Columbia’s Freedom & Citizenship Program helps NYC high schoolers find new possibilities

Each summer, up to 45 high school juniors from low-income households are invited to a free college prep and civic engagement program at Columbia. Run by the Center for American Studies at the University, the Freedom & Citizenship program supports students who often are the first in their families to go to college.

The high schoolers live on campus throughout the summer, taking classes to probe some of the biggest questions facing our society. In small groups, students also work on leadership projects and get college application support.

The program helps students see what a liberal arts education can offer to them, develop practical citizenship skills, and gain the self-confidence needed to succeed in college and beyond. Learn more.