NAC’s College Bound Program offers the knowledge, support, and encouragement that young people need to navigate the college preparation and application process, and have a successful college experience. Working primarily with youth who are child welfare involved and who have special medical needs, the College Bound Program fosters the development of educational and social skills of our youth and encourages them to see a world of new possibilities.

NAC youth are assisted in high school placement, subject area tutoring, test prep for the SATs, ACTs, and Regents exams, and one-on-one guidance through college admissions and the financial aid system. When students are ready to begin their college journeys, NAC provides computers, school supplies and dorm furnishings. NAC’s College Bound Program also prepares youth for the unique challenges they may face as medically complex-fragile college students or students with a disability. Additionally, external opportunities like summer academic programs, or scholarships, and skills building training are identified for youth based on their ability and interests.

NAC is also proud to be a part of the Fair Futures coalition, which ensures New York City’s foster youth are receiving the educational guidance and social skills support needed to successfully transition to adulthood. We initiated NAC Futures in 2020 as part of our promise to deliver critical long-term one-on-one coaching, robust academic and career development, and independent living support for teens in foster care.

Getting into a supportive high school is the first essential step for pursuing college aspirations. That is why NAC starts working with youth in 8th grade and continues to support them through the college application process and beyond. Each youth enrolled in the program works with a NAC Education Specialist who provides:

• High school application support
• Individual Education Plan (IEP) modification and compliance
• Attendance & grade improvement support
• Securing home instruction
• Parent coaching on advocacy skills
• Enrollment support for after-school tutoring and enrichment programs
• Family education on the college admission and application process
• College Bound peer support groups
• SAT preparation
• College application support
• College tours
• College Care Packages, including a laptop and dorm essentials

College Bound services are available to youth between the ages of 13 and 21+ who are already enrolled in another NAC program. Once a family is enrolled in another NAC program, they can be referred internally to NAC Education and the College Bound Program. We cannot accept outside referrals.

Youth enrolled in NAC’s College Bound Program have access to an array of support services and resources, including:

• Free Books and School Supplies
• NAC Futures
• Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)
• Family Mental Health Clinic
• Medical Clinic
• P.E.E.R. (Positive Exposure, Exploration, & Recreation) Project
• Peter Haje Center for Autism
• Youth Development & Mentoring Programs
• Recreational Services
• Food Bank
• Safe Haven LGBTQI+ Support