Helping New Yorkers Get Into—and Finish—College


Goddard Riverside’s Options Center supports New Yorkers with getting into, paying for, and graduating from college or skill-specific certificate programs. We specialize in working with low-income and first-generation students, who often face the largest barriers to accessing and completing college.
Options Center Provides:
- One-to-one advising starting with a focus on college and other post-secondary choices
- Support and counseling for students through graduation with regular check-ins and degree audits
- Support on obtaining financial aid and paying for college
- College trips, recruiter visits, workshop series, and other resources
- Campus visits and regular check-ins
- Need-based fee waivers, supplies, and grants to pay for transportation, textbooks and more based on need
- Assistance with college transfers and re-enrollment
More than 7,000 youth and adults have gone to college with the help of the Options Center. 500 students are currently being supported by Options in college. Our vision is that all young people will have meaningful opportunities and the support they need to earn quality post-secondary degrees.
Who Can Participate
- Juniors and seniors at NYC public/parochial high schools
- Young adults and adults in NYC with a high school diploma or TASC/GED
Up-and-Coming Events

FAFSA Completion Workshop Event Series
Register Today for a Free FAFSA Completion Session!
Sign up for an upcoming Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion session by choosing a location (Manhattan or Bronx) and selecting a date and time slot that works best for you.
Our experts will guide you through the FAFSA application step by step and answer any questions you have. Bring the necessary documents and complete your application on-site—ensuring you meet deadlines with less stress. Plus we are providing Metrocards and $25 e-gift cards for participants.
30-minute sessions are available between 11 AM and 2 PM on the following dates:
- Monday, March 10 – Capital One Café at Union Square
- Thursday, March 13 – Capital One Café at Fordham Road
- Monday, March 17 – Capital One Café at Union Square
- Thursday, March 20 – Capital One Café at Fordham Road
- Monday, April 7 – Capital One Café at Union Square
- Tuesday, April 8 – Capital One Café at Fordham Road
- Monday, April 14 – Capital One Café at Fordham Road
- Monday, April 28 – Capital One Café at Union Square
Wednesdays, 2-3 PM
352 West 110th Street
New York, NY 10025
Chad Franklin, Director
Aledra Floyd, Administrative Coordinator of Counseling
212-OPTIONS (212-678-4667)