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Prep for Prep
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Prep for Prep is a leadership development and gifted education program dedicated to expanding educational access to students of color.[2] The organization's programs are targeted toward high achieving New York City minority students and helps with scholarships placement into many of the most respected secondary schools and colleges in the country.[3]

Key Information

The New York Times has referred to the Prep for Prep program as the "ticket to the top [through] admission to one of the nation's premier colleges."[4]

History

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Prep for Prep was founded in 1978 by Gary Simons, a public-school teacher in the Bronx,[5] starting with 25 students from diverse and low-income backgrounds[6] and three teachers known as "Contingent I". During Prep for Prep's first year, eleven independent schools committed places for Prep students and 22 students matriculated from those schools. Within a year of inception, the acceptance rate had fallen to 12%.[7]

In 1988, Prep for Prep expanded its mission to independent boarding schools, launching a program known as "PREP 9" under the leadership of Peter Bordonaro.[8][9] PREP 9 helps the brightest and most hardworking minority students in New York City and the metropolitan areas of Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut prepare for success at leading independent boarding schools across the Northeast. The selection process begins in the 7th grade, when students apply to PREP 9 for entry into boarding schools in 9th grade. Space in the PREP 9 program is reserved for students who demonstrate very strong academic performance and high financial need, and as such, PREP 9 considers family income and financial assets as part of its application process.

In 1989, Contingent I students completed undergraduate studies,[10] graduating from Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Northwestern, Oberlin, The University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton.[11]

In 2000, the Goldman Sachs Foundation granted Prep for Prep over $1mm to expand the organization’s program and prepare significantly larger numbers of high potential underrepresented youth for selective colleges.[12]

In 2002, founder Gary Simons was succeeded by Aileen Heffernan.

By 2011, over 1,000 Prep for Prep students had graduated from college. and by 2018, over the number had increased to more than 3,000 Prep for Prep alumni.

In 2020, the Board of Trustees selected Ruth Jurgensen to succeed Aileen Heffernan after 25 years leading the organization.[13] In 2023, in partnership with advertising firm TBWA\Chiat\Day, Prep for Prep introduced a new slogan: "Success is Better Shared."[14]

Today, the Prep for Prep community includes over 3,500 students and alumni, having matriculated 45 contingents since inception. Each year, Prep for Prep hosts a charity gala called the "Lilac Ball" which is regularly attended by famous patrons.[15][16][17]

Student selection

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Each year, a citywide "talent search" selects about 125 minority students, including 95 fifth graders and 30 sixth graders.[18] To qualify for recruitment, 5th graders must have a scaled score of 330 or above on the English Language Arts (ELA) test administered during their 4th grade school year, or have scored in the 90th percentile on any standardized reading test administered in that school year. 6th graders must have a scaled score of 335 (90th percentile) or above on the ELA exam administered during their 5th grade school year.[19] Applicants then undergo a series of interviews and further standardized testing to determine admission into the program. Fifth and sixth graders are admitted into Prep for Prep and earn spots at leading day schools in New York City.

Program

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Admitted students undergo a rigorous 14-month academic course known as the "Preparatory Component"[20] before their sixth or seventh-grade year, which includes two intensive seven-week summer sessions and after-school Wednesday and all-day Saturday classes during the intervening school year. Courses range from History, Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Research, Latin, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Literature, Writing Conference, and Science, which includes biology, physics, and chemistry, Invictus, a sociology and psychology-based course, PIMAS (Problems and Issues in Modern American Society), term paper research, and newly added Computer Science in 2021. An average of 60 percent of students successfully complete this program and are placed in schools chosen from among three dozen leading New York City independent schools. These 36 schools commit places, especially for Prep for Prep students, and almost $12 million annually in scholarships. Throughout the program and past high school graduation, students also receive personal and academic counseling, college counseling, and career counseling, and participate in leadership and community development activities as well as parties and special trips for alumni.

The program continues to help the students post-college with placement into positions at prestigious firms such as Goldman Sachs, Google,[21] and J.P. Morgan Chase[22] through corporate partnerships designed to expand diverse talent pools on Wall Street, in engineering, and across business.[23]

School placement

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Secondary school placement

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Prep for Prep day students are commonly placed at some of the nation's leading independent schools as Allen-Stevenson School, Berkeley Carroll, The Brearley School, The Browning School, The Buckley School, Calhoun, Chapin School, Collegiate, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, Dalton, Fieldston, Friends Seminary, Horace Mann, The Kew Forest School, Marymount School of New York, Nightingale-Bamford, Packer Collegiate, Poly Prep, Riverdale Country School, Rye Country Day School, Grace Church School, Sacred Heart, Saint Ann's, St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School, St. Bernard's School, Spence, Town, Trevor Day School, Village Community School, Hackley, Trevor Day, and Trinity School NYC.

