College Preparatory Academy

The Say Yes Collegiate Preparatory Academy (SYCPA) is a holistic college access model designed to support SCSD 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 make up the majority of the students in SYCPA. During the 2011-2012 academic year, seniors will receive assistance with SAT preparation but will not be identified as Academy members. For the 2012-2013 academic year, students who are currently juniors will be the first cohort to participate in SYCPA programming for high school seniors.

The students selected for 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 ensure that SYCPA students are viewed as viable candidates for acceptance in some of the more competitive colleges and universities.

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.