College Access

Dozens of students on a CCNY field trip.

Your Path to College

Urban Arts’ free College Access Program blends practical, hands-on learning with essential college prep, helping our high school game design students approach the college application process with confidence and creativity. Our goal is to guide you through every step—from exploring majors and careers to refining essays, managing applications, and planning finances—so you are more likely to graduate college debt-free and ready to succeed.

Why College?

Earn More Over a Lifetime

College grads earn $30,000+ more annually and over $1.2 million more in a lifetime compared to high school graduates.

More Opportunities, More Security

Bachelor’s degrees lead to lower unemployment rates and open doors to better, more stable jobs.

High Demand, Big Paychecks

Computer Science grads start with $94K+ salaries, and tech jobs are growing 26% by 2033—faster than any other field!

100% of Our Graduates Are Accepted to College

Our graduates matriculate to colleges around the country!

in Scholarships Earned Since 2017
+$ 0 Million

Our students also earn full rides as QuestBridge Scholars, POSSE Scholars, Golden Door Scholars, and more.

2024 full-rides

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Gaming Pathways

Urban Arts helped launch the first-ever, four-year, public-option Digital Game Design degree, now offered at CUNY’s City College of New York! Learn more here.

What’s Included in College Access?

SeniorXP Fellowship

An immersive summer program open to rising seniors, combining college access support with a game design studio environment.

Virtual Workshops

Weekly online sessions covering everything from college research to essay writing, financial aid, scholarships, and more—designed to keep you on track all year long.

One-on-One Support

Personalized guidance, open office hours and feedback on college and scholarship essays, so you can stay focused during your unique college journey.

Community and Resource Hubs

Be part of a supportive community of peers, and access resources and information in one place to stay organized and informed.

Scholarships

Exclusive access to special scholarships and a curated list of 250+ annual scholarships, along with tailored recommendations.

Weekly Newsletters

Stay in the loop with regular updates, scholarship opportunities, tips, and important announcements.

Field Trips

Visit local colleges to get a feel for campus life and gain valuable insights into your higher education options.

Parent Engagement

Special sessions to familiarize your family with the college application process, financial aid and beyond.

The Nagler Scholar

The Nagler Scholar is a prestigious $60,000 scholarship offered by Board Member Niclas Nagler to provide Urban Arts students with the financial support needed to reduce the cost of higher education, achieve their dreams and grow as leaders in their communities. In addition to one Nagler Scholar each year, the top three runners-up for the award also receive funding to offset college expenses.

When I first heard about Urban Arts, I was intrigued because I had never really thought about what goes into making games or that it was possible for a Hispanic woman to go into this field.

[In college] I have gotten to know so many people from different backgrounds and upbringings. I find it beautiful that despite our differences we are able to come together in our passion for learning.

I am so grateful to Niclas and everyone who makes up this amazing scholarship. I can only begin to tell you what this scholarship has meant to me.

Mabel I. M.

Nagler Scholar Recipient, 2022

Fordham University, Class of 2026

Salesforce Intern, 2024, 2025

College Access Quest

There was one application I couldn’t bear to mess up—my NYU application, my dream school… I had to do it right. So I reached out to Joelle [Director of Post-Secondary Success].

When I hit send on that email asking her to look over my application, I braced myself for silence—or worse, judgment. Instead, she replied almost immediately. Not only did she agree to help, but her response felt kind and encouraging.

As she reviewed my application, the fear and isolation I had been drowning in started to ease. It didn’t seem so impossible anymore... I wasn’t alone.

Faiza M.

Bachelors, Integrated Design and Media

Pre-Law Track

NYU, Class of 2028

Questions? Email collegeaccess@urbanarts.org