• College Discovery

    College Discovery (CD) was developed at CUNY to assist students who have the potential to succeed in college but lack the educational foundation and economic resources necessary to pursue a degree. At LaGuardia, CD helps students see new paths and open new doors, not only academically but also in social and occupational endeavors through a variety of support services, including counseling, new student seminars, tutoring, supplemental instruction and financial aid.

    College Discovery accepts all majors. If you are planning to attend LaGuardia as a first-time college student, we invite you to attend an online info session or apply.






  • Why Should You Apply?


    Get help paying for college and receive extra academic support at LaGuardia and beyond. CD program benefits will continue when you transfer to a senior college all the way up to the graduate level.



    In addition to financial aid available to all students, CD students receive supplemental assistance for educational expenses, such as:
    • Transportation
    • Books and supplies
    • College fees

    CD students are also eligible to receive a waiver for the CUNY application fee.


    The College Discovery Resource Center provides a variety of academic support services that aim to strengthen your basic skills, bolster your success in upper-level college courses and keep you on the path to graduation. Supplemental instruction and tutoring support services are available, including:
    • Individual, group, and classroom tutoring
    • Supplemental instruction hours for high-risk academic courses
    • Peer study groups
    • Course review groups
    • Computer-assisted academic instruction

    CD collaborates with college academic departments to create learning communities and identify specific courses that may benefit from supplemental instruction the most. Through CD, you may also get the chance to participate in activities like field trips, cultural events, leadership training workshops and academic conference presentations.


    Upon admission, you’ll be assigned to a CD counselor who will help you navigate issues that could otherwise become a barrier to your academic success and your ability to remain in college. Through individual and group sessions, counselors will help you set personal, academic and career goals. Students often develop close relationships with their counselors, and counselors often continue to serve as mentors even beyond graduation. Consider the counseling office your home away from home.

    CD also offers special counseling workshops and seminars on topics such as:
    • Selecting a major
    • Understanding college policies and procedures
    • Time management
    • Maintaining mental health and wellness
    • Choosing a career
    • Transferring to a senior college



    XAE Honor Society
    Chi Alpha Epsilon was formed to recognize the academic achievements of students admitted to colleges and universities through nontraditional criteria or who utilize developmental and educational support services, such as College Discovery, SEEK and EOP/HEOP. Its purpose is to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication and networking among its members and alumni and honor the academic excellence of those students admitted to college via developmental/opportunity program pathways or for those who participate in student support services.

    For more information, email Kyoko Toyama at lagcc.xae@gmail.com.

    CD Club
    CD Club members get involved in volunteer work in and around our area to make a positive impact on the environment as well as our community.
  • Two students sitting




  • Two students sitting

  • How to Apply?


    Program slots are limited, so be sure to complete the following steps as early as possible to be considered.

    1. Check if you’re eligible.


      If you are a talented and motivated individual whose academic record does not reflect your full potential and you are from a low-income family, CD may be for you. You’re eligible to apply if you meet all of the following criteria:
      • You are a high school graduate or hold a High School Equivalency diploma
      • You are a first-time college freshman
      • You are a SEEK/EOP/HEOP transfer student*
      • You have a college admissions average below 80% OR a High School Equivalency
      • Your family income and other available financial resources fall within guidelines established by New York State
      • You can attend a pre-freshman summer session if you do not satisfy the University Basic Skill proficiency criteria in English or Mathematics

      All majors are eligible, but you cannot participate in both ASAP and College Discovery. Compare the two programs.

      *If you are a current SEEK student looking to transfer into the LaGuardia CD program, please contact our office for more information.

      Eligibility Worksheet


    2. Apply to CUNY and complete the Special Programs (SEEK and College Discovery) section of the application.
      • Contact us to see if you’re eligible for a CUNY Application Waiver.
    3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and apply for New York State TAP through the FAFSA application.
      • Not all eligible students are accepted to CD; submit applications early to increase your chances of acceptance.


    If you have been enrolled in EOP, HEOP, SEEK or CD, you must also complete the CUNY Special Programs Transfer Request Form and upload it using this submission form.



  • LaGuardia’s College Discovery Team

    Our mission is to assist in providing equality of higher education to students who otherwise would not have such access.


    Our efforts are intended to increase the level of education, social capital, and workforce expertise in our City and State. The major objectives that have been identified to achieve this mission are:
    • To provide on each campus a permanent, structured program to assist selected students with specifically defined educational and economic needs to achieve a quality college education and expand their social and career capabilities.
    • To provide a range of intensive support services including supplemental instruction, counseling, and enhanced financial aid.
    • To develop, utilize, and demonstrate innovative educational techniques that will enable fundamentally capable students to overcome educational under-preparation with the goal of obtaining a college education.
    • To promote coordination and articulation between the College Discovery and SEEK Programs for students who move forward into the senior colleges following the completion of associate degree programs; CD students are guaranteed admission into EOP and HEOP opportunity programs – including graduate-level programs.
    • To promote understanding among the faculty and administration of each college with respect to the CD mission as being central to the mission of the University.



    The College Discovery (CD) Program has been a part of the City University since 1964 when it was established by February 1964 resolution of the CUNY Board of Trustees. The program began as a five-year experiment, which sought to demonstrate that with the proper supportive services, students who were being excluded from the University because of existing admissions criteria could attain a college degree. In 1969, the Program was extended beyond its experimental phase and became a permanent University vehicle in the community colleges for developing college potential among disadvantaged students. The success of College Discovery is reflected in the performance of its students. Retention and graduation rates consistently exceed those of regularly admitted students.


    Elizabeth Anderson, Ed.M., MHC-LP
    Counselor
    Anne Avalos, M.S. Ed., MBA
    Supplemental Instruction Coordinator
    Sundeese Borden, FDC, LMHC, NCC, LPC
    Counselor
    Marianne Kaukiainen, M.A.
    Counselor
    Jana Kosmopoulos
    College Discovery Associate, Academic Resource
    Nicole Lebron
    College Discovery Associate, Administration
    George Milanes
    College Discovery Associate, Financial Aid
    Roni Patterson, Ed.M., M.A., L.M.H.C.
    Counselor
    Julianne Salazar, MPA
    Program Director
    Kyoko Toyama, Ph.D. L.M.H.C.
    Counselor/Professor



    Contact Us

    College_Discovery@lagcc.cuny.edu

    Main Office
    718-482-5270

    Room B-236

    Resource Center
    718-482-5254

    Office Hours:
    Please refer to the Campus Services page for current hours.