College & Career Success

We help each student as they prepare for and select the right college or career based on their interests and passions.

500

The number of high school students enrolled in Inwood Academy.

91%

Cumulative graduation rate of 5 graduation cohort classes

77%

The percentage of alumni who are in a full-time college program.

Overview

At Inwood Academy for Leadership, we guide students—many first in their families to pursue college—toward long-term success. Through our College and Career Success (CCS) program, students gain the tools to make informed choices, succeed in college, or launch meaningful careers.

  • SAT, AP, and Regents prep
  • College visits and 1:1 counseling
  • Family workshops on college prep and financial aid

    • Our goal: 60%+ college completion rate—well above the national average for Black and Hispanic students. To achieve it, we start early, build confidence, and connect students to real-world paths.

    Since 2014, CCS has supported every high school student with dedicated staff and a 4-year success plan. Since 2019, alumni have returned to inspire the next class—proving that community is our greatest resource.

    Senior Video, Class of 2025

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    Simone Smith

    Director, College & Career Success
    simone.smith@ialcs.org

    Erica Messina

    12th Grade CCS School/Post-Secondary Counselor
    erica.Messina@ialcs.org

    Ali Rose

    11th Grade CCS School Counselor
    ali.rose@ialcs.org

    Marleny Ramirez

    10th Grade CCS School Counselor
    marleny.ramirez@ialcs.org

    Jameli Rosa

    9th Grade CCS Counselor
    jameli.rosa@ialcs.org

    Hazel Torres

    Post Secondary Success Manager
    hazel.torres@ialcs.org

    Academic Support

    Our CCS Academic Counselors help students stay on track, graduate on time, and reach their goals. We advocate for students, guide their academic paths, and collaborate with families, staff, and support teams.

    Key Services:

    • Academic counseling
    • High school course scheduling
    • Vocational assessments
    • Graduation tracking & updates

    CCS Courses & College Access

    CCS courses equip students with tools to navigate high school and life beyond. They explore strengths, values, interests, and learning styles—helping students make smart, confident choices about their future.

    Course Highlights:

    • Freshman Year Leadership Seminar
      Middle School to High School Transition
    • College & Career Prep Course
      Includes Kaplan SAT Prep
    • Senior Capstone in Leadership

    Students also benefit from our partnership with NYC College Now at City College, offering free college-level courses with credit. Eligible students may also take courses at other participating colleges.

    Career Exploration

    Career exploration empowers students to connect classroom learning with real-world goals. It builds purpose, confidence, and direction as they prepare for life after high school.

    At Inwood Academy, students gain exposure to career paths and college life through immersive experiences, internships, and enrichment programs like:

    • SEO Scholars
    • Columbia S-Prep
    • Mitsubishi Internship
    • SBA Club
    • CUNY in the Heights – Read Alliance
    • Double Discovery
    • LANG
    • NYU CALI (College Access Leadership Institute)
    • University of Rochester Pre-College Program (Summer)
    • New York County DA's Office – Mock Trial
    • Girls Who Code
    • FIT Pre-College Program
    • Project Morry
    • SYE (Summer Youth Employment)

    Post-Secondary Support

    Post-Secondary Support

    Every senior at Inwood Academy is paired with a dedicated counselor who helps them find the right college fit, complete applications, and secure financial aid and scholarships.

    Counselors also coordinate campus visits, interviews, and connect students with programs like NYC’s College Now and College Starter.

    Alumni

    We will help alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college. We are committed to ensuring that they have the support they need to matriculate and graduate from college.

    Learn More

    Beyond IAL Scholarship Fund

    100% of your contribution will provide financial relief for our seniors’ freshman year of college.

    Donate Now
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