Carolina Youth Coalition

Torch fellows program:our flagship program pairs high-achieving, under-resourced high school students called "fellows," with mentors and a comprehensive set of college-preparatory resources through a high-touch out-of-school time program that includes personalized college application guidance, act prep, writing coaching, college tours, career exploration, leadership development, and a tight-knit community of like-minded peers. Our goal is to ensure each fellow is prepared to identify, gain entrance to, and successfully matriculate through a best-fit college with as little debt as possible. The program is provided at no cost to fellows.209 fellows in grades 9-12 were enrolled in the torch fellows program for the 2022-2023 school year, a 29% annual increase. 85% were first-generation college students and 89% were pell-eligible.results:- 516 hours of tutoring provided- 903 hours of mentoring- 3.2 average act score growth- 100% accepted to 4-year universities-$13.9m in scholarships and grants earned, $6.9m in scholarships and grants redeemed- 88% of seniors attending college debt-free

College fellows program:graduates of cyc's torch fellows program transition to becoming college fellows and are enrolled in the college persistence program to ensure they successfully transition to and persist through college. Services include individualized college matriculation support during freshman and sophomore year, connection to internship and job opportunities, career coaching and mentoring, and emergency financial assistance. Our goal is to ensure fellows graduate from college with strong career and postgraduate prospects and are actively engaged in making a change in their communities. The program is provided at no cost to fellows.114 college fellows were enrolled in the program for the 2022-2023 school year.results:- 95% freshmen retention rate- 100% sophomore retention rate- 97% of college fellows remained enrolled or have completed a degree program since 2018.