College Readiness Programs
The Institute for Urban Education is committed to working collaboratively with small public high schools in New York City to address the need for effective college readiness programs. IUE offers college readiness resources for 9-12th graders, addressing individual students’ access to college while working with schools and organizations to build long-term capacity.
College Explorers Program
This program lays the groundwork for high school students to successfully navigate the transition to college. IUE supports high school teachers and guidance counselors to implement an inquiry-based college exploration curriculum in their schools, starting in the 9th grade. Students build skills and explore college by getting to know college students, visiting college campuses, and learning about college resources. IUE works closely with the schools and provides a curriculum resource binder to guide the program. Eugene Lang College undergraduates work with high school students at select partner schools each week as an integral part of the College Explorers Program.
College Immersion Program
IUE offers three ways for 11th and 12th graders from collaborating high schools to take college courses at The New School. The goal is for these high school students to gain college experience to inform their own transition to higher education. IUE supports the students with orientation and group reflection, Lang college student mentors, ongoing communication with their high schools, and administrative elements like registration, ID cards, and course materials. All courses are for college credit.
Bridge Course:
The Bridge is a college-level class for a cohort of high school juniors and seniors. Course topics vary each semester and have included Sociology of Education: Rethinking Schools and Culture and Identity in America. Through this opportunity, high school students experience a college course in a supportive peer environment. IUE supports the Bridge students with a weekly workshop led by undergraduate coaches who assist students with coursework and accessing college resources.
High School/College Collaboration Course:
The HSCC is a signature Eugene Lang College course for high school and college students to learn together. The topic varies each semester, but the course always gathers a diverse mix of students from across different educational institutions in a unique learning environment.
Immersion Courses at The New School:
Through IUE, high school students have the opportunity to take general college courses in various divisions of The New School, including Eugene Lang College and The New School for General Studies. Students choose from a wide range of courses in Culture and Media, Education, History, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Science and Technology, Sociology, Theater, Urban Studies, and Foreign Languages.
College Planning Days
Facilitated by IUE Staff and Eugene Lang College admissions counselors, these interactive sessions engage 9th–12th grade students in learning about the college application and admissions process. Topics include the college search, admissions process, personal essays, financial aid, and New York State’s Education Opportunity programs.
Summer College Institute
This two-week summer institute brings NYC public high school students to The New School campus where they explore college and gain academic skills through an inquiry-based research project. IUE builds on its year-round college readiness programming and partnerships to culminate in this intensive pre-college experience for rising juniors and seniors.
Professional Development in Public Schools
IUE offers professional development opportunities for NYC public high schools and youth organizations to develop comprehensive approaches to preparing students for higher education. Services include formal presentations on the high school to college transition and implications for schools, trainings on IUE’s College Explorers approach, and school-based planning.
Special Events
IUE offers innovative educational programs and special events that bring together college students, faculty, young people, educators, and community members to engage in dialogue and exchange. IUE organizes many of these programs in collaboration with a range of NYC organizations.