GCSA students forge their postsecondary futures with the support of caring adults.
GCSA currently supports over 200 high school and postsecondary students each year. In partnership with a small number of Title I high schools, students are matched with dedicated volunteer mentors from 10th through 12th grade. Small cohort groups explore college and career pathways through a structured readiness curriculum, and graduates receive a $4,000 scholarship and advising through the GCSA Alumni Scholarship Program to help them persist in college or postsecondary program of their choice.
Who We Serve
All students in our program must meet income eligibility requirements. For a household of four, total household income must be under $93,600. In addition, students must identify as at least one of the following: a person of color, a first-generation college student, a student with a documented disability, or an English language learner.
GCSA recruits students directly at partner schools through in-school information sessions and class presentations. Students can choose to apply after learning about the program, and teachers and school staff can also recommend students. The ideal GCSA student is unsure about their plans after high school, curious, open to new experiences, and able to commit long term. Participation in the mentoring and alumni scholarship programs requires a seven-year commitment. To ensure access and opportunity, GCSA does not require a minimum GPA.
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What are the benefits of having a mentor?
The benefits are many. Mentoring guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. The GCSA mentoring network also provides additional resources, opportunities, and access to different industry partners.
What is the time commitment for mentees?
Mentees make a three year commitment to the program, which includes weekly workshops that take place one day per week afterschool. There are also several full program events each year that students are encouraged to attend.
What happens during workshops and mentor sessions?
During workshops, students develop workplace/professional skills that will help drive your future, they work on fun projects, talk, catch up, and get to know each other. During mentoring meetings, students get to chat 1:1 with their mentor about either the topic of the day or whatever is on their mind. Additionally, great snacks are always provided.
How do students join GCSA?
Students are responsible for completing an application and will be invited to a virtual interview with their parent/guardian. The interviews are informational, and all students that apply are welcomed into the program upon completing the interview.
How will I be matched with a mentor?
Most mentors come from one of our partner companies, but GCSA also connects mentees with many other companies as well. All mentors volunteer to be part of the program because they want to support a NYC student, and complete an application that surveys their interests and experiences. Students complete a similar profile, and individual matches are made from there.