The two areas of CIU's Programming are College Prep Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and College Access

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College Prep Alternative to Incarceration

The goals of College Prep ATI are to make college a reality for court-involved and formerly incarcerated people, whose challenges in pursuing higher education are compounded by academic, personal, and financial barriers.

Since 2017, CIU has offered several intensive College Prep sessions each year for new and returning college students. Classes are designed to give the tools, knowledge, relationships, and skills necessary to begin and complete a college education.

The College Prep curriculum combines academic and social preparation, including reading/writing, and math, with remedial/individualized coursework as needed. Students will also learn a range of soft skills that familiarize them with critical thinking, decision-making, clear communication, test-taking, and the basics of the college experience. On average, two-thirds of participants complete CIU’s College Prep program and 70% enroll at TC3.

College Access

As a bridge to college, we offer many services and material support leading to enrollment in college degree programs. Many low-income prospective students with barriers to higher education are unaware that they are eligible for Federal (Pell) and New York State (TAP) financial aid. These grants typically cover all tuition expenses at a SUNY undergraduate program for full-time students who are low-income. CIU staff assists with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), scholarship applications, and advise students about how to meet financial gaps and negotiate outstanding student loans.

Although the majority of CIU students enroll at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in Dryden, NY, CIU students also attend other public and private colleges including Empire State College, CUNY Brooklyn College, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fordham University, Temple University, and Stanford University.

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College Access Services Include:

One-on-One Academic Counseling

Personal academic counseling and guidance.

College Application Assistance

Help navigating the college application process.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Access to federal and NYS Financial Aid (FAFSA).

Transportation

Semester-long bus passes for students.

Books

Book stipends for enrolled students.

Tutoring Services

Tutoring for college courses.

Student Loans

Assistance with student loan paperwork.