Program Overview

Introduction to the NYU SPS Career Pathways Bridge Program

The NYU School of Professional Studies Career Pathways Bridge Program offers PELL and TAP eligible students across New York an affordable and accessible pathway into associate degree programs at the NYU School of Professional Studies. This program is designed to provide a smoother transition from high school into college, allowing students to earn early credits, gain foundational college and career skills, build a community of peers, understand how to navigate NYU, and earn a full scholarship to an NYU associate’s degree.

Program Details

Quick Facts

• 90% of Bridge students identify as first generation.
• 94% of Bridge students maintain jobs on and off campus.
• 100% of Bridge students receive Pell and TAP funding.
• 85% of Bridge students were enrolled in at least one AP course in high school.

Program Components

The Career Pathways Bridge Program includes several key components:

• Academic Support: Personalized academic advising and peer tutoring to help students succeed, with recognition for earning a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Social & Emotional Support: Community-building events and a dedicated team to support students' well-being.
• Financial Support: Full 2-year scholarship to complete an NYU SPS associate’s degree, semesterly stipends to cover the cost of transportation, course materials, and college life, and free meal plans each semester.
• Career Coaching: Expert help with resumes, interviews, and finding internships, both on and off campus, as well as access to digital career-based tools.
• Workplace Learning: On-campus paid positions and off-campus internships to provide practical work experience.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Career Pathways Bridge Program, students must:

• Be a New York resident.
• Live within commuting distance from the NYC campus.
• Receive Pell & TAP funding (must complete FAFSA and TAP applications).
• Have a high school GPA of 2.8+.
• Intend to matriculate directly into an NYU SPS associate degree program after the Bridge.

Application Requirements

The application process involves:

1. Preparing documents: Statement of Purpose and Short Answer Essay response, resume, and transcripts from high school and any college credits earned.
2. Creating an application account.
3. Submitting the application, including a teacher/coach/counselor recommendation.
4. Applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the SPS code and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Financial Aid and Transferring Credits

Financial Aid

To be considered for financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the SPS code. Admitted students will receive a financial aid award that includes all eligible aid.

Transferring Credits

Students may earn up to half of their required degree credits through previous accredited college coursework, prior learning assessment portfolios, or examinations like CLEP, AP, and foreign language proficiency. NYU SPS accepts a maximum of 30 advanced standing credits for transfer into the associate’s programs.

Conclusion

The NYU SPS Career Pathways Bridge Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to support recent high school graduates in their transition to college, providing academic, social, financial, and career support. By offering a full scholarship to an NYU associate’s degree, semesterly stipends, and access to career coaching and workplace learning opportunities, this program aims to foster a community of leaders and trailblazers who are equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.