Grant Summary
$180,000 over 22 months to prepare talented but economically-challenged high school students in the South Bronx for high academic achievement and college success. New York University and Children's Aid Society partner to provide the "EXCEL in Writing, Thinking, and Inquiry" program, which is focused on three courses: the introduction to logic, readings in cosmopolitan ethics, and composition for the 21st Century. Students in the EXCEL program will participate in NYU immersion activities such as a campus tour, sessions with NYU admissions, financial aid, and various student services staff. The participants will also be mentored by NYU students for the school year. This partnership involves a strong assessment and research component; an NYU team will evaluate the program along three dimensions: student learning (i.e., gains in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing), student engagement and leadership in the community (i.e., increased levels of participation and leadership in Children's Aid Society activities), and college applications and results. This partnership will serve approximately 60 students over two years.