High school educational programs to consider
We are sharing information about educational programs our high school students can consider applying for. The programs are going to have different application requirements, so check their websites.
Some of these programs are going to be highly selective and require personal statements, interview, and even testing for admissions. SBC buddies can help their students apply to these fellowships by assisting them in brainstorming and revising their personal statements, conducting mock interviews, or familiarizing them with the tests used for admissions purposes.
Please note that SBC will not act as a case manager on our student’s application. If the parent and the child decide to apply for these programs, it is up to the family to attend info sessions, manage different application deadlines, and collect required documentation. Any questions about the application process should be directed to the admissions office at the fellowship programs instead of to SBC.
A Better Chance (www.betterchance.org)
What services does this program offer?
A Better Chance places high-performing students of color in the US’s best independent and public schools and supports them on their educational and leadership journeys.
What grade should I be in to apply?
Students in Grades 4-9 can apply.
What will they look for in their applications?
You identify as a person of color: Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, or Multiracial
Consistently performs at or above grade level in math and English
Has an overall academic average of a B+ or better
Ranks in the top ten percent of their class
Participates in extracurricular activities, both within and outside of the school community
Demonstrates leadership potential in school or through activities outside of school
Receives good teacher recommendations
Is of upstanding character
Family makes less than $250,000 per year
Cannot be the child of one of A Better Chance's Alumni
Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) (ledascholars.org/)
What services does this program offer?
LEDA recruits high school juniors who show leadership potential but lack the exposure and support they need to attend highly selective colleges. LEDA Scholars receive leadership training, writing instruction, standardized test preparation and a year of highly personalized guidance as they navigate the application and admissions process at the most competitive colleges. Throughout college and beyond, Scholars are offered ongoing advising, career counseling, postgraduate planning and community-building support to help them succeed and lead.
What grade should I be in to apply?
Students apply in the 11th grade.
What will they look for in their applications?
To be eligible to apply, a student:
Must be a junior attending a public high school in the U.S., graduating in 2024
Is a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or has DACA Status
Has an annual household income under $90,000
Has a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5
LEDA reviews each application individually, meaning that we consider all factors of a student’s application when making an admission decision. LEDA will review every application we receive, so we encourage any student who is interested and believes they could be a fit for the program to apply.
Let’s Get Ready (www.letsgetready.org/)
What services does this program offer?
Let’s Get Ready provides students with free college application and college completion support from junior year of high school through college graduation. Services are led by near-peer college student coaches and are tailored to your college journey.
What grade should I be in to apply?
Students can apply in the 11th or 12th grade.
What will they look for in their applications?
Let’s Get Ready does not make application decisions based on current or past academic records, so everyone should apply.
Let’s Get Ready prioritizes admittance for students who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Student applies early in Let’s Get Ready’s application cycle
Student is in their last two years of high school OR in their first two years of college
Student is or will be a first-generation college student
Student comes from one or more historically underrepresented communities
Student is referred to Let’s Get Ready by a program partner
Opportunity Network (opportunitynetwork.org)
What services does this program offer?
The Opportunity Network ignites the drive, curiosity, and agency of underrepresented students on their paths to and through college and into thriving careers, powered by our commitment to access and community. Students participate in a robust set of activities and experiential workshops to ensure they are prepared to matriculate at a "best fit" college, thrive once on campus, and graduate ready to launch their professional next step.
What grade should I be in to apply?
You apply as a tenth grader.
What will they look for in their applications?
All students that are currently enrolled in the tenth grade at a New York City high school regardless of immigration or citizenship status
Students that have demonstrated academic commitment. Our current Fellows reflect their academic commitment by taking challenging course loads. Most of our Fellows apply to our program with a GPA of 87 and above.
Students who identify as a member of a historically and systemically underrepresented community (BIPOC, first-generation college students) and have a household AGI under $125,000. The average AGI for our accepted Fellows is $29, 887.00
Students that are pursuing their hobbies and interests with passion and energy.
Applicants should not already have access to the kinds of resources, services, and opportunities the program offers such as intensive college counseling and application assistance, mandatory summer programming that conflicts with OppNet’s Summer Institute, or already participate in college and career programs such as SEO, Minds Matter, or Breakthrough.
Applicants must be self-motivated to join a challenging peer network and commit to OppNet as their primary extracurricular.
Questbridge Scholarship (www.questbridge.org/)
What services does this program offer?
Questbridge matches top-performing students with highly regarded colleges across the country and provides a full ride. Questbridge also supports students through college and helps them with their career journey.
What grade should I be in to apply?
Students apply in the twelfth grade.
What will they look for in their applications?
Primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses).
Top 5-10% of graduating class.
Evidence of strong writing ability, intellectual spark, and determination.
SEO Scholars (https://www.seo-usa.org/scholars/)
What services does this program offer?
SEO Scholars creates a more equitable society by closing the academic and opportunity gap for motivated young people. Our free, eight-year program successfully educates and mentors underserved public high school students to and through college – with a 90% college graduation rate.
What grade should I be in to apply?
Students apply in the fall of ninth grade.
What will they look for in their applications?
All candidates must submit a complete application, including:
Parent/family information
Three short written responses
Most recent ninth-grade report card
Family income information
Letter of recommendation