Applications are now open for 2024-2025!
How Do I Apply?
Welcome! BRYC’s application form includes sections for both students and guardians. We recommend completing the form in one sitting (~30 mins to 1 hour). In addition to the form, applicants will need to upload a copy of their transcript and/or report card (screenshots are acceptable). Rising seniors will also upload an unofficial copy of their highest ACT scores.
- Step 1: Preview the application
- Step 2: Click the “Apply Today” button below when you are ready to begin
April 30: Rising Senior Deadline
June 16: Rising 8th-11th Deadline
Please note: Once you begin the application, you have 72 hours to submit it or your answers will be erased. We recommend first previewing the questions, then composing your answers in a Word document. Please see the Eligibility and FAQ sections below for answers to common questions, or reach out to the recruitment team for direct support.
Not sure yet if BRYC is right for you? Please submit the Student Inquiry Form, and we’ll reach out to chat. Know a student who could benefit from BRYC? Please submit a referral form and we’ll make sure they hear from us.
Am I Eligible?
BRYC has only two eligibility criteria for the upcoming school year:
- You will be in grades 8-12 in 2024-2025
- Your family’s annual gross household income is less than $65,000
BRYC will make exceptions to the income threshold for students who demonstrate that they “have a need for BRYC.” If a student is admitted from a family reporting gross annual household income over $100,000, BRYC may request a one-time $500 donation in lieu of a participation fee. BRYC is free for students who meet the income criteria.
Who Can Help Me?
BRYC’s recruitment team is standing by to support you!
Forrest Middlebrook, Jr.
Associate Director of Recruitment
Email: [email protected]
Phone & Text: (225) 283-1083
Brei Gage-Batiste
Recruitment Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone & Text: (225) 614-8487
5 numbers that prove you should join BRYC:
Current Fellows say: “I’m glad I’m in BRYC.”
Avg ACT score gain while in BRYC programs
Current Fellows say: “BRYC cares about me.”
Scholarship aid awarded to BRYC Fellows
BRYC alumni on track to graduate college
Meet BRYC Fellow Brandon Vincent
Fellow Testimonial
“Becoming a BRYC Fellow was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. What sets BRYC apart from other college preparatory programs is what it offers its students: self-confidence and agency. I believe that the most impactful takeaway from my time there is the realization that you belong wherever you want to be.” – Dalyn Smith
A Gates Scholar finalist who received nearly $250,000 in gift aid, Dalyn Smith (McKinley ’19) graduated with an honors degree in political science from the University of Southern California in spring 2023. Now, she helps individuals in crisis claim aid they deserve with startup Atticus.
Learn more about:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
APPLICATION
How does the application form work?
Sign Up
- Click the “Apply Today” button above.
- In the new tab that opens, click the “Sign Up” button at the bottom of the page.
- Enter guardian contact information to register and create an account.
- If there are two guardians in the home, please enter contact information for a second guardian.
- Click the red “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.
Account Login/Application
- Log in using the guardian email address used to create your account.
- Read the guidance on the application page.
- Enter student demographic and contact information.
- Enter school the student will attend in 2024-2025 and their current grade level.
- Enter information about any siblings who have already participated in BRYC.
- Read and acknowledge the attendance policy and information about the second EBR campus opening Fall 2024.
- Based on your grade level, upload the following documents (screenshots are acceptable):
- Rising seniors: High school transcript and highest ACT composite scores
- Rising juniors: High school transcript
- Rising 8th-10th-graders: Most recent report card (if you do not have a copy of your most recent report card, you may self-report your grades)
Note: BRYC uses this information to prepare program materials for you. Your grades/scores will NOT impact our decision about your enrollment. If you’re having trouble accessing your grades, ask your Guidance Counselor for help.
- Respond to the following prompts (min. one paragraph):
- One of BRYC’s habits is investing in passions. What is something you are passionate about and why?
- What is your current preferred learning style (e.g., visual, audible, hands-on)? How do you adapt this style for different subjects or tasks? How will your learning style and strategies contribute to your success at BRYC?
- At BRYC, we expect you to be here during your assigned program time and miss no more than three days per semester. What other clubs or activities are you currently involved in after school? If something comes up that conflicts with your BRYC program time, what steps would you take to handle the schedule conflict?
- Describe why you have a need for BRYC. Consider: What part(s) of your life (academic or personal) can BRYC help you improve? What goals can BRYC help you accomplish? Need help? Check out thebryc.org/eligibility.
