Many highly qualified African-American and Latino students from lower income backgrounds in New York City aren’t receiving quality college counseling. These students often graduate at or near the top of their high school classes but don’t apply to colleges that match their intellectual, financial, and personal needs. Go To College NYC was designed to:
Find and support these students during their college admissions process
FIND
Place them in colleges offering the most academically challenging and affordable financial aid programs
PLACE
Fully support them during their college years and beyond
SUPPORT
In 2015, John Hoffman, Sheena Wright, Raymond Joseph, Jr., and Angel Morales, the founding members of our board, met to discuss and develop the parameters around which the organization would be created. Today, Go To College NYC is a 501c (3) educational, not-for-profit organization with a governing board dedicated to providing first rate college counseling and support services to students for whom this program was created to serve.
In 1982, John Hoffman approached Dr. Albert G. Oliver, the liaison between the Chancellor of the NYC Board of Education and the 33 District Superintendents throughout New York City, with an eye toward placing intellectually gifted students from public schools into leading private schools on scholarships. He said, “Dr. Oliver, I know you are responsible for the education of tens of thousands of school children in NYC. So, if you don’t have time to help a handful of students, I completely understand.” Dr. Oliver’s response was powerful and empowering.
“Mr. Hoffman, if what you’re doing helps only one child attending a NYC public school, I’m interested.”
It is with this same vision and entrepreneurial spirit that GTCNYC was created.
Mission Statement
Throughout New York City there are African-American and Latino high school students from lower income families whose intellect, character, and academic achievement, in the face of poverty, is stunning. Go To College NYC was designed to find and support such students during and after the college admissions process, helping them break the cycle of poverty for children yet to come.
Many highly qualified African-American and Latino students from lower income backgrounds in New York City aren’t receiving quality college counseling. These students often graduate at or near the top of their high school classes but don’t apply to colleges that match their intellectual, financial, and personal needs. Go To College NYC was designed to:
Find and support these students during their college admissions process
FIND
Place them in colleges offering the most academically challenging and affordable financial aid programs
PLACE
Fully support them during their college years and beyond
SUPPORT
In 2015, John Hoffman, Sheena Wright, Raymond Joseph, Jr., and Angel Morales, the founding members of our board, met to discuss and develop the parameters around which the organization would be created. Today, Go To College NYC is a 501c (3) educational, not-for-profit organization with a governing board dedicated to providing first rate college counseling and support services to students for whom this program was created to serve.
In 1982, John Hoffman approached Dr. Albert G. Oliver, the liaison between the Chancellor of the NYC Board of Education and the 33 District Superintendents throughout New York City, with an eye toward placing intellectually gifted students from public schools into leading private schools on scholarships. He said, “Dr. Oliver, I know you are responsible for the education of tens of thousands of school children in NYC. So, if you don’t have time to help a handful of students, I completely understand.” Dr. Oliver’s response was powerful and empowering.
“Mr. Hoffman, if what you’re doing helps only one child attending a NYC public school, I’m interested.”
It is with this same vision and entrepreneurial spirit that GTCNYC was created.
Mission Statement
Throughout New York City there are African-American and Latino high school students from lower income families whose intellect, character, and academic achievement, in the face of poverty, is stunning. Go To College NYC was designed to find and support such students during and after the college admissions process, helping them break the cycle of poverty for children yet to come.
“Education is the birthright of every man. Afterwards, in payment, he has the duty to contribute to the education of others.”
~ José Martí
Staff
John Hoffman is President and Founder of Go To College NYC. John is a graduate of Columbia University and Founder of The Albert G. Oliver Program, an organization which has placed over 1,500 African-American and Latino students, from lower income families, into leading private day and boarding schools, as well as colleges. John is also the Founder of The Independent Teaching Project, an organization that placed African-American and Latino teachers into leading independent day and boarding schools. After ITP, John was Director of High School Placement at De La Salle Academy, an independent middle school in NYC for intellectually gifted students from lower income families. During his tenure at De La Salle, John placed over 1,000 students into leading private day, boarding, Catholic, and public high schools, colleges and universities.
Board of Directors
Go to College NYC
Founder
The Albert G. Oliver Program
United Way of NYC
Citi Private Bank
Morales Capital
New York Mets
Wesleyan University
Barnard College
Haverford College
Howard University
Kipp South Fulton Atlanta
Founder
School Match 4U
Westtown School
In Memorium
Columbia University
Peter Johnson, a most cherished, loved, and respected member of our Board of Directors passed away in 2017. Peter embraced the work of this organization, as it embodied his life’s work. That of providing a quality, affordable education to students from under-represented groups. Peter was passionate about the work of GO TO COLLEGE NYC, as well as his admissions work at Columbia University. Above all, Peter was a great friend, advisor, activist, and leader. He mentored thousands of students, providing wisdom and guidance in a kind, gentle, and deeply personal way. Indeed, Peter was a giant in the world of admissions, and a giant in the lives of everyone whose lives he touched. And, while Peter can never be replaced, he laid the groundwork ensuring a continuation of educational access for all.