Creating Pathways

to and Through College

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.

Our Services

Testimonials

“CIU gave me a lot of hope and self-confidence and it really changed my life.”

"CIU has been a 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."

"I went from being homeless, hopeless, and lost to planning on getting a 4-year degree and go to law school so I can help people who haven’t had the same chances and opportunities I’ve had, get those opportunities." 

- Andrew Thuesan

"Without the academic, financial, and community support of CIU and all of their partners it's hard to even contemplate where my life would have ended up. My next mission is to continue developing technology to improve outcomes for citizens and allies in the criminal justice reform movement." 

- Jodi Anderson

"With CIU’s guidance and support, I have been able to pursue my academic goals with the tools I needed to go back to college. CIU also helped me integrate my passions, such as working in the community and photography into my school program." 

- Ricardo Escobedo

"CIU has been the sole reason I am where I am today. Sure, I did the work and made the grades... But without CIU Staff pushing me, rooting for me, and providing me with the connections/assistance there is no way I would be a Dean’s list student today. CIU has been a guiding guardian angel.”

"It's very attractive how CIU helps us because they offer all the materials, books, supplies, breakfast, and lunch, and bring the teachers from TC3 to here."

-Erika Colquehuanca

A Learning Community

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 justice-impacted, low-income, and non-traditional students living in Tompkins County, NY.

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Alternative to Incarceration 

CIU may be the only Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) in Tompkins County with higher education at its core and the possibility for some students to have the choice of attending college instead of going to jail.

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Pathway to Higher Education

Many of our prospective students come to CIU believing that they have issues that will prevent them from enrolling in college or receiving financial aid. CIU staff finds ways to resolve these issues together.

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Our History
CIU Students Celebrate Graduation in 2019
CIU Students Celebrate Graduation in 2019

College Initiative Impact

Since its inception in 2016, CIU has enrolled 150 students in either College Prep Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or college degree programs. Most of our students have experienced substance abuse issues, and/or legal issues, and live in the most impoverished sectors of our community. They are succeeding academically, transforming their lives and those of their families, and most importantly, they are not returning to jail or prison. CIU’s recidivism rate is 9% (the average in the U.S. is 67% and in New York State is 42%).

CIU data reveals a highly motivated group of students (63% achieve over a 3.0 GPA), moving from poverty, substance abuse, and criminal behavior to a life of “giving back”.  For example, during the Spring 2020 semester, 23/38 or 62% of enrolled college students chose majors in the Human Service sector (Counseling, CASAC/Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Nursing, Criminal Justice, etc.). This is an important way CIU students can build upon their life experience and achieve legitimate, satisfying careers.

It is important to note that each of our 12 graduates (10 Associate’s and 2 Bachelor’s degrees) is working, continuing their education, or both. Within the next year, we expect our number of graduates to double.

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.

Requirements to enroll are a high school diploma or GED and a strong desire to continue their educational goals. By addressing the individual and structural barriers to higher education, CIU offers a life-changing path for non-traditional students.

Frequently Asked Questions