The CTY Scholars application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now closed. The application will reopen in Fall 2025 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 family 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.

Please complete the CTY Scholars interest form if you would like to be notified when the 2025-2026 application becomes available in Fall 2025 for 8th grade students.

CTY Scholars core program elements include:

  • Personalized virtual academic advising in grades 9 to 12
  • Virtual group college counseling workshops
  • Individual virtual standardized test preparation
  • 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.

Students are evaluated for the program based on the following:

  • Completed application
  • End-of-year 7th-grade transcript
  • Most recent 8th-grade report card
  • Student and parent/guardian short answer questions
  • Income eligibility
  • Student and parent/guardian interviews
  • Two recommendations:
    • One teacher recommendation
    • One school counselor (or additional teacher) recommendation 

Contact Us: [email protected] | 443-797-9105

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