Program Overview

College & Career Lab

The College & Career Lab is a tuition-free, six-year program offered as a multi-week intensive workshop during the summer and Practice Lab sessions during the academic year to prepare students to succeed in their post-secondary education and career paths.

Our Program

We offer New York City middle and high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of academic pathways and "try on" careers. Through two stages, Exploratory and Immersive, CCL scholars dive into college-style lectures and workshops led by New York University faculty, on subjects ranging from neuroscience to philosophy and everything in between. Scholars network with industry professionals and get to experience what it would be like to be an immigration lawyer, physical therapist, game designer, and more. Through each stage and Practice Lab, students receive introductory courses, mentorship, advising, and a specialized CCL curriculum to enhance soft skills and prepare for the college application or career entry process.

Admission to Program

Students are admitted to CCL during the Exploratory Stage. Afterward, those who have previously participated in the Exploratory Stage are invited to join the Immersive Stage for specialized courses and preparation during their high school career.

Exploratory Stage

The Exploratory Stage introduces rising 8th- and 9th-grade students to college-level subjects offered at each NYU school or college and allows students to "try on" careers through experiential learning for four weeks in the summer. Each summer component is connected through year-round Practice Labs, honing skills for use in the real world.

Immersive Stage

The Immersive Stage provides rising 10th-grade to post–high school students a deep dive into subject areas across schools and colleges at NYU through a two- or three-week experience encompassing introductory college courses, internship opportunities, and further hands-on career exploration. CCL scholars continue participating in Practice Labs as they did in the Exploratory Stage.

Program Structure

• The program is divided into two stages: Exploratory and Immersive.
  • The Exploratory Stage is for rising 8th- and 9th-grade students.
  • The Immersive Stage is for rising 10th-grade to post–high school students.
• Practice Labs are offered throughout the academic year to supplement the summer programs.
• The program is tuition-free and offers a specialized curriculum to enhance soft skills and prepare students for college or career entry.

Program Benefits

• Students have the opportunity to explore various academic pathways and careers.
• Scholars network with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience in their desired fields.
• The program provides introductory courses, mentorship, advising, and a specialized curriculum to prepare students for success in their post-secondary education and career paths.