The YMCA's Rowe Scholars program proactively challenges the mass inequity in college application, matriculation and achievement for low-income New York City students from underrepresented backgrounds. We engage scholars in the comprehensive curriculum and year-round opportunities that are necessary to develop the skills and knowledge it takes to succeed in college. We believe that it takes more than just a complete application to succeed in college. We work with each scholar on developing student-specific goals and skills, such as the ability to follow up, think critically, be resourceful and self-advocate. In addition to these necessary skills we work with each student on: -100% FAFSA completion (for eligible students) - SAT prep - Research and reflection on best fit and college choice - Scholarship access and awareness - Connection to in-college opportunity programs and resources - Financial aid literacy and advocacy - Understanding the full college application process - Summer internships - Connection to the wide YMCA alumni network - Team-building and positive peer leadership - Understanding the role of failure in success