PREP 9 boarding students commonly enroll at prestigious schools such as Choate, Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, Taft, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, The Hill School, Loomis Chaffee, and Middlesex.

College placement

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Prep for Prep works with students to help with placement into top-tier universities such as colleges in the Ivy League and NESCAC. Students have regularly attended Amherst College, Brown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (including the Wharton School), Princeton University, Stanford University, Yale University.[24]

Notable alumni

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Prep for Prep has had numerous notable people associated with the organization since its inception, including judges, attorney generals, actors, educators, entrepreneurs, and bankers.

Notable students

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The following people were students of the Prep for Prep or PREP 9 programs:

Notable faculty & staff

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The following people have served on the faculty or as staff members at Prep for Prep:

Notable board members

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The following people have served on the Prep for Prep board as trustees or associate council members:[34][35]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Prep for Prep

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from Grokipedia
Prep for Prep is a New York City-based nonprofit organization founded in 1978 by educator Gary Simons to identify and prepare intellectually gifted students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in public schools for admission to elite independent schools. The program targets promising students of color, providing intensive academic training, standardized test preparation, and leadership development to bridge gaps in educational opportunity and equip participants for success in selective private institutions primarily in the Northeast. Initially launching with 25 students from the in partnership with Columbia University's Teachers College, it has since expanded to serve hundreds annually through tiered programs like PREP for grades 5-6 and PREP 9 for 7th graders. The organization's impact is evidenced by its alumni outcomes, including an 87% six-year college graduation rate for its 2017 high school cohort—substantially exceeding national averages of 46% for Black students and 59% for Hispanic students. Prep for Prep emphasizes cultivating ethical leaders who reflect societal diversity, with graduates advancing to prestigious universities and professional roles that amplify underrepresented voices. Its model relies on rigorous selection via talent searches and sustained support, including financial aid advocacy for private school tuition, to counteract systemic barriers in public education systems marred by resource disparities. Despite its successes, Prep for Prep has drawn criticism for its selective approach, which some argue perpetuates inequality by siphoning high-achieving students from under-resourced public schools, potentially depriving those systems of future leaders while intensifying fault lines in urban education. Early detractors questioned the of talent extraction in disparate environments, though empirical data on participant trajectories underscore the program's causal role in elevating individual trajectories amid broader structural challenges.

History

Founding and Early Years

Prep for Prep was established in 1978 by Gary Simons, a public school teacher in New York City's who had spent 12 years instructing students in under-resourced environments. Simons founded the program with support from Columbia University's Teachers College to identify and prepare academically promising children from low-income and minority backgrounds for entrance to independent schools, addressing systemic barriers to elite education access. The initiative launched that year with an initial cohort of 25 students from diverse, economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and a staff of three teachers, focusing on intensive academic preparation and skills development. In its first operational year of 1979, Prep for Prep achieved early momentum by securing placement commitments from eleven independent schools, enabling the inaugural students to transition into these institutions upon completion of the program. This partnership model underscored the organization's strategy of collaborating with private educators to create pathways, drawing inspiration from prior efforts like A Better Chance, a national program started in 1963 to aid minority youth in accessing boarding schools. The early curriculum emphasized rigorous tutoring in core subjects, , and character building, tailored to the needs of urban public school attendees unaccustomed to the demands of selective admissions processes. By prioritizing empirical talent identification over quotas, the program aimed to cultivate self-reliant leaders, reflecting Simons' firsthand observations of untapped potential in Bronx classrooms.

