Prospective Students
Student Sponsor Partners helps eligible New York City students receive a quality, private high school education, mentorship, and resources to succeed.
Apply for Student Sponsor Partners
As one of our students, you get access to programs and resources that help you reach your dreams. Students and alumni are part of our family, and they credit our programs to their accomplishments and the network they gain.
Our uniquely integrated approach includes sponsors who provide financial support for scholarship and education programs, mentors who guide and motivate students, and college and career offerings. Learn more about our programs below! Class of 2029 applications are open on FACTS now!
Program Offerings
- A scholarship to attend one of our partner high schools across the city. Families are responsible for a portion of tuition annually and any additional school fees.
- A dedicated mentor during high school. Many of these relationships last far beyond the four years.
- Education programs and college and career prep support throughout high school.
- A network comprised of Student Sponsor Partners staff, school administrators, supportive community members, and fellow students and alumni.
Eligibility Requirements
- Entering the 9th grade in September 2025 and interested in one of our partner schools.
- Residing in New York and able to easily commute to school (within reasonable distance).
- Annual income of $12,000 or less per household member (i.e. Family of four: $48,000).
- Final 7th grade GPA must be between 70-85%.
- Attendance record cannot exceed 15 absences and 15 latenesses in 7th grade.
- No major disciplinary infractions or behavioral comments.
- TACHS exam highly recommended.
- Must attend Orientation and Summer Readiness Course (if accepted).
- Must be willing to work with a mentor for four years.
- Guardian must contribute a portion of tuition every year and about $1,000 in school fees.
Most accepted students attended public or charter middle schools. Limited scholarships are available for Catholic school students already receiving funding for middle school.
Application Process and Timeline
The application for the Class of 2029 is open now. There is a $45 application fee. Select students will be invited to the next round.
What You'll Need to Apply
We accept applications through December 31 and fill spots on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure spots at your preferred school(s) are available. Having all your paperwork ready may enable us to expedite the decision-making process. If you need any assistance, feel free to contact Laura Campusano at LCampusano@sspnyc.org.
Tax Documents:
For both Applicant and Co-Applicant (co-applicant, if applicable)
- 2023 Tax Returns – 1040 form (Pages 1 & 2)
- 2023 W2
If no taxes were filed in 2023 you will need to upload:
- Applicant proof of non-filing
Acceptable documents you can upload for the applicant proof of non-filing:
-
- W2 of previous year showing income amount
- Current unemployment letter
- Letter of employment in place of a tax return
- Social Security income document
- Letter from the IRS stating no taxes were filed for 2023 (most common)
Non-Taxable documents (if applicable):
- 2023 Snap Budget letter
- 2023 Welfare letter
- 2023 Social Security income letter
- 2023 Child support letter
- 2023 Alimony documentation
- 2023 Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF)
- 2023 Tuition support from friends/relatives/employers’ letter
- 2023 Workers’ compensation letter
Supplemental Documents:
- Student’s 7th Grade Final transcript / report card (required)
- School /Principal verification letter (NOT a letter of recommendation) – Provide a signed School/Principal letter that includes the students total number of absences and days tardy for the 7th grade school year. (required)
- Copy of full IEP documentation (if applicable)
- Veteran Benefits (if applicable)
- Foster Child documentation (if applicable)
- Baptismal Documentation (optional)
- 8th grade report card (optional)
Partner Schools
Partner schools are academically challenging and nurturing environments that enable our students to reach their full potential through small class sizes, individualized attention, and support from school coordinators and our staff.
Prospective students and their parents or guardians should study the partner schools when applying for our programs. If you want to learn more about any of our partner schools, please contact the school to set up a tour or a “shadow day.”
Bronx
Queens
Staten Island
FAQs
WHERE DO STUDENTS ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL?
Our students can select to attend one of 22 quality, private high schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island. Student Sponsor Partners does not offer financial assistance to students attending schools outside its list of partner schools.
IS STUDENT SPONSOR PARTNERS A CATHOLIC ORGANIZATION?
No. Each of our partner schools has a long history of successfully educating youth in a nurturing school environment. Although most of them are Catholic schools, Student Sponsor Partners is not a religious organization, and students are not asked about their religious affiliations. Our partner schools provide a quality education at the most affordable cost.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL EXPECTATIONS OF FAMILIES?
Student Sponsor Partners sponsors cover the majority of student tuition. Students’ families are expected to contribute a portion of tuition per year. In addition, families may be required to pay school fees including registration, books, and uniforms. Families are encouraged to set up monthly payment plans with the schools to make these costs more manageable over the course of the school year.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Due to limited seats available each year, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TACHS EXAM?
No. But students who apply to Student Sponsor Partners are strongly encouraged to take the TACHS Exam. To register for the TACHS Exam, please visit tachsinfo.com. Students accepted to a partner high school through the TACHS Exam are not guaranteed placement in our programs. If a student does not take the TACHS Exam and is accepted into Student Sponsor Partners, their prospective high school will administer a comparable exam at a later date.
I REALLY WANT TO ATTEND A PARTICULAR PARTNER SCHOOL. IF I AM ACCEPTED, CAN I GO TO WHICHEVER SCHOOL I WANT?
Applicants are given the opportunity to list their top three schools in order of preference on their application. Students are not guaranteed acceptance into their first choice partner school.
SHOULD I PAY THE SCHOOL'S REGISTRATION FEE IF I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ACCEPTED TO STUDENT SPONSOR PARTNERS?
No. Students who have not yet received a decision on their acceptance to Student Sponsor Partners should not register with a partner school unless they are prepared to pay full tuition at that school. Please note that most high school registration fees are non-refundable. Partner schools’ published registration deadlines can be disregarded by our applicants; registration dates for our students are different from those for schools’ general populations. If you have any questions on this matter, please call 212-986-9575 for assistance.
I HAVE APPLIED TO STUDENT SPONSOR PARTNERS. WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED WHETHER I WAS ACCEPTED?
Once an eighth grade student applies, Student Sponsor Partners determines whether the student is eligible for its programs according to the financial and academic guidelines. If the student meets the requirements, we will follow up with next steps. Notification of final decisions will come via email.
ARE STUDENTS OBLIGATED TO PARTICIPATE OVER THE SUMMER?
Yes. All new students must attend a one-day Orientation and the Summer Readiness Course at their respective schools during the summer before their ninth grade year. If students fail to attend our Orientation or the Summer Readiness Course, their scholarship will be in jeopardy.
During the summers following ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade, students who are failing classes or who have failed Regents Exams may be required to attend summer school in order to move to the next grade (or graduate). Students’ families are expected to cover any costs associated with summer school.
Success Stories
Student story headline
Student story introduction paragraph lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor. Incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.
Read More