SYRACUSE — On Point for College, a Syracuse–based nonprofit that empowers inner-city youth to attend college and succeed, received a $1.9 million New York State College Access Challenge Grant (CACG).
On Point’s staff and 200 volunteers mentor students who are low income, homeless, or living in other at-risk situations. The group provides support such as college visits, basic college supplies, transportation, and retention services.
On Point will use the grant to replicate its Syracuse model in two additional cities to provide college success services and interventions to more than 1,800 students annually. The organization will partner with Goddard Riverside Community Center in New York City to offer services in that area along with a second yet-to-be determined Upstate location.
The grants are funded through a $7.05 million College Access Challenge Grant awarded to the state by the U.S. Department of Education in September 2011. The CACG program’s goal is to increase the rate of low-income, minority, and underserved students who are prepared to apply for and succeed in college.
Contact DeLore at tgregory@cnybj.com