Helping students go to college debt-free has been at the core of CYD’s mission since 1995, when we were founded by volunteers at Manhattan Comprehensive. Today, at our three high schools, CYD staff works closely with students and their families to explore sustainable ways to cover the cost of college – including financial aid, scholarships, and work. In addition to hosting financial aid workshops, advisors sit down with each student to go over their options, fill out paperwork, and plan a way to make college affordable. Most of these plans include working or vocational training.

Sebastian Munn, CYD’s Director of College Services at Manhattan Comprehensive, says, “About 90% of our students work throughout college. Some continue in jobs they had during high school. Others go to training programs first so that they can earn at a higher level while they’re in college.” Sekou just completed a certificate program at Per Scholas in IT support and is already working in the field: “I didn’t know how I could afford to go to college, but with a job, I’m saving, and I’m working on my college applications now.”

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