The Opportunity Network

The Opportunity Network is a fantastic organization, and the students are bright and motivated with such a drive to succeed.

I have volunteered at OppNet over the years and am consistently pleased with my experiences with staff, students, and at the events. I plan to volunteer again the the future.

I've volunteered with OppNet a few times over the past two years, and have always been impressed by the level of service they provide to the students in their programming. From "speed networking" to panel discussions about future career choices, they are truly setting high school aged kids up for future success. I'd recommend this nonprofit to anyone who is looking to give back to NYC students!

They do a wonderful job of preparing students for a successful college and professional career in fields that they are not typically exposed to.

I've been volunteering with the Opportunity Network for over 6 years and was honored to join their Associate Board this year. I'm truly impressed by the dedication of the Oppnet team to the students in their fellows program. Having had many opportunities to engage with the students and alumni of the program has shed light on the impact this organization has made in shaping their futures for the best. The students truly leave with experiences, that prepare them to not only enter the workforce but the skills and opportunities they need to help them achieve upward mobility. I’m constantly inspired by the drive and accomplishments of the students I meet at Oppnet’s speed networking events and mock interview sessions.

I was truly blown away by an Oppnet alumni Y-Lan Nguyen, who I had the pleasure of sitting next to at the 2016 Oppnet Night of Opportunity Gala. At age 24 she is a part of the executive team of a startup that has created a solution to help combat counterfeit medication. Hearing about her journey first hand gave me an even deeper perspective of the impact that Oppnet has on the lives of its fellows.

As an immigrant and a black woman who has navigated the New York City public school system to a great career journey, I understand firsthand why programs like Oppnet are a huge asset. An education is nothing without access to a network and opportunity. It’s always an honor to support the Opportunity Network and their mission to support students of color.

Phenomenal organization - incredible students and the volunteers always leave inspired and having learned something!

Had an amazing experience serving as a volunteer with OppNet. At career round tables the students are always engaging, with great questions. As a college essay mentor I developed a deep bond with two amazing young women who have gone on to university and are doing well. They are making a real difference in the lives of brilliant young New Yorkers.

I have volunteered in numerous capacity and the staff and students they serve are the most engaged and inspiring team of people I have encountered in a long time! I admire their commitment!

I was introduced to The Opportunity Network around 7 years ago, when I attended their annual gala. I was blown away by the program and the way the achieve their mission. Over the last 7 years I've become increasingly more involved - organizing events to raise awareness about the organization, attending workshops and other events with the fellows, mentoring the fellows that I've developed a close bond with, and having a couple of fellows intern with my company during their summer break. It is has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I'm grateful to OppNet and their team for continuing to do the good work they do and for allowing me to be a part of it.

I have been an Opportunity Network Volunteer for some years. I have sat with many students of theirs at Speed Net Working Events. I rate this organization with the highest score possible. It is highly professional and helps kids achieve their highest levels of learning, gives them social skills and helps them to be accepted at colleges.
Gail Rogers
NY

The organization has a fantastic mission and its students are driven and professional. Volunteer events are also fun and engaging, and for the few I have attended, I've left inspired and hope to be involved more in the future.

I volunteered with OppNet's students for their March Speed Networking. Students were so professional and the session was very organized.

I look forward to attending an event in the future, as the organization is run smoothly and it's great being able to connect with the students and contribute to their professional growth.

The Opportunity Network is always a joy to volunteer for. The students are so motivated and the events are well organized. Glad to be able to help!

This group is doing the maximum good for society by identifying talented but underprivileged inner-city youngsters and giving them the connections and resources that will help them succeed. Every interaction with them is an inspiration.

I have been involved with The Opportunity Network as a volunteer college essay coach and networking partner for over two years. This organization is amazing - and so are the students it serves. Every time I leave an event at OppNet, I feel more positive about the future of our world if it is in the hands of these students. The experiences Opportunity Network provides are thorough, rigorous, and engaging. I've been a lifelong volunteer at a number of organizations; OppNet is one of the very best.

When it comes to networking for the youth, the Opp Network hits the nail on the head. They are committed to supporting youth across the boroughs of NYC, creating several events to engage participants (both students and sponsors).

Great opportunities for students to develop early professional/career skills. Really proud to be a mentor/volunteer with this group

I am currently an OppNet College Fellow and on the Student Board of Directors, Class of 2019, and without the great support and immense love from the OppNet staff, I would not be attending college right now! The Opportunity Network has opened all sort of doors and pathways for me through college admissions, summer internships, mentors and developing a sense of professional development for the workforce. The expansion of The Opportunity Network, both in staff and students, displays the great success it has on supporting low-income, first generation students achieve their goals in high school, college and beyond!

I owe the person I currently am to OppNet's wonderful teachings. From high school onward I learned how to be a confident and proactive individual, who knows how to perform in professional settings. Of course ettiquette is not all there is to being professional. There is also the path of self-discovery and education that helps to launch you into the professional world. Without OppNet I would not be attending the college that I do now, or successfully navigating the world of international politics because I understand what I want, why I want it and how I can achieve it with the people around me. OppNet's mission, curriculum and staff have truly helped me to discover my goals within the career world, and given me the to tools to carve out a name for myself in achieving those goals.

