NYC Public Schools Graduation Guide: How to Ace Your College Transition with a Bridge Coach
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Congratulations, Graduate!
Your next chapter is officially starting. Whether you are heading to college, a career training program, or direct employment, NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) has a dedicated support system ready for you: the Bridge Coach program.
What is a Bridge Coach?
A Bridge Coach is a near-peer mentor who is a NYCPS alumnus currently attending college (most often at CUNY) . Because they have recently been in your shoes, they are uniquely trained to help you navigate the "real world" of postsecondary life
Why You Need a Bridge Coach This Summer
Research shows that many students face "summer melt"—the period between June and September when high school support ends but college hasn't started. Students who engage with Bridge Coaches are 7% more likely to enroll and stay in school.
Here is exactly how your coach will help you stay on track:
- Mastering College Enrollment: Get 1-1 help completing your enrollment paperwork, registering for classes, and signing up for special opportunity programs like ASAP, CUNY Start, CLIP, or SEEK
- Crushing Financial Aid: Coaches help you complete, update, and verify your FAFSA/TAP forms and provide essential financial literacy resources so you can manage your budget
- Career Pathway Support: If you are wavering or undecided, your coach can discuss alternative career training programs or colleges that are still accepting applications
- The Critical First 21 Days: Your coach will stay with you through your first month of classes to support your college persistence and ensure a smooth transition
How to Connect with Your Support Team
Starting in mid-June, Bridge Coaches begin weekly outreach via text, email, and video chats To make sure they can reach you, take these steps immediately:
- Update Your Info: Sign up for College and Career Advising Texts to ensure we have your latest contact details
- Save the Number: Add (917) 994-9477 to your contacts as "Bridge Coach" so you don’t miss important deadline reminders
- Check Your Inbox: Look for an introductory email from your coach and reply with your planned college or career pathway
- Join the Conversation: Join our team at good vibes on Discord for virtual help sessions and community updates throughout the summer.
Winter Bridge Support
Starting a program in the spring? The program also offers a Winter Bridge session from November through February to assist with January starts.
Small steps today make a huge difference tomorrow. Don't try to figure it all out alone—your Bridge Coach is here to help you stay ready, connected, and supported.
Looking for more insider tips on how to crush your first semester? Listen to our latest podcast episode, "Bridge Coaches Beat NYC Summer Melt."
In this episode, we deep dive into how students who engage in high-touch advising are 7% more likely to enroll in college