Expansion and Milestones

Prep for Prep experienced steady growth following its 1978 founding, with entering student contingents expanding from an initial 25 participants to as many as 150 by the late 1980s. By 1981, enrollment of its students at independent schools reached 100, reflecting early success in securing placements. A 1985 cover story in New York magazine highlighted the program's impact, dubbing it "The Best Prep School in Town" and underscoring its role in identifying and preparing underrepresented talent. In 1994, the launched targeted programs to support upper school students, addressing retention and development needs beyond initial placements. By the 1997-1998 , over 803 Prep students were enrolled across more than 50 independent schools, demonstrating scaled partnerships with educational institutions. The program marked a milestone with its first high school graduating class exceeding 100 students around this period, signaling maturation in long-term outcomes. Subsequent expansions included financial support enabling further growth; by the early 2000s, annual cohorts and school affiliations continued to broaden. Today, more than 650 students enroll annually in over 150 independent schools, with the overall Prep community surpassing 5,600 members and over 4,000 advancing as leaders in diverse fields. A 2020 leadership transition saw Ruth Jurgensen succeed Aileen Heffernan, who had directed the organization for 25 years, amid ongoing program evolution. Key achievements include elevated college completion rates, such as 87% of the 2017 high school class graduating within six years—far exceeding national averages of 46% for students and 59% for students.

Mission and Philosophy

Core Objectives

Prep for Prep's core objectives center on identifying academically talented students from underrepresented backgrounds in public, charter, and parochial schools and equipping them with the skills necessary for admission and success at leading independent schools. The program specifically targets promising students of color from modest economic circumstances, aiming to bridge educational opportunity gaps by providing intensive academic preparation, test readiness, and application support starting in fifth and sixth grades. This selection process prioritizes intellectual potential over current achievement, with the goal of placing over 650 students annually into more than 150 independent schools across the Northeast. Beyond initial placement, the objectives include fostering long-term academic and , extending support through high school, college matriculation, and into professional life to cultivate ethical and effective leaders capable of assuming positions of responsibility in diverse fields. Guided by values of excellence, integrity, commitment, courage, and community, the program seeks to produce alumni who reflect and lead a pluralistic , with many becoming first-generation college graduates and contributors in areas such as , , , , science, and medicine. Annual financial aid exceeding $40 million from partner schools underscores the commitment to sustaining access for qualified participants from low-income families. The overarching aim is to increase the pipeline of well-educated individuals from underserved communities who can drive societal progress, emphasizing through enrichment programs, internships, and rather than mere academic remediation. This focus on holistic growth distinguishes Prep for Prep from standard test-prep services, as evidenced by outcomes like 83% of earning degrees from highly selective colleges and over 220 paid internships annually with more than 100 employers.

Approach to Talent Identification and Development

Prep for Prep employs a merit-based talent search to identify high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds in public, charter, and parochial schools, targeting those demonstrating academic potential, drive, and ambition across all five boroughs and adjacent areas such as , , and Westchester County. The process begins with a citywide screening of approximately 6,000 students scoring at or above the 90th on standardized tests, narrowing to about 1,000 candidates who proceed to the program's , typically administered in the fall and consisting of multiple-choice questions alongside a written . Final selection incorporates a battery of assessments, including an IQ test, interviews, and evaluation of writing samples, with exceptional performance in any area potentially compensating for others; annually, only around 125 students are admitted into the core preparatory cohort for fifth and sixth grades. Development emphasizes rigorous academic preparation combined with holistic leadership cultivation through a 14-month program spanning two summers and the intervening school year, featuring daily summer classes and weekly sessions on evenings and Saturdays. The curriculum covers foundational subjects such as , , history, writing, and Latin, alongside an "Aspects of Leadership" component that includes exercises and discussions on to foster and self-awareness. Enrichment extends beyond academics via internships at organizations like and , international travel, , and opportunities in , , and , designed to broaden perspectives and build resilience. A peer mentoring system pairs younger students with alumni advisors during summers to reinforce habits of excellence. Ongoing talent nurturing continues post-placement into independent schools, with dedicated counseling for academic, personal, and professional growth, including resume workshops, college guidance, and lifelong access to a network of over 4,000 . This approach has yielded measurable outcomes, including 100% college acceptance rates for high school seniors and 83% of graduates earning degrees from highly selective institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, and Yale, supported by partner schools providing over $35 million in annual financial aid. The program's selectivity and focus on empirical aptitude over socioeconomic proxies underscore its emphasis on causal predictors of long-term success, though its race-conscious criteria have drawn scrutiny amid broader debates on .

