About

About Prep

Our Vision
We envision a nation guided by ethical and effective leaders who reflect our diverse society.

Our Mission

Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities.

List of 3 items.

  • Since 1978

    we have identified New York City’s most promising students of color and prepared them for success at independent schools throughout the Northeast. Once placed, we support the academic and personal growth of our students through college.
  • Our Students

    come from modest backgrounds and go on to excel at the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. Many are the first in their families to graduate from college.
  • Over 4,000

    Prep for Prep alumni are now leaders in every field imaginable, from business and law, to education and the arts, to science and medicine.

Our Motto

Excellence · Integrity · Commitment · Courage

From their first orientation meeting, Prep for Prep students are taught our motto: Excellence, Integrity, Commitment, and Courage. Underpinning the four words of the motto is the theme of Community. The motto becomes a touchstone—values that shape their actions and the Prep Community as a whole. Prep students and alumni strive to embody these words in everything they do.

Our History

Founded by South Bronx school teacher Gary Simons with the support of Columbia University’s Teachers College, Prep for Prep opened its doors in 1978 with 25 students and three teachers. Eleven independent schools committed places in their seventh-grade classes.

Today, more than 150 schools enroll more than 650 Prep students each year. Our Prep Community includes over 5,000 students and alumni.
ADMISSIONS & 
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 
163 West 91st Street
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.579.1470
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS & 
ADMINISTRATION 
328 West 71st Street
New York, NY 10023
P: 212.579.1390
We envision a nation guided by ethical and effective leaders that reflect our diverse society. 

Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.