College Discovery

College Discovery (CD) is a university-wide access program that offers academic, counseling and financial support to students. CD Program students are supported from admission to graduation by staff who are committed to helping students achieve their full potential. Students are supported through an explorative process geared towards the identification and obtainment of personal and professional goals while using the academic experience as a catalyst for this exploration. 

CD students are entitled to the CD stipend for up to six (6) academic semesters when registered full-time. In addition, CD pays a portion of the Student Activity Fee.  Upon completion of the Associate Degree, a student can transfer to the SEEK program or other Opportunity Programs within New York State or Private institutions (EOP or HEOP). Within these Senior Colleges, the student will continue to receive funding and services for an additional four semesters, for a total of 10 semesters. 

CD students must participate in and complete a summer program prior to fall admissions. The only exceptions are attendance to complete high school requirements and/or the CUNY Language Immersion Program, Math or English Developmental workshops at the college, or CUNY Start; no other exceptions can be made. During the first-year students are required to attend tutoring and supplemental instruction and/or attend workshops to complete and pass remedial courses. If a student’s GPA is above 3.0 they will be invited to become part of the CD Academic Excellence Cohort. These students are mentored to pursue leadership and scholarship opportunities offered by the college and the university. The CD Program offers a host of support services that include academic advisement, registration, and personal counseling services from an assigned CD Counselor. The assigned CD counselor also teaches the CD first-year orientation course (SSD 100), which students are required to take regardless of their curriculum choice.  

To be eligible for the College Discovery Program, a student must be a first-time freshman, have a high school average below 80, be an NYC resident, and have a household income that falls within the income guidelines established by the State of New York. Acceptance into the CD Program is once a year and must be prior to fall matriculation only. 

To be considered for CD, a student must fill out the online CUNY admissions application and answer the questions in the SEEK/CD section or contact the office directly for the next steps if an application has already been submitted. 

For more information, contact:
Paola Veras, Director
P: 718-518-4266 / 4265
E: Collegediscovery@hostos.cuny.edu