Student Selection Process

Eligibility and Application

The Prep for Prep program targets high-achieving students currently in 5th or 6th grade attending , charter, or parochial schools in or surrounding areas, with eligibility extending to 7th graders for the related PREP 9 component. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, typically scoring above the 90th percentile on standardized English language arts and exams, maintaining report card averages of 90% or equivalent (such as mostly 4s on a standards-based scale), and exhibiting strong character and motivation for learning. High financial need is a core requirement, evaluated through family income, assets, and other factors via a standardized formula, ensuring spaces prioritize students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. U.S. or is required, though no strict residency limit applies beyond the New York metropolitan region. The application process is multi-staged and highly selective, beginning with educator nominations and family submissions from to January, culminating in notifications by May or June. Families submit an online application by the deadline of January 21, 2026, including student and parent information, recent report cards (for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years), and standardized exam scores. The first review level (October to February) assesses essays, grades, and scores, often following virtual information sessions or in-person open houses, with parents notified by email. Advancing applicants proceed to the second level (December to March), submitting additional academic history, financial , and a video response. Final-stage candidates (March to May) undergo one-on-one interviews and provide teacher recommendations to complete their files. Annually, approximately 125 students are admitted to the cohort and 75 to PREP 9, following comprehensive evaluation of academic merit, financial eligibility, and fit for the program's intensive 14-month preparatory component starting in late June. assists accepted families with subsequent independent school applications and financial aid processes, though families may still contribute based on individualized assessments by partner schools. Applications for 4th graders or younger are not accepted, nor are those from 8th graders or older.

Evaluation Criteria and Selectivity

Prep for Prep's admission process is highly selective, accepting approximately 125 students each year from nearly 4,000 inquiries submitted by students of color from over 800 New York City-area public schools. This results in an acceptance rate of roughly 3 percent. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating exceptional academic achievement alongside substantial financial need, evaluated through family income and asset thresholds to reserve spaces for those facing the greatest economic barriers. Nominations occur primarily in fifth or , with eligibility extending to as the final entry point; candidates must attend public, parochial, or independent schools in or surrounding regions. The evaluation emphasizes academic potential, motivation, and readiness for rigorous preparation, targeting students who exhibit top performance in their current environments. Secondary reports detail a multi-component assessment involving a standardized entrance that tests core academic skills in reading, , and reasoning; confidential teacher recommendations assessing and ; and structured interviews with the , parents, and educators to gauge family commitment and personal qualities. This holistic approach ensures selected students possess the intellectual capacity and supportive home environment necessary to thrive in the program's intensive 14-month preparatory , which serves as a gateway to independent school placement. While exact scoring rubrics remain internal, the criteria consistently favor quantifiable academic excellence over subjective factors, aligning with the program's empirical focus on long-term outcomes like college matriculation.

Program Structure

Elementary Preparation Phase

The Elementary Preparation Phase of Prep for Prep targets high-achieving 5th and 6th grade students from public, , and parochial schools, providing a selective pathway to independent admission through intensive academic and developmental training. This phase admits approximately 125 students annually, prioritizing those demonstrating exceptional academic potential alongside significant financial need, as determined by family income and assets. The core of this phase is a rigorous 14-month Preparatory Component, designed to bridge gaps in academic readiness and foster skills for success in competitive independent school environments. It commences with two intensive summer sessions, including a two-week residential experience at a campus to introduce students to structured communal living and self-reliance. During the intervening , participants attend classes every Wednesday and Saturday, ensuring consistent reinforcement of material without overwhelming school-day schedules. Curriculum emphasizes advanced academic content exceeding typical public school expectations, covering laboratory through hands-on experiments such as frog dissection, including polynomial factorization, and analysis of texts like Black Boy by Richard Wright and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, paired with writing exercises. These elements aim to accelerate mastery of core subjects, with writing integrated to build analytical expression. Beyond academics, the program incorporates skill-building modules: research training teaches source validation and critical evaluation of information; advisory sessions provide peer-led emotional support; recreation includes activities like for physical and team-building development; focuses on self-awareness and resilience; and Conclave facilitates goal-setting and . The phase's objectives extend to cultivating problem-solving tenacity and social adaptability, equipping students—particularly 6th and 7th graders—to transition into 7th or 8th grade at independent day schools. Successful completers gain placement support, including family guidance on applications and financial aid, alongside preparation for the cultural and academic rigors of elite institutions featuring robust arts, athletics, and extracurricular offerings. This holistic approach underscores the program's intent to produce not only scholarly proficiency but also ethical leadership capable of navigating diverse challenges.

