NYUSPS Aspire is a scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented communities who will be first-generation college students. Students are prepared for the college admissions process and experience via a two-year college prep and mentoring program that features a variety of classes, workshops, and higher education experiences.
The program begins with a one-week college immersion intensive in the summer and continues with support throughout the student’s junior and senior year in high school. The Aspire program began in 2015 with 25 students, but has since expanded to serve 80 students each year. We are raising funds to take all 80 of our new and returning students on a tour of several New York State colleges and universities this summer, hoping to inspire and inform these students about the exciting higher education options available to them. Our goal is to pack this trip with impactful college visits that exemplify the types of institutions they will be applying to - for example medium-sized suburban campuses, selective aspirational schools, large urban institutions, and small private liberal arts colleges. With this in mind, we are aiming to bring our students to four institutions in one day, potentially touring Stony Brook University, SUNY Old Westbury, St. John’s University, and Hofstra University.
A major component of the Aspire program experience is the tremendous support students receive from New York University faculty members and mentors. Course content is delivered by faculty members who bring the subject matter to life and encourage students to reach beyond their comfort zone to get the most out of the learning experience. Our team of mentors are NYUSPS Dean’s Scholars, undergraduate and graduate students selected for their academic achievement, involvement at NYU, and interest in giving back to the surrounding community. They work closely with Aspire students to provide support throughout their time in the program. Mentors serve as positive reinforcement: coaching their mentees through assignments, discussing their own college experience, and providing helpful tips and guidance on choosing a college and navigating through the admissions and financial aid process.
The Aspire program helps close the college readiness gap for students in underserved communities who often do not have the means or the support to develop the academic skills for higher education, identify possible career paths, explore college options, or navigate the complexities of financing their education. We serve students who otherwise might not achieve their dream of attending college due to financial or other social constraints. Each student admitted into the program receives a full scholarship that covers tuition, housing, and meals for the one-week summer intensives and weekend workshops throughout the academic year. The Aspire team strives to enhance the summer experience every year - and we hope that with your generous support, we can provide a tour of college campuses not readily accessible to these students. We believe that this experience, offered for the first time in the program’s history, will equip them with the information needed to kick off their college application journey. Your generous contribution will allow our team to provide lunch, rent 2 coach buses, and hire drivers to take all 80 of our students on this engaging trip for a full day at the end of our Summer session.
Our diverse group of students represents all of New York City and parts of New Jersey. Each student has been identified by the Aspire team as having unique strengths, deep community involvement, and strong character. Though they arrive at NYU as nervous high schoolers, our team witnesses tremendous academic, professional, and personal growth over the course of the program. At the annual Aspire graduation ceremony, these students are completely transformed into confident young adults ready for their first year in college. Past Aspire graduates have been accepted to New York University, Cornell, Virginia State University, Long Island University, and many more public and private institutions around the country. Watch first-hand accounts of our students’ Aspire experience on our website: Ryan’s Blog / Thatcher’s Blog / Mariela’s Blog
We are delighted that you are considering supporting the NYUSPS Aspire program. The generosity of NYU donors, such as you, is paramount to the success of these amazing students and we would not be able to do what we do without your support. Thank You!
Your gift will sponsor one Aspire student’s trip to visit four different colleges.
Your gift will sponsor five Aspire students’ trip to visit four different colleges.
Your gift will sponsor ten Aspire students’ trip to visit four different colleges.
Your gift will sponsor one bus and driver to transport 40 Aspire students on their college visit trip.