NCS Scholars
In 2019, a survey conducted by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 14% of City University of New York (CUNY) students experience homelessness. That is, approximately 34,000 CUNY students are actively working toward earning their degrees without access to stable housing.
Research shows that these students have lower grades, are more likely to enroll part-time, and are less likely to graduate.
We launched NCS Scholars to provide year-round housing and supportive services to unhoused college students, addressing not only homelessness but also the challenges that typically cause or accompany it.
This first-of-its-kind program in New York City provides students with private bedrooms in shared suites; on-site staff, including a social worker; support to connect residents with necessary social services and benefits; resources for mental and physical health; academic and employment support and financial assistance; and mentoring and networking opportunities.
We are so excited to have opened NCS Scholars and to have such great supporters who help our residents thrive.
Hover over the images below to read more about some of the students at NCS Scholars.
Odalys’ childhood was filled with emotional and physical abuse, leading to years of struggling with depression and anxiety. For her safety, Odalys left home—and with no place to go, she started couch-surfing. She bounced between her siblings, friends, and her boyfriend, trying not to wear out her welcome.
But Odalys knows that education is the key to a better future, so she enrolled at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College to study psychology.
Isabella lived with her mother, father, grandmother and sister in a 300 square-foot studio where she had to sleep in shifts – without a door to close. But even though space was tight and she often had to nap during the day, she was determined to make her family—especially her mom—proud. Isabella earned a full scholarship to Medgar Evers College to study nursing.
M was studying Computer Science at Medgar Evers College, but when his dad suddenly announced he was moving, M wasn’t sure where he would live next. He was worried he would have to leave school if he didn’t have a stable place to stay.
The constant struggle to find a place to study and to get a full night’s rest made college much harder for Odalys, Isabella, and M than it is for most students.
NCS can help. And our help is life-changing.
By housing students now, we can prevent them (and future generations of their families) from needing our help in the future.
Odalys is studying psychology to help people in situations similar to hers.
Isabella is studying to become a nurse.
M is studying computer science and hopes to work for a big tech company.
Together, we can help these students earn a degree, improve their future earning potential, and end a cycle of poverty.
More than forty years ago, NCS was among the first organizations to tackle the problem of widespread homelessness. NCS was among the first to offer supportive housing, young adult housing, and ground-breaking harm-reduction substance-use treatment. NCS Scholars continues our long tradition of pioneering innovative solutions to complicated issues and providing housing and support that can transform lives. Thank you for your support.