Ongoing Support and Enrichment

The Post-Placement Counseling Department provides comprehensive academic, social, and emotional support to Prep for Prep students from grades 6 through 12 during their independent school enrollment. Counselors conduct regular school visits and collaborate with administrators to advocate for student needs, while offering resources such as academic and counseling. This department also organizes cultural and sporting events to build peer relationships and personal growth, assists families with financial aid renewals, chaperones college visitation trips, and hosts an annual summer boarding school retreat to ease transitions. Enrichment initiatives extend beyond core academics through programs like the Leadership and Educational Enrichment Fund (LEEF), a pilot launched in 2023 to fund self-directed projects for high school and college students, addressing access gaps in extracurricular pursuits. LEEF grants support research, creative endeavors, and specialized courses, such as one recipient's advanced study in a niche field during summer. Complementing this, the Public Policy Internships Project (PPIP) immerses high school juniors and seniors in hands-on and advocacy roles, fostering and policy skills. Leadership Development Opportunities (LDO) further enrich participants with targeted experiences, including entrepreneurship camps and professional networking events, designed to cultivate curiosity-driven growth. The organization secures over 240 paid summer internships annually for students, exposing them to diverse industries and building career competencies. Wellness support integrates referrals to external counseling via post-placement officers, ensuring holistic well-being amid rigorous schooling. These elements collectively sustain student momentum from elementary preparation into advanced leadership trajectories.

School Placement and Transitions

Independent School Admissions

Prep for Prep facilitates the transition of its students into independent schools through a dedicated placement process that begins after successful completion of the preparatory curriculum. The organization partners with over 150 independent day and boarding schools in and nationwide, coordinating campus visits for families, assisting with application preparation, and guiding the submission of financial aid requests based on demonstrated need. While placement is described as likely for qualified completers, it is not guaranteed, as final admissions decisions rest with individual schools. As of recent data, 665 Prep for Prep students are enrolled across 151 independent schools, including prominent institutions such as and Trinity School for day programs, and Andover, , and for boarding options. Cumulatively, the program has supported the enrollment of 5,736 graduates into independent schools, with 3,920 alumni from day schools and 1,711 from boarding schools. In a typical year, at least 75% of students complete the 14-month Preparatory Component, positioning the majority for competitive applications to these selective institutions. Financial aid plays a central role in enabling access, with Prep students collectively receiving approximately $40 million annually from independent schools to cover tuition and related costs. This support underscores the program's emphasis on socioeconomic barriers, as participating schools often provide need-based packages that make attendance feasible for families from public and backgrounds. Historical milestones include surpassing 100 annual matriculations to independent schools for the first time in 1988, reflecting expanded capacity and partnerships. Overall, the admissions outcomes demonstrate Prep for Prep's effectiveness in bridging underrepresented students into elite educational environments, though success depends on individual performance in school-specific evaluations such as standardized tests, interviews, and academic records.

High School and College Matriculation

Prep for Prep students typically transition from the program's preparatory phase to enrollment in independent high schools, with the organization partnering with over 150 such institutions to facilitate placements. As of recent data, 668 students have enrolled across 480 day school placements, 185 boarding school placements, and 3 specialized high school placements, reflecting a high success rate in securing admission though not guaranteed upon program completion. Notable day schools include Horace Mann (30 enrolled), Trinity (40 enrolled), and Poly Prep (51 enrolled), while boarding options encompass Phillips Academy Andover (20 enrolled), Phillips Exeter Academy (22 enrolled), and Choate Rosemary Hall (13 enrolled). Overall, 665 students have matriculated to 151 independent schools, including elite institutions like Andover, Choate, Exeter, Horace Mann, Poly Prep, and Trinity, supported by organizational assistance in applications, school visits, and financial aid securing approximately $40 million annually. For college matriculation, Prep for Prep provides dedicated guidance including planning sessions, campus trips, essay workshops, and advocacy, resulting in strong outcomes for . A total of 595 students have enrolled in over 150 colleges, with examples including , , , , , and . As of August 31, 2024, significant numbers of current enrollees and graduates attend top-tier institutions, though specific per-school breakdowns emphasize cumulative attendance rather than annual yields. The program's efficacy is evidenced by an 87% six-year college graduation rate for the high school class of 2017, substantially exceeding national averages of 46% for students and 59% for students. acceptances for recent classes, such as 2023 and 2024, further indicate competitive admissions success, with students earning spots at selective universities through rigorous preparation.