I first learned about the Opportunity Network (Opp Net) through a colleague from a fellowship program for professionals in public service. This connection led me to hear about one of Opp Net's professional development sessions for their high school seniors - a speed networking/ interview prep event. This was a my first formal exposure to the organization and its work, and I was truly impressed and inspired.

The event itself is simple in concept. It's an opportunity for high school seniors to meet dozens of professionals in a variety of industries, hone their networking and interviewing skills, and get more comfortable verbalizing their unique stories and goals. This event, and the organization, is set apart by its execution and ability to provide underprivileged students with skills that are complementary to their academics and necessary for their collegiate and professional success; an area vastly under-served by typical NYC high school and other college access programs.

After that experience, which also gave me just a glimpse into how amazing and driven the cohort of students in Opp Net is, I sought further participation as a volunteer, shifting some time and energy that I had previously dedicated to other mentor opportunities towards Opp Net's college essay writing program. This program provides professionals with an opportunity to work more closely with one or more Opp Net high school seniors on their admissions essays for college and scholarships. It also allows for individual relationships to form, while providing some really clean constructs to help structure the process and maximize support for the students.

I continue to be amazed by the students and leaders in this organization, and am so excited to continue my work with them going forward.

Deutsch Inc has had the privilege to work and support the Opportunity Network since 2008. We have hosted interns, and successfully hired them. We continue to support the Gala as well as seminars to help prepare the students for their internships.

OppNet has truly transformed me into a young professional at only 17 years old. Things that we learn in college and sometimes even after that, OppNet has already taught me. Time management, professional dress, how to speak to professionlas, email ettiquete and so much more. I made such great connections with professionals and have earned unbelievable job and scholarship opportunities. A few sentences isn't enough to describe how incredible this program is. The application process is rigorous, but it is definitely worth it.

I can safely say that OppNet has changed my life. In my few short years in the program I know I have developed skills and friends that I will carry with me through life. OppNet made me feel more prepared to have an internship in a fortune 500 company, because of all the skills that they taught me such as professional dress, how to leave a professional vociemail, interview skills and most importantly networking. I still have the business cards they printed for me and currently still using them. The college process was also a breeze because of the support that this organization gives. All of my supplementals we excellent because of the writing coach I was assigned and I did not overwhelmed at anytime during the process.

I work for a nonprofit in lower Manhattan. We hired an intern from OppNet that was interested in working with me in the development office (I'm the Director of Development here). It worked out extremely well for all involved: We were able to get help for our department, the intern was paid for the time he worked with us and received valuable work experience, and OppNet was able to provide, well, "opportunity" to this student. Thank you OppNet!

I first read about Opp Net in the New Yorker about six years ago. I've volunteered with them ever since and have been blown away by their dedication and professionalism. Even as they've grown exponentially, they've kept their commitment and care for the students. It's quite a remarkable organization.

I am an OppNet fellow, class of 2019. I am so grateful that I am part of this community, this family that supports me unconditionally. Honestly, without OppNet, I don't know if I'd be in the position I am today, in the college that I'm in today. OppNet changed my life and has helped me jump start my career as a professional.

I have had the opportunity to work with OppNet as a volunteer panelist, speed mentor, and currently as a college essay coach. I am consistently impressed with the poise, professionalism, drive, and maturity demonstrated by the OppNet Fellows. The staff's commitment to individually supporting and challenging each Fellow to pursue the highest standards of excellence is apparent at every encounter. As an alumnus of similar programs in my youth, I know how impact the work of OppNet can be on the college and career opportunities of urban youth. I'm proud to be a supporter.

In my role as Campus Recruiter at Viacom, I partner with many external partner organizations. It has always been a pleasure working with The Opportunity Network. The staff always do a wonderful job at giving us qualified candidates for our program. In addition, the programs and events they put on for their students contributes to their personal and professional development that will help them upon graduation and entrance into the workforce. We look forward to our continued partnership!

In my capacity as Director at The Student Diplomacy Corps sdcorps.org, I work directly with Opportunity Network's staff, students and parents. The staff is devoted, well organized and a pleasure to work with as we annually engage Opportunity Network students in Student Diplomacy Corps summer seminars.
Opportunity Network students and families are dynamic and motivated. We loved working them. Looking forward to our partnership with Opportunity Network thriving into the future.

I have been an OppNet Fellow for about two and it has been an amazing and life changing experience. I was able to travel to Japan this summer, and this the first international experience of my life. Also I got the chance to visit colleges both in and out of New York State. These colleges trips have made a world of a difference when it comes to college applications. This program has helped me grow as a person by introducing me to the professional world and allowing me to mature and more ways than I could have possibly imagined. On top of all this it has given me and 77 others the most amazing network possible, each other. Us fellows have formed a bond that is strong and supports each and everyone of us whenever we need help. The staff members are always available whether you need help, or just need to talk to someone. These are some of the best people I have ever met.

