Say Yes Collegiate Preparatory Academy (SYCPA)

SAT & Academic Enrichment Student Application

The Say Yes Collegiate Preparatory Academy (SYCPA) is a holistic college access model designed to support SCSD high school students while they navigate the college selection process. In the fall of 2011, the first 250 members of the SYCPA were inducted into the Academy after being nominated by the guidance staff at their respective schools. Students at the freshman, sophomore, and junior grade level made up the majority of the students in SYCPA. During the 2011-2012 academic year, seniors received assistance with SAT and Regents preparation but were not identified as Academy members. For the 2012-2013 academic year, students who were juniors will be the first cohort to participate in SYCPA programming for high school seniors.

The students selected for 2011-2012 SYCPA were nominated based on several criteria including: GPA, AP/IB/AVID status and a willingness and commitment to furthering his/her education beyond the secondary level. Students in the academy have an opportunity to enhance and expand their academic, social, technical, and civic engagement experiences through: extended day academic tutoring at the high schools, project based learning supported and sponsored by SU faculty and staff, opportunities to earn college credits through SU summer college, participate in courses designed for our distance learning model and opportunities to volunteer during corporate and CBO community campaigns. This holistic college access model will help ensure that SYCPA students are viewed as viable candidates for acceptance in some of the more competitive colleges and universities when they are ready to apply.

The IAP (Individualized Academic Plan)

Each fall the SCSD offers high school sophomores and juniors an opportunity to sit for the PSAT. After the student has taken the PSAT, SYCPA will request their test scores and use them as an evaluation/predictor tool that will aid in the development of an individualized academic plan (IAP).  The IAP will address academic and test-taking strengths and weaknesses and will be tailored to meet the student's academic goals and objectives. The IAP will also ensure that a student is in alignment with the admission criteria for the colleges/universities that they have an interest in. It is imperative that students are keenly aware of the academic requirements for both their high school graduation and for their college of choice; therefore, the IAP and a College Blueprint will serve as comprehensive planning tools that will help students develop a complete academic picture.

For questions about the Say Yes Collegiate Preparatory Academy, contact Stephanie Costner, Program Coordinator, 315-443-2106 or sdcostne@syr.edu.

College Access Support

In addition to the Say Yes Collegiate Preparatory Academy, Say Yes works with local college financial aid offices and high school guidance offices to help students and families complete their financial aid applications.  Say Yes also partners with local organizations who offer additional college preparation for students, including Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, Partnership for a Better Education (PBE), and On Point for College.  Students and parents should contact their high school guidance counselor to get information about available college access services.

Helpful Materials for High School Students & their Families

Seven Steps to College Success
College Board Action Plan for High School Students
SAT & Academic Enrichment Student Application