Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is the College Initiative?  

The College Initiative is a reentry education program for formerly incarcerated men and women who want to begin or continue college.  CI has two offices – one at Lehman College in the Bronx and another at The Fortune Society in Long Island City, Queens.        

Attend a bi-weekly Orientation session at the Fortune Society (every other Friday from 10:00 am-12 noon). At the orientation, you will receive an overview of services provided by CI and have the opportunity to speak with an academic counselor. After the Orientation, you can make an appointment to meet with a counselor one-on-one about your educational goals.  For information about upcoming orientations, please click here.  

3.  If I have never been to prison, can I still receive assistance from the College Initiative?  

We only work with individuals who have had involvement with the criminal justice system (i.e. probation, parole, alternative to incarceration programs, etc).  Our program is tailored in a way that makes it impossible for us to serve the general public.  The CUNY Office of Admissions Services at 1114 Avenue of the Americas (42nd Street and Sixth Avenue) is open to everyone.  Please contact them for further assistance.     

4.  Does the College Initiative pay for my tuition and other expenses?  

The College Initiative pays for college application fees and fees associated with gathering college, high school, and GED transcripts.  However, we do not pay for tuition.  If a prospective student was incarcerated the previous year, does not have any outstanding student loans, and enrolls as a part-time or full-time student, he/she can apply for federal and New York State financial assistance.  The costs of tuition and books are ordinarily covered by financial assistance.  The College Initiative can also help you learn about scholarships and stipends for which you might be eligible.  Click here for a list of scholarships.  

5.  Does the College Initiative pay for correspondence courses?  

No.  The College Initiative does not pay for correspondence courses.  You will have to finance the cost of these courses through private sources such as family, friends, faith-based groups (such as prison ministries), etc.   We highly recommend the Prisoners' Guerrilla Handbook to Correspondence Programs in the U.S. and Canada as a reference as you research the best program for you.  If you receive a "C" or better in a correspondence course offered through an accredited college, your credits can be transferred to another accredited college in any state.     

6.  Can I receive financial assistance if I have a criminal record?  

Financial aid restrictions only apply to people who were convicted of a drug offense (either a misdemeanor or felony) while receiving financial aid. If the law applies to you, there are ways to lift the restrictions.  To learn more, contact a College Initiative counselor.   

7.  If I have a student loan in default, can I still receive financial aid?  

No. However, you will regain eligibility for Pell and TAP grants when your student loan is out of default. The College Initiative will help you work with the lender to set-up an affordable payment plan. In most cases, after making six consecutive on-time payments, your loan comes out of default and you are then eligible to receive financial assistance.  

8.  What careers do I need to avoid because of my criminal record?  

Convictions involving drugs or violence can make it nearly impossible to get licensed as a teacher in New York City (primary and secondary education) or as a health care provider (nurse, radiologist, paramedic, veterinary technician).  To learn more about these restrictions, contact the Legal Action Center at www.lac.org or (212) 243-1313.  

9.  Can I become CASAC-certified through the College Initiative?  

Yes.  A student can receive the necessary 350 hours of academic coursework through the Human Services Baccalaureate Degree Program at New York City College of Technology or the Human Services Associate Degree Program at Kingsborough Community College.  Since the student is in a degree-bearing program, he/she should be eligible to receive federal and New York State financial aid.    If you are interested in taking CASAC courses outside of a degree program, please contact the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for more information: http://www.oasas.state.ny.us  

10. Can I apply to colleges outside of the CUNY system and still receive assistance from the College Initiative?  

Yes. The College Initiative strongly encourages students to enroll in the CUNY system because, as a public institution, tuition is affordable and you will receive a quality education.  However, we acknowledge that some students want to attend a private college or a college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Wherever you choose to apply, if the program is accredited, the College Initiative will be happy to assist you.  

11. Can I submit my college application while incarcerated? 

The College Initiative recommends that you wait until you are home before applying.  It is important to have your basic needs met (housing, job, etc.) before enrolling in college.  Additionally, if you have been out of school for a long period of time, you would probably find our College Prep Program helpful in preparing for the CUNY Placement Exam.  We advise prospective students to submit their college applications three to six months before the start of the next semester.    

12. Can I receive assistance from the College Initiative if I do not live in New York City?  

Yes.  We are pleased to speak with you on the telephone or converse through email. Additionally, we can refer you to a local college where you can speak to someone in person.   

13. I am not a U.S. citizen.  Do I qualify for financial assistance?  

If you have an F1 or F2 visa, you are not eligible for financial assistance; however, if you are a U.S. permanent resident with an I-551 or I-551c form or if you fit under one of the following immigration categories with an I-94 form, then you are eligible for financial assistance.  The relevant immigration classifications include the following:  

• Indefinite parole
• Non-citizens refugee
• Asylum granted   
• Humanitarian parole
• Cuban-Haitian entrance