I've been volunteering with the Opportunity Network for the past several years. The mission of the organization partnered with the leadership & staff makes this an outstanding organization. I've had the opportunity to watch OppNet grow and transform the lives of young high school and college students across New York. The students continue to blow me away. They are intelligent, energized, professional students looking to learn, grow and work hard to accomplish educational, professional and personal goals. OppNet helps provide students with the tools and networks they need so they can grow and mature into professionals they aim to be.

Becoming an Opportunity Network Fellow has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life so far. This is a committed organization that provides an outstanding service in preparing young minds to be successful in the real word. Its fantastic staff, works hard in preparing us with work force experience, networking opportunities, and academic guidance. I feel blessed to be part of this great organization and I would definitely recommend anyone to look and observe the impact this organization is having on students.

The Opportunity Network has been nothing short of AMAZING in their mission in working with these well-deserving fellows. The staff is brilliant and such incredible team players providing all the necessary tools needed to further the education of the fellows while providing exceptional career-building tools. I am honored to volunteer for the organization and I am excited to continue my support for the years to come. These students are truly like none other and deserve all the support and opportunities that they receive.

I am who I am because of OppNet. Through intentional interactions between peers and professionals, OppNet has shaped me as a young professional and leader.

I remember fondly showing up on the first day, late and with a wrinkled, white shirt on. They helped me first both of those issues real quick!

OppNet is a GREAT non profit that's doing tremendous work for students in NYC.

The Opportunity Network is an amazing program for under-served demographics of New York City's schools. By working to garnish the budding professionalism, networking, and educational skills of various students, OppNet is able to work against all odds. The program has opened my eyes to countless careers in otherwise unexplored fields like law or creative media. I have also met tons of professionals and started to build my network. My network comprises of various lawyers, CEOS/Executives, and creative film makers and artists. The program's professionalism classes on skills such as the simple hand-shake or public speaking translate to great success at job interviews and internships--which are guaranteed by OppNet for six years. OppNet also helps with college applications, SAT/ACT, and visiting colleges. These are options that I wouldn't have had otherwise--especially the SAT/ACT tutoring. Overall, the Opportunity Network is working to bridge the growing gap in our society, and trying to ensure that all demographics have access to opportunity and a network, or the Opportunity Network.

As an alumnus of the program and now a supporter, I strongly recommend OppNet and their work. Their belief of “influential networks are essential ingredients for success” is a fact and their strategy of students having “interaction with executives, intensive networking training, coursework in careers, internships and college counseling” works. I was exposed to different internship opportunities through OppNet, leading to a professional career path. The same will go for every fellow in the program. More importantly, OppNet plants the seed of courage and hope while developing necessary skills for a student to be a professional.

I was introduced to the Opportunity Network on accident. After participating in a few speed networking events and meeting some great future leaders, I knew this was an organization I wanted to spend more time helping. I really believe in their mission statement of leveling the playing field for those students that might not necessarily have the right network to succeed. Taking an approach of mixing thoughtful, working, professionals with these young talents is both smart and actually fun. I enjoy participating in as many opportunities as a volunteer and really embrace talking with our future super stars! I cant wait for the next #OppNetwork workshop!

The Opportunity Network is by far one of the most equalizing and effective programs of its kind. I am a senior in college this year and I owe much of my success to The Opportunity Network and its stellar staff. Through the training that I received as a high school student, the career panels that i had the privilege of attending, and the college visits that OppNet funded, I have become a well-rounded student, and most importantly, have built a network that will service me beyond college.

The Opportunity Network is continuously changing my life by allowing me to have the space to grow both professionally and personally. I have met a number of influential professionals throughout the program, who have shifted my perspective on what I imagined possible for myself as college soon approaches. I deeply know that OppNet is the reason why I am doing so well in high school and further, it is aligning me towards the successes I will soon experience. OppNet's approach in solving the why and how to reaching the gap present for high-achieving low-income high school students, whom are full of potential but are lacking the resources to become who they were meant to be, is so invaluable. They realize the great issue within education. The amazing staff at OppNet have helped me envision and embody myself as someone who is aware of the responsibility that exists to both earn and maintain whatever it is that I aspire to accomplish- for that lesson, I am incredibly grateful.

What is there to say about The Opportunity Network except that is a "Great Nonprofit." OppNet was essential in my growth in a number of ways, whether it was academically, socially or professionally OppNet is definitely key to my previous successes and will continue to be. The special part about OppNet was the fact that while I was growing through the program, they too was constantly growing and trying to improve their outreach and impact.

Without OppNet I could not imagine having experienced opportunities to meet various wonderful professionals to network with as well as socially connect with students that share the same ambition and drive for future success. OppNet made things I did not know would be possible for me, especially during the time of high school would be possible. For instance, going to my best-fit college with enough support in many ways to feel comfortable and thrive. When you have the tools academically, but do not have the resources to make the goal happen, one may think that their options or opportunities are limited. It is nonprofits like OppNet that make things like traveling abroad for the summer, doing research or taking courses at universities, participating in internships at prestigious companies possible. Along with having the academic tools, they give you the professional tools of networking to over time allow you to find your own opportunities.

If I could describe OppNet in a matter of a few words it would be: OppNet is definitely one of the best!