Minds Matter NYC Programs

Minds Matter of NYC's mission to transform the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success is met through three separate programs: the Sophomore Program, the Junior Program, and the Senior Program.

The Sophomore Program curriculum develops the students' skills in key academic and leadership areas. Each student is matched with two mentors with whom he/she meets weekly during the school year for 2-hour mentoring sessions. The unique curriculum focuses on writing and critical thinking, public speaking, debate and preparation for the PSAT exam. The year-long experience provides a foundation for the final component of the Sophomore Program, the summer college preparation program. During the school year, students apply to academically intensive summer programs at colleges, universities and prep schools throughout the United States, which they attend as rising juniors.

Students in the Junior Program continue to work with their mentors to refine their writing, oral presentation, and interviewing skills. Juniors also attend an intensive, 15-week SAT/ACT prep course, which ensures they are able to realize their dream of pursuing higher education. During the year students apply to a second academically intensive summer program at colleges, universities and prep schools throughout the United States, which they attend as rising juniors.

The Senior Program guides students through the college application process, including school selection, interviews and financial aid. In addition the program provides workshops on how to adapt to college life. At the end of the year, Minds Matter provides seniors with a performance-based stipend of up to $1,500 to pay for tuition, books, and/or computers. Minds Matter graduates have attended universities including Cornell, Georgetown, NYU, Yale, and dozens of other establishments across the country.