Brooklyn students explore futures beyond the 'bubble' through My College Tours program * Brooklyn Paper

My College Tours is a Brooklyn-based organization that takes students in grades 2 through 12 on college tours across the country. The program helps students gain exposure to higher education opportunities and envision life beyond New York City. Founded in 2012 by educator Tommy O. Abney, it grew from field trips he organized for students in Washington, D.C., where visits to colleges and universities helped students stay motivated through high school. After Abney’s death in 2025, his sons Ade and Oluwa Abney continued running the organization. The program has expanded from serving about 50 to 80 students consistently in 2018 to more than 1,000 students each semester, partnering with multiple NYC schools and planning expansion to Philadelphia, Northern New York, and Staten Island.

"My College Tours is helping young people gain exposure to higher education opportunities and envision life beyond the Big Apple by taking students on college tours across the country."

"Founded in 2012 by educator Tommy O. Abney, the program grew out of his work as a teacher in Washington, D.C., and later as a substance abuse prevention and intervention specialist at Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn."

"The idea for MCT grew out of the field trips Abney organized for his students in D.C., visiting colleges and universities across the country. He found the trips were impactful in helping students stay motivated through high school and pursue higher education. The business started with his students at Banneker and eventually expanded."

"MCT has grown significantly since its early years, expanding from serving about 50 to 80 students consistently in 2018 to more than 1,000 students each semester. The organization partners with schools across New York City, including Benjamin Banneker Academy, Achievement First Charter School Network, Rockdale Early Advantage Charter School, Fordham Leadership Academy, Cultural Academy for the Arts and Sciences, Brooklyn Lab and Bedford Academy. The organization plans to expand into Philadelphia, Northern New York and Staten Island."

Read at Brooklyn Paper