Our Crowdfunding Groups
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 and workshops.
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 60 students and is looking to welcome its largest student body ever in Summer 2018. To ensure that all 80 of our new and returning students take full advantage of their program experience, we are raising funds to purchase laptops for each student.
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.
Our goal is to help 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 - and with your help, a laptop that will allow them to access all the academic and professional resources available online.
Our diverse group of students comes from every borough in New York and 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, 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!