Outcomes and Empirical Impact

Academic and Professional Success Metrics

Prep for Prep demonstrate elevated academic outcomes relative to national benchmarks for similar demographic groups. For the high school class of 2017, 87% graduated from within six years, surpassing the national rates of 46% for Black students and 59% for Hispanic students as reported by the . This figure reflects the program's emphasis on sustained support through high school and into postsecondary , including college counseling and financial aid totaling $40 million annually. Additionally, 595 have enrolled in over 150 , including selective institutions such as Harvard and Yale. Placement into elite independent schools further underscores early academic success, with 665 students attending 151 such schools, including boarding institutions like and . These placements, often supported by full scholarships, position alumni for rigorous preparatory curricula that correlate with higher postsecondary achievement, though long-term data controls for selection effects remain limited to program-internal tracking. On professional metrics, alumni pursue advanced credentials at notable rates, indicative of career-oriented trajectories: 649 have earned MAs or MS degrees, 311 JDs, 268 MBAs, 134 MDs or RNs, and 128 PhDs or EdDs, among others. The program facilitates 222 paid internships annually with employers such as JPMorgan Chase and Pfizer, building practical experience in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. Over 4,000 alumni hold leadership roles across business, law, education, and medicine, with more than 20 serving on the organization's Board of Trustees, drawing from these fields. While these outcomes highlight individual advancement, they stem from a selective cohort, and broader causal attribution requires accounting for pre-program aptitude and ongoing socioeconomic supports.
Advanced Degree TypeNumber of Alumni
MA/MS649
JD311
MBA268
MD/RN134
PhD/EdD128
MEd77
MFA47
MSW45
These figures, derived from alumni self-reporting, illustrate pathways to professional fields but lack independent verification against peer cohorts.

Long-Term Societal Contributions

Prep for Prep have demonstrated sustained influence across professional sectors, with over 4,000 individuals active in fields such as , , , , , , , and social impact, fostering greater representation from underrepresented backgrounds in positions. More than 20 serve on the organization's Board of Trustees, contributing expertise in , , , , and to guide strategic decisions and expand program reach. This involvement exemplifies a cycle of reinvestment, where graduates leverage their positions to mentor current students, secure internships at firms like and , and strengthen partnerships that enhance educational access. Empirical metrics underscore the program's role in elevating participants to high-achieving trajectories that yield societal benefits, including 92% of the 2,694 documented graduates attaining degrees from selective institutions, far exceeding national averages for similar demographics. Among , advanced degree attainment includes 649 master's or MS degrees, 311 JDs, 268 MBAs, 134 MDs or RNs, and 128 PhDs or EdDs, enabling contributions to innovation, policy, and . For the high school class of 2017, 87% graduated within six years, compared to national rates of 46% for Black students and 59% for Hispanic students, positioning for roles that drive and institutional diversity. Philanthropic engagement amplifies long-term societal returns, with over 123 alumni volunteering in program operations and more than 540 participating annually in the Alumni Giving Campaign to fund scholarships and enrichment for subsequent cohorts. This sustained support, documented in the 2022 , sustains the program's capacity to develop ethical leaders from underserved communities, countering systemic barriers and promoting merit-based advancement without reliance on quotas. Collectively, these outcomes reflect a model of causal impact where early rigorous preparation translates into disproportionate influence, enhancing societal resilience through diversified expertise in critical domains.

Criticisms and Controversies

Internal Program Challenges

The rigorous curriculum and intensive preparation phases of Prep for Prep have been associated with significant academic pressure on participants, potentially contributing to and attrition. Founder Gary Simons reportedly listed student dropouts during lunches, reflecting instances where participants struggled to maintain the program's demanding standards and were either dismissed or withdrew voluntarily. Admissions officials at partner schools, such as Ethical Culture Fieldston, have anticipated low retention through initial intensive summers, estimating that only a small fraction of students might endure the workload without faltering. Social and cultural adjustment presents another internal hurdle, as students from underserved backgrounds navigate elite independent school environments characterized by differing norms and expectations. Alumni accounts describe a "fraught relationship" with the Prep for Prep identity, where pressure to assimilate into perceived elitist cultures can undermine and complicate . Surveys of over 500 Prep for Prep students, conducted by program leadership, have identified deficiencies in sense of belonging and racial coping , correlating with heightened vulnerability to academic and interpersonal stress in predominantly , affluent settings. In response, the program has evolved to incorporate targeted supports, including a summer advisory system pairing younger students with alumni mentors and mandatory Aspects of Leadership curricula to build resilience and leadership skills beyond academics. Executive Director Jackson Collins's research emphasizes fostering racial coping self-efficacy to mitigate stress impacts, informing expanded wellness resources that address emotional and social needs. Despite these measures, internal reflections from alumni and staff highlight ongoing questions about the adequacy of psychological safeguards against conformity pressures inherent in selective placements.

