The Public Service Training Corps (PSTC) is designed to give highly motivated high school students from low-income communities a meaningful opportunity to launch their college and career journey in service to the broader community. PSTC offers a curriculum focused on urban problems, government, social advocacy, public policy, and policy implementation, while building students’ leadership skills and emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and collective responsibility. The program prepares students for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, labor and worker advocacy, community development, public health, and other fields dedicated to strengthening communities and advancing social justice. PSTC includes a paid internship, rich extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive academic environment that combines the personal attention of a small college along with access to the resources of a large college campus. Students pursuing this pathway will receive substantial, if not full, financial support from entry to the program to completion of their SLU BA degree.
Contact
Office of Admissions
25 West 43rd Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10036
tel: 646-313-8300
admissions@slu.cuny.edu
The Public Service Training Corps is made possible by generous funding from the New York City Council and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.
How the Program Works
Students begin their college journey early by earning tuition-free college credits in high school (through CUNY’s College Now program), followed by automatic admission to the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU). Once at SLU, they will take four courses each semester: three at SLU and one at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). This innovative structure offers the best of both worlds: the small classes, personalized advising, close faculty relationships, and mission-driven community of SLU, paired with the extensive facilities, diverse electives, and campus life of a major institution like BMCC. Throughout the program, PSTC students receive a book allowance, a free OMNY card, and a one-time $7,000 paid internship that provides real-world experience in public service and social justice work.
After completing 40 tuition-free credits, students may transfer their credits to another college or continue at SLU to pursue a BA in Urban and Community Studies or BA in Labor Studies. For those who choose to remain at SLU, and who qualified for federal or state financial aid, City Council “last-dollar” grants can be extended into the junior and senior years—allowing many students to complete their entire bachelor’s degree without paying tuition.
The Academic Program
The PSTC academic program begins in high school, where students earn college credits through courses that introduce them to higher education, writing, data analysis, and urban life—all taught through the lens of contemporary social issues. Once students transition to SLU, they move into a curriculum that fulfills the University’s general education requirements while deepening their understanding of government, public policy, community well-being, labor, social justice, and the systems that shape urban life. Upper-level coursework, research methods, community-engaged internship, and a capstone project prepare students to graduate with both academic depth and practical experience. The full curriculum totals 120 credits, allowing motivated students to complete their bachelor’s degree within three years of graduating from high school.
Why Enroll in PSTC?
PSTC speaks directly to the challenges of our time and prepares students to understand the issues shaping today’s society and tomorrow’s future. Students explore how cities function, why inequality persists, and how government, policy, and social systems influence daily life. They develop strong writing, research, communication, and problem-solving skills while connecting classroom learning to real urban challenges—housing, health, workers’ rights, and community well-being. For students who care about fairness, justice, and the dignity of every neighborhood, PSTC offers a way to turn those values into meaningful action. Whether they imagine a career in government, advocacy, organizing, or nonprofit leadership, PSTC gives students the knowledge and skills to serve the common good and strengthen our communities.
PSTC prepares the next generation of public service professionals and community leaders—students who want their education and careers to have social purpose, relevance, and impact. Graduates pursue roles in government, nonprofits, social justice advocacy organizations and work on issues like housing, transportation, workers’ rights, and neighborhood well-being. These are careers in the public interest—careers that offer stability, advancement, and the satisfaction of improving people’s lives. Through a paid internship, students gain the guidance of experienced mentors, real-world learning opportunities, and the kind of resume-building experience that strengthens pathways to public service careers. Each student is paired with a counselor who provides career planning, and mentorship tailored to public service and
PSTC provides one of the most affordable and efficient pathways to a bachelor’s degree in New York City. By earning college credit in high school, students get a head start on college and complete their bachelor’s degree ahead of schedule. Funding from the New York City Council covers a minimum of 50 college credits – and students who qualify for federal and state financial aid can use their Council funding to cover remaining tuition costs – often allowing them to complete their entire bachelor’s degree at SLU without paying any tuition at all. Add a $7,000 paid internship, a book allowance and a free OMNY card, and PSTC becomes one of the most financially accessible college program anywhere.
PSTC offers a uniquely supportive environment that blends the personal attention of a small college with the resources of a large campus. At SLU, students learn in small classes where faculty know them well and advisors provide individualized academic and career guidance. A Learning Hub, tutoring, writing support, and collaborative study spaces help students grow with confidence. SLU has one of the lowest student-to-advisor and student-to-faculty ratios in CUNY. At the same time, PSTC students enjoy full access to the Borough of Manhattan Community College’s (BMCC) extensive facilities—including gyms, pools, libraries, clubs, and student centers—giving them the best of both worlds. Through cohort activities and a community grounded in care and support, every student is positioned for academic and personal success.