Frequently Asked Questions

Students must be enrolled in the public high schools of Albany, Schenectady, or Troy, New York. All students must meet the income requirements outlined in the Federal Free or Reduced lunch guidelines. Additionally, students who have a B-average, a desire to pursue higher education after high school, and  families who support their post-secondary education plans are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in working with students who would be the first in their families to go to college.

Students apply and are selected at the end of the 9th grade year to start the program in the fall of 10th grade.

Interested students should fill out the application which determines eligibility. A committee of volunteers will review the application. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview to get to know one another better. Two teacher recommendations will be required with Part 2 of the application.

Applications will open on March 15 of each year. Final selections will be made by mid-June. Accepted students will be notified by phone call and in writing.

Typically, a minimum of 24 students (8 per school) and a maximum of 30 students (10 per school) are accepted each year.

A mentor is a supportive adult who serves as a role model, advocate, and coach to one college-bound high school student. A mentor opens doors to new social, cultural, and educational experiences and provides professional networks for a student. Mentors are an integral part of our students’ college access and success.

This is a community mentoring program which means that mentors and students will plan their own activities after school and on the weekends. Mentors should coordinate with their students and the student’s parent or guardian to determine clear boundaries regarding the appropriate kinds of activities. Occasionally, 518 ElevatED will host group mentoring activities. In addition, a monthly e-newsletter provides a list of free or low-cost activity ideas.

Mentors meet with their Scholar between two and four hours for at least one year. Mentors then have the opportunity to continue to work with their Scholar through their senior year in high school. After each activity, mentors fill out an online activity log to track the total number of mentoring hours and types of activities. 

Mentors should be 21+ and preferably have  a minimum of an associate degree or some form of higher education to better support students with the college application process.

Mentors receive two hours of mandatory introductory training before being matched with a student. Additional ongoing training is offered a couple of times throughout the year. Resource materials are available to guide mentors through each year of the mentoring. In addition, staff regularly check in with mentors and students to provide ongoing guidance and support.

The first step is to fill out the online application then a member of our staff will contact you to set up an in-person or video interview. After that, all mentors must attend a 2-hour training, fill out a background check and submit two personal references.

518 ElevatED is a private, nonprofit organization with a 25-year history working with students in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy high schools. Our mission is to provide specialized programs, mentoring, professional guidance, and academic and financial support for qualifying high school students in the Capital Region. By assembling a network of business leaders, educational advocates, and dedicated volunteers, promising youth are provided opportunity and access to higher education that may be otherwise unavailable. We are a registered 501(C)(3) organization with EIN 14-1823014.

We are a private, nonprofit organization with all funding generously provided by individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Donations to our Pathways to College program help us deliver essential programs that give students the skills and tools they need to help navigate the complex college process and provide equal opportunities to access and achieve their higher education goals. Through this support, students are matched with an adult professional mentor to provide social-emotional support along the way.

Sponsors commit to making a $10,000 investment in one student’s future. The donation can be made in one lump sum or over four or five years. In addition, we devote $4,000 to our Pathways to College program for students while they are in high school, which provides essential tools such as tutoring, AP course fees, SAT fees, SAT prep, career awareness activities, college campus trips, mentoring, as well as continued guidance and support once they are in college. The remaining $6,000 is designed to help students with extra college expenses through a $750 stipend each semester of college while working towards a bachelor’s degree. In addition, sponsors receive regular updates highlighting student achievements and academic progress. Learn more about Student sponsorship here.

Yes! Fundraisers through social media platforms are a great way to raise money and awareness for 518 ElevatED. Send an email to info@518elevated.org with your name, contact info, and your Facebook fundraiser link. We will then send you an illustration of the impact these donations have on our students’ lives that you can share with your online community!