Services
CI provides a range of services promoting successful reentry, enrollment and completion of college degrees that serve as both an anchor and guiding force for students committed to becoming gainfully employed, informed citizens and community leaders.
PRE RELEASE
Outreach student recruitment and correspondence with prisoners planning for release: Through collaboration with the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, information about CI is available at facilities throughout New York State and the northeastern United States. This jump-starts CI's relationship with potential students who are still incarcerated. Each year CI corresponds with over 1500 prisoners from city, state and federal facilities. CI's wraparound services provide a smooth transition from prison to college.
INTAKE
Orientation, initial assessment, academic coaching and preparation for required placement exams: Potential students are invited to attend one of CI's bi-weekly orientation sessions where they are given an overview of the CUNY system, learning what is required to attend and succeed in college. The next step is one-on-one educational counseling and guidance session to assess pre-college needs and begin the process of selecting an appropriate college and major for each individual. Because 80% of CI students have earned GEDs while in prison, there is a critical need to address the academic gap between GED and college level work. CI has offered a free College Prep program each semester since fall 2003.
The fifteen-week College Prep curriculum provides 135 hours of study in arithmetic, algebra, reading comprehension and basic study skills.
Help with assembling academic transcripts and other documents needed for college application packets
- Fees paid for GED and college transcripts
Access to financial aid and help with outstanding student loans: Many formerly incarcerated students are unaware that they are eligible for federal (Pell) and New York State (TAP) financial aid after release. CI staff assists with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and provides assistance in negotiating outstanding student loans.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) (TAP)
http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/SFC/3/How_to_Apply_for_TAP
- FAQ's about Federal Student Aid from incarcerated individuals
Application Fee Waivers for CUNY students
CUNY
Freshmen: CUNY will ONLY accept online applications. In addition to the application students must submit:
- Official High School Transcripts/GED
- Application Fee of $65
- SAT or ACT score (for four year programs)
Transfers: CUNY will ONLY accept online applications. In addition to the application students must submit:
- High School Transcript/GED College
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Application Fee of $70
SUNY
The fee to process your application is $40 per campus choice. The fee is non-refundable and is independent of an admission decision or decision to withdraw or decline an offer of acceptance. Your application will not be processed until full payment or authorized fee waiver request is received.
Help with outstanding student loans & establishing a payment plan
- National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/
Reentry resources
AFTER COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
CI staff assists with scholarship and fellowship applications, and informs students how to meet financial gaps.
Tutoring, peer mentors, community giveback, student events and celebrations: Once students are enrolled in college, they benefit from ongoing CI support, including tutoring, a wide variety of opportunities for community giveback (volunteer opportunities), leadership development, student meetings, and special events. Additionally, as a result of CI's partnership with the COPE (College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment) offices on 10 CUNY campuses, CI students can take advantage of COPE's services which include access free academic support services, Metrocards, employment counseling and childcare referrals.
- COPE - The College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment
http://web.cuny.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs-of-note/cope.html
Student book stipends with commitment for community giveback: A recent grant has allowed CI to provide book stipends for all enrolled students. Stipends are tied to academic performance and community "giveback".
Future academic and workforce planning: CI staff guide and support students in their search for meaningful employment by fostering relationships with professors, peers and other anchors; encouraging student internships sponsored by their home colleges and utilizing CI's network of community partners. The CI student network is an important source of job opportunities. For example, several CI students have found work through their peers at the Doe Fund (Ready, Willing and Able) and Westhab (shelter system in Westchester).
