The CTY Scholars application is now open for students in 8th grade. 

The CTY Scholars Program is a four-year academic advising and college counseling program for students coming from limited-income households. CTY Scholars is designed to close the opportunity gap among our nation’s brightest students. Students are admitted to the program in 8th grade, with the majority being the first in their families to graduate from college. CTY Scholars receive the guidance of a dedicated academic advisor, access to one CTY course, and wrap-around services, and they complete the program ready to be admitted to and succeed at selective colleges and universities throughout the United States.

CTY Scholars is a grant-funded program that currently supports students in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico only.

CTY Scholars core program elements include:

  • Personalized academic advising in grades 9 to 12
  • Group college counseling workshops
  • Preparation for standardized tests
  • Scholarship for one CTY in-person or online course
  • Annual in-person leadership conference in Baltimore, Md.
     

Students in the CTY Scholars Program are expected to meet the following expectations throughout high school:

  • Meet (virtually) with their educational advisor and communicate effectively
  • Earn high grades (A's and B's)
  • Challenge themselves with rigorous coursework
  • Participate in extracurricular activities
     

To be eligible for the CTY Scholars Program, students must:

  • Meet CTY testing and eligibility requirements (applications will not be considered unless the applicant is CTY-eligible)
  • Be in the 8th grade
  • Be a high-achieving, intellectually curious student who wants to attend college
  • Have a combined family income of $75,000 or less*

*Family size and cost of living are considered.

To apply for the CTY Scholars program, applicants must submit:

  • Completed application
  • End-of-year 7th-grade transcript
  • Most recent 8th-grade report card
  • Income eligibility documents
    • Email documents to  [email protected] with the subject line, "CTY Scholars Application, Student ID Number." Remember to include the student’s CTY ID number in the subject line.
  • Student and parent/guardian interviews
    • Detailed instructions will be provided once the initial application is completed
  • Two recommendations (share this link with each of your recommenders):
    • One teacher
    • One school counselor or additional teacher
       

Apply Now

Income Eligibility Documents

  • 2024 Complete Federal Tax Returns
  • 2024 All W-2/1099 Forms
  • 2024 Form 482 (Puerto Rican Residents)
  • 2024 Documentation of Nontaxable Income*
  • Explanation of any significant income changes (if applicable)

*Examples of nontaxable income include Social Security income, child support, etc.

Families who have not filed their 2024 taxes, or who were not required to file, should provide a written explanation. The financial aid office will contact you to discuss the next steps.

Documents will be processed within 7-10 business days.

Contact Us

[email protected] | 443-797-9105

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