Increasing opportunity. Supporting students.
Research consistently shows that a college degree and a strong first job are two of the most powerful drivers of economic mobility. The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation works to make both more achievable for New Yorkers. As a place-based funder focused exclusively on New York City, we invest in colleges and nonprofit organizations running high-impact programs that strengthen college and career pathways.
New York City's public high schools serve nearly 300,000 students. For most of those students, teachers and counselors are their primary guides as they explore what comes after high school.
We partner with a select group of school network organizations that have a proven record of improving college readiness and enrollment for students from all backgrounds. These networks develop innovative curriculum, tools, data systems, and advising models that help more students connect to colleges that meet their needs. Together, they reach nearly a quarter of all NYC high schools.
This is a focused portfolio. While we appreciate the many organizations doing this work, we are not expanding it at this time.
Getting to college is a major achievement; finishing is another. The steps between enrollment and completion can be daunting, especially for first-generation and low-income students. We support a broad range of efforts that remove barriers and help more students graduate on time.
We are especially interested in student-centered projects that:
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Build early academic momentum through supports that help student earn credits, maintain academic standing, and navigate college-level coursework
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Reduce the financial burden of college through non-scholarships strategies such as financial aid advising, navigations, and other approaches that improve affordability
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Help transfer students navigate the transition between institutions and stay on track to graduate
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Foster connection and belonging through near-peer advising, cohort models, and other strategies that help students stay engaged and supported
Student Basic Needs
For too many college students, food insecurity and unexpected financial crises can derail the promise of higher education.
In keeping with Mr. Petrie's lifelong commitment to supporting New Yorkers in times of need, the Foundation established Petrie Student Emergency Grant Funds. Through this program, students facing sudden hardships — a job loss, eviction, an unforeseen expense — can receive funds to help them stay on track. We also support campus-based food pantries and other food access initiatives.
We collaborate with select public and private colleges in NYC that serve large populations of students with financial need.
A college credential is a milestone on the path to economic mobility — but the quality of a first job matters just as much. We support programs that ensure students completing certificates and degrees from NYC colleges are prepared for and have access to meaningful career opportunities.
We collaborate with NYC-based colleges and nonprofit organizations working to help young New Yorkers build strong starts to their careers.
We are especially interested in projects that:
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Connect college students to internships, job placement, and the career coaching and networking they need to get there
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Bridge the gap between college degrees and career success, including technical skills and credentials valued by employers (e.g., "last mile" programming)
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Foster collaboration between workforce training programs and college degree programs
The Foundation supports a select group of organizations working at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and research to elevate issues shaping postsecondary access and success in NYC. These partners bring data, research, and lived experience into policy conversations — helping ensure that the needs of students, particularly those navigating college affordability and basic needs challenges, are reflected in decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels.
We recognize that shifts in the policy landscape can create immediate challenges for the students and institutions our partners serve. When that happens, we may provide targeted, time-limited support to help organizations navigate emerging developments and continue their core work.
