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.
College Prep Begins on Monday, October 2, 2023!
College Prep is a FREE seven-week program for new and returning college students.
- REGISTER NOW and come to the College Prep Orientation and Welcome event on Friday, September 29th before classes begin.
- Reading/Writing/Math/Computer Skills and more!
- Classes are held Monday -Thursday Mornings: 10 am-12 pm at the TC3 Extension Center on the Ithaca Commons Room 501.
- Requirements: HS Diploma or GED and a strong interest in pursuing college.
- Students who successfully complete College Prep will receive a Chromebook.
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