More Than a Program.
A Community Built Around You.

CYC partners with high-achieving, first-generation students beginning in 9th grade — providing the structure, relationships, and resources to get to college, stay there, and build a career.

Built for Students Who Are Ready to Work for It.

CYC serves high-achieving, under-resourced, first-generation college students across Charlotte, NC. We look for students with the drive to succeed who need the right tools and community around them to make it happen.

See Our Programs

Who We Serve

To be eligible, Fellows must:

  • First-generation college student
  • Household income under $60,000 or demonstrated financial need
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Rising 9th, 10th, or 11th grader

Note: Each application is reviewed individually. Meeting the criteria above prioritizes your application.

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360 Support. Every Year. Every Stage.

CYC's model is built around where students actually are — academically, emotionally, and socially. Each year of the program deepens the support and prepares Fellows for what comes next.

9th Grade

  • Academic Habits
  • Self-Awareness
  • Career Exploration

10th Grade

  • College Exploration
  • Leadership
  • ACT Prep
  • Career Exploration

11th Grade

  • ACT Prep
  • Consciousness Dialogues
  • Writing Workshops
  • College Application Prep

12th Grade

  • ACT Prep
  • College Application Support
  • Financial Aid
  • College Scholarship Support
  • College Transition Coaching

College

  • Persistence Coaching
  • Community
  • Career Connection

Career

  • Network
  • Alumni community
  • Life beyond graduation

OUr Campuses

Two Campuses. One CYC Community.

Carolina Youth Coalition serves Fellows through two campus locations across Charlotte, making it easier to access coaching, programming, mentorship, and community close to home. Each Fellow is assigned to the campus that best serves their area, ensuring consistent support throughout their journey. Use our service map to find which campus corresponds with your ZIP code.

View Service Map

Southwest Campus

4200 Sandy Porter Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28273

East Campus

6035 Florence Ave #200
Charlotte, NC 28212

Three Pillars. One Destination.

Every CYC program is built around three interconnected pillars — because getting to college requires more than grades.

Pillar

College

Delivering personalized college admissions, financial aid, matriculation, and support.

  • 1:1 College Mentors
  • Weekly, personalized standardized test prep and academic support provided by MasteryPrep
  • Academic tutoring and coaching
  • College Knowledge programming
  • Financial aid support and connection to scholarships
  • College counseling
  • College tours and information sessions
  • Individualized college transition support
See Our Programs

Pillar

Consciousness

Facilitating the development of self-awareness and self-advocacy skills.

  • Weekly programming which engages youth in dialogue around key social justice issues
  • Writing workshops and coaching to assist students in composing effective college essays and resumes
  • Monthly Community Conversations
  • Special guest speakers and panels
See Our Programs

Pillar

Community

Facilitating the development of self-awareness and self-advocacy skills.

  • Monthly individual check-ins and small group circles
  • 1:1 Community Advocate support: Each Fellow is matched with a staff member who will support the Fellow during her/his time in CYC.
  • Connecting youth to valuable resources and opportunities throughout Charlotte and beyond.
  • Special Events and Support Programs.
See Our Programs

Youth Union

A Place to Land.

The Youth Union is CYC's program and resource hub — open Monday through Thursday and select weekends. Before Core Programs, Fellows can work independently, meet with a tutor or mentor, grab a snack, or just be. It's more than a space. It's home base.

A Place to Land.

Fellow Words.

"I cannot thank my Torch family enough, and I am so excited to grow as a College Fellow!”

— Morgan Harris | UNC-Greensboro

“I want to especially thank Carolina Youth Coalition for creating a space where students who feel lost, hopeless, and overlooked are empowered to recognize their potential and pursue their goals with confidence.”

— Marie Akenda | Elon University

"From mentorship and encouragement to opportunities and resources, CYC has played a huge role in helping me grow both academically and personally.”

— Machai Collins | Elon University

"I have seen a growth in myself as well as the community throughout my time here."

— Eyosyas Tefera | UNC-Charlotte

Stay Connected.

Get updates on our Fellows, events, and the stories that matter.