- Describe how you spend the majority of your time outside of BRYC. (checkboxes)
- Tell us how you heard about BRYC.
The remainder of the form should be completed by the student’s guardian.
- Check guardian contact info to ensure it is correct. Make changes if necessary.
- Answer questions about household income.
- Describe the circumstances that contribute to your child having a “need for BRYC.” (checkboxes)
- Review 2024-2025 transportation.
- Sign the form (electronically) and click the “Submit” button.
Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?
We recommend that applicants sit down with their guardian and complete the form in one sitting. Please plan to spend at least 30 minutes completing the application.
Note: Application responses are saved for 72 hours. If the application is not completed within 72 hours, the answers will automatically be erased.
Note: We encourage applicants to draft their responses to the one-paragraph prompts in a Word document before beginning the application form. Preview the application.
Do I need to take the ACT?
No. BRYC requests ACT score information to aid us in preparing program materials for you, but you do not need to take an official ACT test to be accepted into BRYC.
Do I need to reapply to BRYC every year?
No. However, once you are in BRYC, you are held to a high standard. For Fellows to remain in BRYC, they must attend at least 80% of BRYC programs and complete other grade-specific program expectations as directed by your program manager.
What if I run into issues with the application form?
We are here for you every step of the way! If you have questions, text/call Mr. Forrest at 225-283-1083, or Ms. Brei at 225-614-8487, or email [email protected].
ELIGIBILITY
What are BRYC's eligibility requirements?
Any student who will be in grades 8-12 in 2024-2025 is eligible to apply for BRYC.
BRYC does prioritize serving students from under-resourced families, and the majority of BRYC families report an adjusted gross income less than $65,000. However, students from families with higher household incomes are welcome and encouraged to apply and explain their interest in and “need for” BRYC in the application. Please see thebryc.org/eligibility for an infographic illustrating what it means to “have a need for BRYC.”
To ensure BRYC remains free for those with greatest need, families reporting an adjusted gross income over $100,000 will be asked to make a one-time $500 donation to BRYC in lieu of a participation fee. Please see the Income Verification section for more information.
Why have BRYC’s eligibility requirements changed from previous years?
In previous years, BRYC applicants were required to meet minimum GPA and ACT score requirements. Recognizing that these metrics had potential to exclude students who would benefit from BRYC, we no longer use GPA or ACT scores to determine admission. We do continue to request this information when available in order to best prepare program materials for Fellows.
BRYC is still a rigorous program with high expectations for attendance, conduct, and class participation. Regardless of current grades, applicants can look forward to being challenged and growing their understanding of the learning process.
INCOME VERIFICATION
Why does BRYC need to know about my finances?
BRYC prioritizes supporting students and families who are most in need of our services. Before accepting new Fellows, we ask families to provide information to help BRYC determine if students come from financially-advantaged households. We appreciate your cooperation!
What is the income threshold for participating in BRYC?
BRYC Fellows typically come from households with an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less. However, students from families with household incomes above $65,000 are welcome and encouraged to apply. There will be an opportunity in the application to explain more about why your student “has a need for BRYC.” (thebryc.org/eligibility)
What if our household income is higher than $65,000?
If a family reports an adjusted gross income(AGI) over $65,000, BRYC will request further documentation to verify your income status. The following documents are acceptable:
- Preferred: Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ
- Documents proving you are receiving any of the following”
- Unemployment
- Social Security Disability
- Social Security SSI
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Subsidized housing
- If your child is enrolled in THRIVE Academy, we will accept their enrollment letter.
- If your family does not qualify for governmental assistance and you did not file taxes for 2022, 2021, or 2020, you may submit your most recent pay stub.
If BRYC determines that the student’s AGI is over $100,000, the family will be asked to make a one-time $500 donation in lieu of a participation fee.
Do I need to provide financial information for all the adults in my household?
Yes, but only if your family reports an adjusted gross income over $65,000. If so, BRYC will request further documentation to verify your income status. Documentation for all guardians who live in the physical household and whose income contributes to supporting the student is required.
Why is there a fee for certain families? I thought BRYC was free!
Since its founding in 2009, BRYC’s programs have been free of charge, with the exception of minimal fees for special activities like college tours. This is reflective of our mission to provide under-resourced students with equally high-quality college access programming more affluent families have the means to pay for.
