Arika Akhtar

Arika Akhtar, an 18 year-old Queensbridge Houses resident, became very interested in applying to college. Arika was very afraid and confused by the application process and getting funding for school. She immediately contacted Urban Upbound after hearing about our College Access program.

Arika was placed in the College Access SAT Prep program where she was able to get one-on-one counseling to help her through the college application, the entrance essay and college interviews. After participating in the SAT Prep program, Arika volunteered to be team leader on the Civilian Complaint Review Board where she composed interactive skits and speeches to raise awareness on civilian youth and police interactions.

She will be the first in her family to attend college.