CYC Signing Day 5K

Carolina Youth Coalition prepares high-performing, under-resourced students to enter, excel in, and graduate from college. 90% of CYC “Fellows” are first-generation college students. Our programs begin in 9th grade and extend all the way through to college graduation. Since 2018, CYC's first three senior classes have earned over $31 million in scholarship offers while redeeming $7 million. CYC College Fellows are attending 25 different schools in 14 different states including Berea College, Brown University, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Howard University, University of Miami, NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, New York University, North Carolina A&T, University of Pennsylvania, Queens University, Wake Forest University, and more.

While getting into college is certainly an accomplishment, there are myriad barriers and obstacles that can derail first-generation and low-income college students from persisting through college and earning a degree.

This is where CYC’s Persistence Program steps in! This holistic, individualized support follows our Fellows from the time they make their college decision through all four years of college to ensure they successfully transition to, excel in, and graduate from college with as little debt as possible. This program includes robust transition support during Freshman year, assistance with travel, technology, dorm room supplies, and other educational expenses, and connection to career development and internship opportunities.

Thanks to the efforts of the Persistence Program, 96% of CYC College Fellows have matriculated to the next college grade level during the pandemic, a huge feat given the uncertainty and stress placed on a lot of students and families. With our number of College Fellows growing from 80 to 130 next Fall, we thank you for your support in helping CYC expand and deepen this critical support!