In BRYC’s 15 years of serving the Capital Region, we have learned that income is one of several variables impacting equitable access to higher education. While BRYC will remain focused on and free for lower-income families, we do not want to overlook students who experience other disadvantages in the college admissions process. We will consider applications from students of any income level, and families with an adjusted gross income over $100,000 will be asked to make a one-time $500 donation in lieu of a participation fee. To ensure BRYC remains accessible to the students who need it most, we will limit the number of spots available to higher-income families.
Guardians can email [email protected] or contact the recruitment team to discuss any concerns about the $500 donation or BRYC’s other income policies.
How does BRYC protect my sensitive financial information?
We really appreciate your cooperation with our process and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. We keep all documents in our secure, encrypted system that only authorized personnel can obtain. Please do not mail original financial documents to BRYC.
LOCATIONS
Where is BRYC located?
In 2024-2025, BRYC will serve students in three locations:
- BRYC Downtown: 460 N 11th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
- BRYC Airline: South Baton Rouge
- BRYC Iberville: Iberville Parish
How do I know which location I will attend?
11th & 12th Grade: All juniors and seniors will attend programs at BRYC Downtown (460 N 11th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802).
8th, 9th, 10th Grade: EBR students in 8-10th grade will be assigned to BRYC Downtown or BRYC Airline based on their school or home address. BRYC’s aim in making these assignments is to ease the burden of transportation for students and families.
All Iberville students will attend the Iberville Parish location.
Can I request a specific location?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to grant your request. Location assignments are based on grade level, the student’s home/school address, and class sizes. We will make every effort to ensure location assignments are not a burden for students and families.
What if a family has students in different grade levels?
We will make every effort to assign all siblings to the same location.
BRYC PROGRAMMING
How much does BRYC cost?
BRYC is free. We just ask for Fellows’ and families’ commitment. There are two exceptions. First, families who report an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or higher will be asked to make a one-time $500 donation to BRYC in lieu of a participation fee. Second, there may be special activities, like college tours, when we ask families for a small fee to cover one or two meals.
When do I come to BRYC?
Fellows come to BRYC one evening per week (Mon, Tues, Wed, or Thurs) from 4:30-7:15pm. Your assigned program day depends on the school you attend. BRYC does provide transportation from most schools on program day, but please note that guardians are responsible for pickup at 7:15pm when programs end.
Note: You may request to change your program day if classroom space/size allows, but you may need to provide your own transportation to BRYC.
How important is it for me to attend my mandatory weekly programs?
To get the most out of BRYC, you need to be here. Fellows must attend at least 80% of their weekly mandatory programs in order to remain in good standing with BRYC. Fellows with lower than 80% attendance are at risk of being dismissed from BRYC.
Can I attend BRYC virtually?
No. BRYC has discontinued virtual programs.
Does BRYC provide transportation?
Yes! BRYC provides transportation by bus or van from most schools to our campuses on certain days of the week. Fellows board BRYC transportation at a designated time after school dismissal. At the beginning of each semester, guardians submit a form to reserve their Fellow’s seat.
Note: If you request to change your program day, you may need to provide your own transportation to BRYC.
Note: BRYC does not provide transportation home after programs. Guardians must pick up Fellows at 7:15pm.
Can I be in BRYC and still participate in sports and other extracurricular activities?
Absolutely! BRYC Fellows are involved in every extracurricular activity you can think of. If you have other activities or commitments, we just ask that you work with us to ensure that you can balance those and BRYC.
Will BRYC help me pay for college?
BRYC covers most of a Fellow’s fees for ACT registration; ACT score reports; and college and scholarship applications. We also provide Fellows with funds to help with their college transition. BRYC offers exclusive competitive scholarship opportunities for Fellows interested in healthcare, business, or legal fields. Otherwise, we help Fellows find and secure their own scholarships!
If I'm in BRYC, am I guaranteed a scholarship?
No. At this time, BRYC offers annual competitive scholarships for Fellows interested in healthcare, business, or legal fields. Otherwise, we help Fellows find and secure their own scholarships! The harder Fellows work, the more success they have getting scholarships.
What happens to my BRYC status after I graduate high school?
Once Fellows graduate high school, they become College Fellows. BRYC’s persistence team provides College Fellows with resources to stay on track, graduate, and move onto their careers. Alumni can continue to count on BRYC for life.
