SEO Scholars

SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year academic program that gets motivated NYC public high school students to and through college, with individualized guidance and support. 100% of SEO Scholars are accepted to four-year colleges, and 85% graduate from them. 80% are first-generation college graduates.

Cost: free.

What Scholars do: classes three Saturdays a month, at least once a week after school, and for five weeks in the summer, with support through college applications, financial aid (FAFSA, TAP, and the CSS Profile), and college itself.

Deadlines for the Class of 2030 (current 9th graders):

• Priority deadline: November 13, 2026
• Final deadline: December 4, 2026

Eligibility:

• 9th graders at an NYC public high school
• A record of academic engagement and the motivation to commit to a rigorous program

How to apply: apply online with your report card or transcript, several short written statements, and a teacher recommendation. Apply by the priority deadline if you can. Want more information first? Fill out SEO’s interest form.