How To Apply

SEO Scholars

Your pathway to and through college

Apply now

Your future as a college graduate awaits

Our flagship program, SEO Scholars is a rigorous, free eight-year academic program that transforms public high school students in New York City, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami into college graduates.

SEO Scholars isn’t just a college access program, we successfully educate and mentor students to and through college.

Apply now

“Without SEO, I cannot imagine that so many doors would have opened for me, that I would have grown as a person with the discipline, courage, resilience and sense of community that I now have. SEO changed my life”

Sara SEO Scholars ‘24, Georgetown University
100%
of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges
85%
of Scholars graduate with a Bachelor’s degree
80%
of Scholars are first-generation college graduates
75%
of Scholars attend schools ranked as top-100 in U.S. News & World Report
$6.7 million
amount the 2024 NYC High School Class was awarded in scholarships and grants for their first year of college alone

SEO Scholars Program

All SEO Scholars enter our eight-year program in the ninth grade, and receive year-round academic training and guidance. During high school, students receive over 700 hours of additional ELA and math instruction and then receive continuous academic advising, career development, and support throughout college. That’s at least eight years of ongoing support.   

SEO Scholars is available in four locations: New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area feature an in-person curriculum, while North Carolina and Miami are hybrid.

Discover the program in your area:

How SEO Scholars Prepared My Child for College and Beyond

Why SEO Scholars
is necessary

Many curriculums don’t prepare students adequately for the reality of college. This leaves most high school students without the guidance and support they need to even apply to college, let alone get accepted. Students outnumber high school guidance counselors a staggering 482:1.* And most students spend an average of 38 minutes total with a guidance counselor across their four years.* 

* Beth Zasloff and Joshua Steckel,
“The Crucial Role of College Counselors,” The Atlantic

5.3M
students have college loans in default
45%
of teens in 2024 see two- or four-year college as their likely next step
44%
of four-year college students don’t complete college in four years

Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not

Our mission is simple: to ensure that motivated and talented public high school students have the opportunity to get to and through the most competitive colleges and universities.

 

Our students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and quality academic preparation along the path to achieving competitive college admissions, scholarships, and life success. But this is more than just college. The impact this has goes beyond the individual Scholar, supporting the well being of their families and strengthening their communities.

Our Partners

SEO Scholars is made possible through partnership with corporations, organizations, colleges, universities, and schools. As a partner, you have the opportunity to make a life-changing impact for talented and motivated students.

 

SEO Scholars partnership opportunities include:

  • Admissions partners
  • Summer programs
  • Colleges and universities
  • Internship partners

 

Find out more about how your organization can partner with SEO Scholars.

Become a Partner

Who Should Apply

  1. You should apply for SEO Scholars if you are:
    • Dreaming of attending a top-tier college, but aren’t sure how to get there 
    • A high-achiever who wants more rigorous academics that you’re currently receiving in high school
    • Eager for opportunity and motivated to invest in yourself 
    • Ready to commit to a long-term academic program
  2. Application Qualifications

    For complete requirements, check your specific location:

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information?
Check out our FAQ for deeper answers to the most common questions.

SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year academic and mentoring program that supports students from ninth grade through college graduation. Unlike programs that focus only on college admissions, SEO Scholars provides long-term academic instruction, advising, career development, and mentorship to help students get to college — and succeed once they’re there.

SEO Scholars is designed for motivated public high school students who want to attend competitive colleges and are ready to commit to a rigorous, long-term program. Students typically apply in ninth grade and must meet eligibility requirements specific to their region. The program is currently available in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, North Carolina, and Miami.

During high school, Scholars receive over 700 hours of additional ELA and math instruction, along with academic advising and college application guidance. Support continues through college with ongoing advising, career development, and access to internships and professional opportunities — providing at least eight years of continuous support.

Yes. SEO Scholars is a free program! Everything we provide to our Scholars is free, including but not limited to academic classes, SAT prep, field trips, guest speaker sessions, Enrichment Programs (pre-college, study abroad, or internship), etc.

SEO Scholars consistently delivers strong results:

  • 100% of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges
  • 85% graduate with a bachelor’s degree
  • 80% are first-generation college graduates
  • 80% attend top-100 colleges and universities
  • Scholars earn millions in scholarships and grants each year
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