Minds Matter is more than a program—it’s a transformative journey
Minds Matter NYC is a 7-year program that begins in students’ sophomore year of high school and extends through college. We provide mentorship and academic instruction that gives students access to the resources, information, and guidance to get to and through college and start meaningful careers.
Our program is designed for students from low-income families who aspire to go to and succeed in college – at absolutely no cost to participants.
100% of our students are accepted into a 4-year college or university
More than 75% of our students graduate college within 6 years
76% of students enroll in a U.S. News Top 100 College or University
70% of our students identify as the first of their family to attend college
Identify: Our Students
We look for high-potential high school freshmen who are smart, dedicated, and determined to succeed in college and beyond.
Have an average GPA of 3.0 or higher
Are high school freshmen
Have an average family income of around $40,000
Will be the first in their family to attend college (if your sibling went to college, you still are among the first!)
Show maturity and a strong work ethic
Have curiosity to learn and grow
Are ready to dedicate most Saturdays throughout high school to prepare for college
Unite: Students, Mentors, Tutors, & Community Partners
Students are united with two caring and committed mentors who support, challenge, and celebrate their students through their academic journey, helping students access their potential and cheering them on every step of the way.
Throughout their 7 years in the program, MMNYC students work with at least 20 different volunteers, expanding their networks and giving them fresh perspectives on college and career opportunities.
Mentors
Writing Advisors
Team Leaders
Program Directors
College Coaches
College Advisors
Corporate Partners
Prepare: The High School Program
Our high school focus includes mentoring & advising, Writing & Critical Thinking, SAT Prep, and immersive Summer Programs.
10th Grade
Students are matched with their mentors and teams, practice writing skills, build community, explore colleges, and hone their SAT test prep skills.
11th Grade
With the guidance of their mentors, students apply to Summer Programs, learn the college application process, and take an intensive SAT test prep course.
12th Grade
With the guidance of their mentors, students apply to their best-fit colleges, find scholarship opportunities, write application and scholarship essays, and select their college.
Support: College Success
We support students to thrive on campus and graduate on time. Students also learn skills for self-reliance, financial literacy, community building, and academic success.
Goal #1
Build a community that supports students throughout their college journeys.
Goal #2
Provide stipends for financial support and build financial literacy.
Goal #3
Ensure every student develops the skills to successfully navigate college.
Propel: Career Prep
Our students are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for diverse talent, and our Propel program prepares students for success in their job search and early career.
Exposure
Expose students to a variety of careers to draw their interest and expand their understanding of how college can help them succeed.
Expertise
College and Career coaches guide students in developing the skills to prepare them for the job search ahead.
Experience
Provide students with opportunities to experience professional environments first-hand and build their resumes.
Employment
Assist students in finding meaningful employment by building the skills for success in the application process, both inside and outside the Minds Matter NYC Corporate Partner network.
“I participated in the Science Matters Research Internship at Columbia University. We got to do a full research project in a real lab, which was an incredible opportunity that I wouldn't have had without Minds Matter NYC.”