Broader Debates on Equity and Merit

Prep for Prep's model of identifying high-potential students from underrepresented backgrounds through standardized testing, including IQ assessments, and providing intensive preparation has positioned it within broader discussions on balancing equity and merit in selective admissions. Proponents view the program as an exemplar of "active meritocracy," where talent scouting in underserved communities uncovers overlooked ability without relying on quotas or lowering standards, enabling participants to compete on equal footing. For instance, the program's rigorous selection—drawing from approximately 6,000 students scoring in the 90th percentile on initial tests, narrowing to about 125 admits via further evaluations and interviews—emphasizes innate potential over current achievement, countering environmental disadvantages that suppress performance. This approach aligns with empirical evidence of participant outcomes, such as 100% college acceptance rates among high school seniors and alumni graduate degree attainment exceeding national averages for Black (36% vs. 7.8%) and Hispanic (36% vs. 5%) groups, suggesting causal efficacy in realizing merit through opportunity equalization. Critics, however, argue that Prep for Prep reinforces a myth of meritocracy by privileging a minuscule cohort—roughly 125 students annually—while perpetuating systemic inequities in New York City's public schools, where resource disparities hinder broad talent development. Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones has contended that such programs "allow us to say, ‘If kids really wanted an education, if they wanted to work hard, they could get it...’ And it allows us to sustain all the other inequality," framing them as a narrow escape valve that absolves broader failures. Former program director Anthony White described the mission as inherently "élitist," potentially undermining participants' self-esteem by immersing them in privileged institutions that highlight their exceptionalism amid widespread deprivation. These views highlight causal realism concerns: IQ and achievement tests, while predictive of success, may inadvertently favor students already exposed to enriching environments, thus not fully dismantling barriers but channeling select individuals into elite pipelines that partner schools support with over $35 million in annual financial aid. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling curtailing race-conscious admissions in higher education, Prep for Prep's has reaffirmed its commitment to merit-driven equity, enhancing tutoring, counseling, and to ensure remain "top applicants" irrespective of demographic factors. CEO Ruth Jurgensen argued the decision disserves diverse students by ignoring how "race and shape lived experiences and perspectives," yet emphasized the program's non-quota focus on academic excellence as a pathway to institutional diversity. This stance reflects ongoing tensions: while data affirm the program's role in fostering high achievement— disproportionately enter fields like —detractors question whether targeted interventions like Prep for Prep, which explicitly serve students of color from low-income areas, skirt merit purity by providing unequal preparatory advantages, echoing critiques of test coaching disparities in selective systems. Empirical defenses counter that unassisted high-potential youth from disadvantaged backgrounds underperform due to causal factors like inferior schooling, making such support a merit-enabling corrective rather than distortion.

Organization and Leadership

Governance and Funding

Prep for Prep operates as a 501(c)(3) , governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees strategic direction, financial stewardship, and mission alignment. The board, chaired by Lisa Smith Cashin, includes co-presidents Yahonnes Cleary (Partner at ) and Christopher James (Global Head, Tactical Opportunities Group at Blackstone), along with executive vice presidents such as Sue Meng (Executive Vice President & Secretary, Managing Director & General Counsel at Duquesne Family Office LLC) and Daniel M. Neidich (Executive Vice President, CEO of Dune Real Estate Partners). Other vice presidents and members hail from senior roles in firms, , and , including Kenneth Caplan (Global Co-Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone) and Nicole Levin Mesard (Deputy Presiding Partner at ). Board members demonstrate commitment through direct financial support, collectively donating over half of the organization's operating budget annually. Executive operations are led by President and CEO Ruth Jurgensen, who earned $409,429 in compensation for 2024. Founded in , the governance structure emphasizes loyalty and involvement from trustees to sustain the program's focus on for diverse students. Funding relies heavily on private philanthropy, with contributions comprising 74.9% of total revenue ($10.8 million out of $14.4 million) in 2024 ending June 30. Additional revenue included $3.1 million from asset sales (21.7%). Expenses totaled $15.5 million, resulting in a $1.1 million net loss, while net assets stood at $62 million. The allocates 86% of its budget to program expenses and maintains low fundraising costs at 4 cents per dollar raised, with no tuition charged to participants. Revenue streams encompass outright gifts, planned giving (e.g., bequests, trusts), stock donations, employer matching programs, and events like the annual Lilac Ball. Tax-deductible donations support full program access, leveraging an additional $40 million annually in independent school financial aid for enrolled students, though this is separate from Prep for Prep's direct budget. The nonprofit holds a four-star rating from , reflecting efficient resource use.

