College Focus launched in summer 2012 and is coordinated by College Now staff on CUNY campuses. The program aims primarily to prepare students to take the CUNY Assessment Tests in order to meet academic standards for college-level courses in College Now or when they matriculate at CUNY.
While similar to the curricular approach of the At Home in College program, College Focus is an out-of-school program and addresses the goal of improving students’ academic college readiness through a narrower focus on CUNY Assessment Test preparation. The program trains its instructors in pedagogical methods developed by literacy and math experts from established CUNY programs, and ultimately aims to create a pathway for students to take credit-bearing courses at the high school and/or college levels.

Program Elements


  • College Focus is administered in two models connected to College Now programs on the campuses: an intensive five-week summer program for rising high school seniors and an academic year program for graduating seniors.
  • Students take a 60-hour course in one subject area (math or ELA).
  • The summer program is supplemented by additional student supposrts including tutoring and an interactive college awareness workshop that provides information about postsecondary educational opportunities and benefits, particularly at CUNY.
  • Students take the CUNY Assessment Test as a cohort at the culmination of the program.

ELA

The English Language Arts Transition Course focuses on supporting students as they develop the literacy and critical thinking skills that will support success in college, both in entry-level courses and on college placement exams, as well as in post-secondary careers. The course curriculum is aligned closely to the Common Core State Standards for ELA Literacy in Grades 11-12 in Reading (Literature and Informational Texts), Writing, Language, and Speaking and Listening.

Math

The Mathematics Transition Course focuses on developing understandings and skills aligned with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics (both content and practice) and college placement exams, as well as content expected to be applicable to a wide range of post-secondary careers and everyday life.