale Neighborhood House and In-Tech Academy

We have an active role in the Out of School Time (OST) grant and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) grant, which provide a mix of academic, recreational and cultural activities afterschool, during holidays and summer vacation for young people enrolled in grades K-12.

The program, currently located at In-Tech Academy, is free of charge. In addition to the homework help facilitate by our tutors, OST programs provide:

Separate programs/activities based upon the student's interest
Quality programs with trained staff in a supportive environment
Homework help and tutoring
A schedule that meets the needs of working parents
Healthy snacks for all participants
An after-school program for 135 grade 6-8 students focusing on STEM, leadership development and healthy living

Motivational Outreach

Motivational Outreach works with students from local middle and high schools to help them see college as an option, and show them how to think with a growth mindset. Read more about the club.

NY Gear Up Program - Yonkers

The NY Gear Up Program provides seamless, intensive support to a cohort of 225 students across five schools, beginning in the 7th grade:

NY Gear Up Program Outcomes

Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of participating students, with an emphasis on career readiness and college fit
Increase the rate of high school graduation, with an emphasis of college and career readiness
Increase participation in postsecondary education of participating students with an emphasis on college fit and alignment with high-demand fields and sectors of the economy
Increase participation in postsecondary education of participating students without need for remedial coursework
Increase the rate of college persistence and completion of participating students
Increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing

As partners of the NY Gear Up Program, we will:

Place 15 graduate or undergraduate students to support the teachers at each school in providing tutoring and homework assistance to participants, and also serve as role models
Recruit and train five graduate counseling students to provide career, academic, mental health and financial aid counseling to YPS Gear Up students
Host Manhattan College tours and workshops for YPS Gear Up students each year.

Student Placement

COCR Programs	Students	Hours	Schools Affiliated
COCR in collaboration with Strive for College	10	1 hour/week	In-Tech Academy
Tutoring/ Teacher Assistants/ Office Assistants at Partner Schools	15	10 hours per week/ per student	In-Tech Academy, City College Academy of the Arts, and Public School 7
COCR in collaboration with OST/NYC DYCD	5	3 hours per week/ per student	In-Tech Academy
Regents Prep Program	4	3 hours per week/ per student	New Vision Charter School

* The number of hours working at a particular school may vary.