Prep for Prep

Preparatory programs: Prep redefines opportunity for top students of color in nyc public schools through exceptional academic and social preparedness programming - a rigorous 14-month course of study - that results in placing approximately 200 students annually in leading nyc independent schools (in 7th grade) and northeastern boarding schools (in 9th grade). Our organizational budget investment in our students leverages roughly $35 million in financial aid for over 700 students (grades 7-12) annually committed by our partner schools to meet students' needs based on family household income.

Leadership development: Prep offers leadership development and professional advancement opportunities during high school and college to roughly 1,300 students annually. Activities include: sleep-away camp; a prep-sotheby's partnership for our summer arts academy; a prep-google partnership for our institute for entrepreneurship (ife); a new entrepreneurship camp for middle school students; college guidance (including campus visits); student leadership retreats; summer internships and career seminars with leading firms, companies, nonprofits, and public service agencies; exposure to stem fields and computer coding; travel abroad, international living, and experiential learning; and other programs aimed at expanding student horizons. These opportunities increase students' sense of belonging, broaden understanding of life's possibilities, and build a stronger self-identity.

Counseling: Prep provides individual counseling for approximately 700 students annually throughout their time (ranging from 4-6 years) in independent day and boarding schools. Our counseling team monitors students' academic and social-emotional progress and provides assistance, including tutoring and emergency fund support, to students and their families as needed. The team works to equip students, who are also navigating adolescence, to address issues ranging from imposter syndrome to micro-aggressions; from perfectionism to anxiety and depression; from cultural divides to assimilation and gender identity. Services and support are also made available to approximately 600 college students annually through our undergraduate affairs team.

Talent search : our admissions team identifies 200 students each year for admission to Prep for Prep, selected among nearly 4,000 annual inquiries from students of color in nyc public schools. The admissions process is extensive and highly competitive. Students are chosen for their academic potential and intellectual capacity, their commitment to learning and growth, their courage and integrity, their determination to succeed, and their resilience. Alumni affairs: for Prep's alumni, now 4,223 strong and growing, we build community through a variety of engagement programs that encourage a life-long commitment to Prep and its mission. Ongoing networking, professional development, and social gatherings, along with opportunities to give back their time, knowledge, and treasure, ensure that our students have role models, mentors, and champions to help them reach their full potential and follow in the footsteps of their fellow alumni.educational equity - expertise & leadership impact : Prep has a longstanding commitment to sharing its program model and experience and boasts a growing list of more than 250 organizations and social entrepreneurs who have benefited from our knowledge, methods, and approaches. Additionally, Prep supports its partner schools with information-sharing and professional advice and support.