Key Personnel

Prep for Prep was founded in 1978 by Gary Simons, a public school teacher who established the program with support from Columbia University's Teachers College to prepare low-income students for independent school admissions. Simons served as the organization's first , launching with 25 students and three teachers. Diahann Billings, an alumna from cohort VI who attended , Poly Prep Country Day School, and before earning a J.D. from , became in mid-2025. Prior to this role, she directed and professional advancement initiatives at Prep for Prep. Jackson A. Collins, an alumnus from cohort XII with an Ed.D., serves as , overseeing program operations and strategy. Collins has held multiple leadership positions within the since 2016, including Director of Counseling, and has contributed research on students of color in independent schools. Sharon Madison holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, managing administrative and operational functions.

Notable Figures

Prominent Alumni

Prep for Prep alumni have attained leadership roles across academia, education, law, and nonprofit sectors, often leveraging their early preparation to excel at elite institutions and contribute to public discourse. Dan-el Padilla Peralta (cohort XVIII, Collegiate School class of 2002) graduated as salutatorian from Princeton University in 2006, earned an M.Phil. from Oxford University in 2008, and obtained a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2014; he currently serves as associate professor of classics at Princeton, where his scholarship critiques traditional narratives in classical studies, and authored the 2015 memoir Undocumented, detailing his experiences as an undocumented immigrant rising through New York City's educational system. Sue Meng (cohort XV, The class of 1999) became the program's first Rhodes Scholar in 2003, studying at Oxford University after graduating from ; her selection underscored Prep for Prep's role in fostering exceptional academic talent among underrepresented students. In organizational leadership, Diahann Billings-Burford (cohort VI, and Country Day School, class of 1994, J.D. 2002) was appointed of Prep for Prep effective August 2025, succeeding a tenure marked by expansion and engagement initiatives; prior roles included executive positions in diversity and . Education administrators like José De Jesús (cohort IX), who advanced to superintendent roles in major urban districts including , exemplify alumni impact on scaling access to quality schooling for diverse populations.

Influential Faculty, Staff, and Board Members

Prep for Prep was founded in by Gary Simons, a public school teacher in the who, while pursuing graduate work at Columbia University's Teachers College, established the program as a pilot project to prepare promising students of color for independent school admissions. Simons served as until 2002, during which time he expanded the initiative from an initial cohort of 25 students to a structured model emphasizing academic rigor and . Diahann Billings (Contingent VI), an alumna of the program who attended Grace Church School, Poly Prep Country Day School, Yale University, and Columbia Law School, assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2025, succeeding prior leadership and bringing expertise in education and law to guide strategic growth and student support initiatives. Other key staff include Jackson A. Collins (XII) as Executive Director, overseeing operational aspects, and Nikole Smith as Director of Academic Programs, responsible for curriculum development that has sustained the program's high placement rates into elite independent schools. The Board of Trustees, chaired by Lisa Smith Cashin since at least 2025, comprises over 50 members predominantly from finance, law, and education sectors, including co-presidents Yahonnes Cleary (P9 V), a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and Christopher James (IX), Global Head of Tactical Opportunities at Blackstone. Influential long-serving figures include Chair Emeritus Martin Lipton, a founding partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, whose tenure reflects sustained philanthropic commitment, with trustees collectively contributing over half of the organization's annual funding in recent years. Recent additions, such as Belinda Pestana, Americas Tax Financial Services Leader at EY, enhance governance with specialized expertise in tax and financial strategy as of 2025.

References

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