---
title: "Partners & Programs"
url: "/academics/centers-institutes/optimal-college-readiness/partners-programs"
type: page
date: 2026-05-19
updated: 2026-05-19
---

# Partners & Programs

## 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](http://www.kids-2-college.org/) 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](https://www.riverdaleonline.org/) 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](http://www.in-techacademy.org/), 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.](/campus-life/clubs-orgs/motivational-outreach "Motivational Outreach")

### NY Gear Up Program - Yonkers

[The NY Gear Up Program](https://www.nygearup.org/) 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 University 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   
101 hour/weekIn-Tech AcademyTutoring/ Teacher Assistants/ Office Assistants at Partner Schools1510 hours per week/ per studentIn-Tech Academy, City College Academy of the Arts,  
and Public School 7COCR in collaboration with  
OST/NYC DYCD53 hours per week/ per studentIn-Tech AcademyRegents Prep Program43 hours per week/ per studentNew Vision Charter School*\* The number of hours working at a particular school may vary.*