1. What is the College Initiative?
CI is a community of successful, positive and supportive students, alumni and staff dedicated to creating pathways from criminal justice involvement to college and beyond.
Together, we create life-changing college opportunities for men and women in New York City with criminal history and a high school diploma or GED.
2. How can I meet with an academic counselor?
Attend a bi-weekly orientation session at the Fortune Society. At the orientation, you will receive an overview of services provided by CI and have the opportunity to speak with an academic counselor. After the orientation, you can make an appointment to meet with a counselor one-on-one about your educational goals.
3. If I have never been to prison, can I still receive assistance from the College Initiative?
We only work with individuals who have had involvement with the criminal justice system. This may include incarceration, probation, parole, involvement in alternative to incarceration programs and arrest without conviction.
4. Does the College Initiative pay for my tuition and other expenses?
CI pays for college application fees to CUNY and SUNY schools and fees associated with gathering college, high school, and GED transcripts. However, we do not pay for tuition. If a prospective student was incarcerated the previous year, does not have any outstanding student loans and enrolls as a part-time or full-time student, he/she can apply for federal and New York State financial assistance. The costs of tuition and books are ordinarily covered by financial aid. CI can also help you learn about scholarships and stipends for which you might be eligible.
5. Does the College Initiative pay for correspondence courses?
CI does not pay for correspondence courses.
6. Can I receive financial assistance if I have a criminal record?
Financial aid restrictions only apply to people who were convicted of a drug offense (either a misdemeanor or felony) while receiving financial aid. If the law applies to you, there are ways to lift the restrictions. To learn more, contact a CI counselor.
7. If I have a student loan in default, can I still receive financial aid?
No. However, you will regain eligibility for Pell and TAP grants when your student loan is out of default. CI will help you work with the lender to set-up an affordable payment plan. In most cases, after making six consecutive on-time payments, your loan comes out of default and you are then eligible to receive financial aid.
8. What careers do I need to avoid because of my criminal record?
Convictions involving drugs or violence can make it nearly impossible to get licensed as a teacher in New York City (primary and secondary education) or as a health care provider (nurse, radiologist, paramedic, veterinary technician). To learn more about these restrictions, contact the Legal Action Center.
9. Can I become CASAC certified through the College Initiative?
Yes. A student can complete the necessary 350 hours of academic coursework through the Human Services Baccalaureate Degree Program at New York City College of Technology or the Human Services Associate Degree Program at Kingsborough Community College. Since the student is in a degree-bearing program, he/she should be eligible to receive federal and New York State financial aid. If you are interested in taking CASAC courses outside of a degree program, please contact the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
10. Can I apply to colleges outside of the CUNY system and still receive assistance from the College Initiative?
Yes. CI strongly encourages students to enroll in the CUNY system because, as a public institution, tuition is affordable and you will receive a quality education. However, we acknowledge that some students want to attend a private college or a college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Wherever you choose to apply, if the program is accredited, CI will be happy to assist you.
11. Can I submit my college application while incarcerated?
CI recommends that you wait until you are home before applying. It is important to have your basic needs met (housing, job, etc.) before enrolling in college. Additionally, if you have been out of school for a long period of time, you would probably find our College Preparation program helpful in preparing for the CUNY placement tests. We advise prospective students to submit their college applications three to six months before the start of the next semester.
12. I am not a U.S. citizen. Do I qualify for financial assistance?
If you have an F1 or F2 visa, you are not eligible for financial aid, however, if you are a U.S. permanent resident with an I-551 or I-551c form or if you fit under one of the following immigration categories with an I-94 form, then you are eligible for financial assistance. The relevant immigration classifications include the following:
- Indefinite parole
- Non-citizens refugee
- Asylum granted
- Humanitarian parole
- Cuban-Haitian entrance
