Graduates from previous College Initiative Upstate cohorts.
“CIU has expanded my horizons as it has shown me that I am destined for great things, as long I remain positive, determined, and put in the footwork.” – College Prep Graduate
The deadline to register for College Initiative Upstate’s Spring 2025 College Prep session is fast-approaching!
Registration closes Friday, April 11, and classes run from April 15 to June 12, 2025. Participants will receive instruction in reading, writing, math, computer skills, one-on-one tutoring, and more during the free 8-week session. If College Prep students plan to enroll in college for the Fall 2025 semester, they will also receive complete support for the application and enrollment process.
College Prep prepares participants for either starting or completing college.
CIU welcomes court-involved, formerly incarcerated individuals, people who are stable in their recovery, are underemployed, or have low income. The only requirements are a GED or High School Diploma.
To register or ask questions, call 607-351-5028 or 607-351-3201
Youth learning to make pancake art during an art themed tour.
For young people, one of the challenges of growing up is envisioning and planning a future. To face this challenge, the Learning Web is dedicated to supporting local youth as they transition into adulthood.
While many of their programs are centered on housing access, the Learning Web’s Youth Exploration Program (YEP) focuses on career pathways. Through guided tours, apprenticeships, and community service, YEP supports Tompkins County youth and young adults ages 11-21 years old by coordinating career and community exploration opportunities.
Abbey Vormwald and David Grant, Youth Exploration Program Coordinators, work together to provide these program services to local youth.
“It’s about giving more options for what they can do,” Abbey says. “And letting them discover why they would want one career over another.”
The most popular and broad option available is the group tours. Options for tours include the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cayuga Medical Center, Farmer Ground Flour, East Hill Flying Club, B&W Supply, and Community Science Institute (CSI). For school breaks, David and Abbey often organize multiple tours with the same theme, such as medical, technical, or culinary careers.
On YEP tours, there is no expectation for youth to know what their career goals are yet. There’s also no cost or grade for the tours, taking pressure off the participants and allowing them to focus on learning and discovery.
“They’re not being judged, so you see a different side of youth,” says Abbey. “They can just be themselves and learn whatever they want.”
“And there’s no such thing as a silly question,” adds David.
One of the goals of the program is to provide variety. A popular tour theme, food systems, includes visits to a farm, grocery store, bakery, and cooking class. If any youth have interest in more niche careers, David and Abbey find opportunities for personalized tours to meet those needs.
“We also encourage tour hosts to speak about their experiences,” David says. “So then youth can hear how it’s not always point A to point B.”
For most youth, school is the only space for socializing and making friends. YEP provides another space where youth can make connections with other young people. At times, David and Abbey witness budding friendships, especially when there are shared interests between youth.
David and Abbey look forward to facilitating more learning experiences for youth with more tours, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on activities. The more learning and excitement, the better.
Youth and their guardians can sign up for tours through the Learning Web’s online form. Want to learn more? Follow the Learning Web on Facebook and Instagram.
From left to right: Groton small engine repair, court career tour, and Kestrel Perch Farm apprenticeship.
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