My Nonprofit Reviews

In seventh grade, I became a student of First Graduate. My middle school faced challenges typical of inner-city schools serving low-income kids of color: poor-quality education, gang problems, lack of resources, etc. The First Graduate staff and volunteers truly believed in my abilities and potential, and always encouraged me to reach for the best. Thanks to their guidance, I was admitted to one of the best high schools in San Francisco. I struggled a lot initially, but I always had their support to push me forward and help me become a student who not only excelled in school, but who was carefully preparing for college as well. Four years later, First Graduate staff and volunteers worked hard to guide me through the rigorous college application process. Lots of essay-editing and many questions about financial aid later, I was admitted to all ten of the schools to which I had applied, including Harvard, which is where I ultimately attended. But the support didn't end there! First Graduate staff, and my FG mentor, continued to check up on me throughout my years at Harvard. They provided (and still provide!) me with letters of recommendations to fellowships, grants, jobs, etc. and therefore I have been able to enrich my education even further through meaningful work and travel. I am proud to be a first-generation college graduate and a First Graduate alumna, and am forever indebted to the staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to help me succeed. My personal mission now is to help other low-income kids of color through education, so that I can share all that First Graduate has given me. My life is a testimony to the effectiveness, organization, and dedication of this comprehensive, life-changing non-profit. This is why I give First Graduate 5 stars!