MISSION:  College Initiative Upstate creates pathways to and through college for people living in Tompkins County who have barriers to higher education including court involvement, former incarceration, low income, and people who are stable in their recovery.

Spring 2023 College Prep Graduates - left to right: Donovan Davis, Tracy Welch, Mikyra Glenn, Semonae Howard, Rebecca Jones, Nicole Schwelm

"CIU has been a small victory which is going to start the domino effect of victories in my life. Seeing it through was a small reminder that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. It started a fire inside of me and reignited a passion that I thought was burned out a long time ago. I know where I want to go, better yet, I know I can get there."

- College Prep Graduate

Spring 2024 College Prep Information

College Prep is a FREE seven-week program for new and returning college students.

  • Spring College Prep Orientation is Friday March 15!
  • College Prep classes begin on Monday, March 18 at 10:00am!
  • Come early! Light breakfast available from 9:00 to 10:00 every day!
  • Classes are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for six weeks.
  • Students who successfully complete College Prep will receive a Chromebook!

607-351-3201 REGISTER TODAY 607-351-5028

Bulletin Board

Image: CIU Mascot, by Vita Giorgi
CIU Mascot, by Vita Giorgi

Congratulations 2023 CIU College Graduates!

Michelle Cortright

Michelle A. Cortright

Bachelor of Community & Human Services

Empire State University

State University of New York

Regina de Orio

Regina de Orio

Bachelor of Applied Psychology

Honor Student, SUNY Canton

State University of New York

Estelle "Sunshine" Fox

Estelle "Sunshine" Fox

A.S. Human Services

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Tompkins Cortland Community College

State University of New York

Pam Lackner

Pam Lackner

A.S. Human Services

Tompkins Cortland Community College

State University of New York

Kaitlin Losey

Kaitlin Losey

Certificate in Herbal Studies

Dean's List

American College of Healthcare Sciences

Anthony Sundquist

Anthony Sundquist

A.S. Sports Management

Tompkins Cortland Community College

State University of New York

Yasmine Tarrats

Yasmine Tarrats

A.S. Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Tompkins Cortland Community College

State University of New York

See what Jodi Anderson and our other featured students have been up to!

College Initiative Upstate (CIU) is a learning community of students, educators, and volunteers who are working together to build pathways to and through college for people who are court-involved or formerly incarcerated, people in a stable place in their recovery, or low-income (including housing choice voucher recipients). CIU’s model provides the resources for college preparation, college enrollment, and community leadership – all free of charge. The only requirements are a high school diploma or equivalency, residency in Tompkins County, and a strong desire to continue their educational goals. By effectively addressing the individual and structural barriers to higher education, including the gap in preparation for college, CIU offers a life-changing path for non-traditional students experiencing issues related to legal involvement, poverty, and recovery.

CIU's office is located at the TC3 Extension Center, Room 501

Above the M&T Bank Building on the Ithaca Commons

Office Hours at TC3 Extension: M - Thurs. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

Meet the CIU Staff

Sherron Brown: sbrown.oar.ciu@gmail.com, (607) 351-3201

Benay Rubenstein: benay.rubenstein@gmail.com, (607) 351-5028