We make a 12-year commitment to help students become the first in their families to graduate from college, ready to pursue meaningful careers.
Fund a Student’s Future
Your gift directly supports a San Francisco student’s 12-year journey to college.
Mentor a Student
Share your career experience, time, or expertise with students working toward college graduation.
Help build what comes next.
Connect your organization with First Graduate to help first-generation students thrive in college and launch their careers.
By the Numbers
First Graduate students achieve extraordinary outcomes that far exceed national averages. The difference is our 12-year commitment — academic, career, and family support from sixth grade through college graduation.
Nearly every First Graduate senior continues their education, compared to a 67% college enrollment rate for first-generation students nationally.
Most of our students graduate from college within six years, far exceeding the national average of 11% for first-generation students.
In 2024, we distributed over $200,000 in scholarships to our students, paving the way for a successful future.
Who We Are
For 25 years, First Graduate has walked alongside San Francisco students whose parents never had the chance to attend college — helping them become the first in their families to graduate and build careers that are meaningful to them.
From middle school through college graduation
Academic, career, and family engagement
99% high school graduation, 78% college completion
How we help
Comprehensive support across every stage of the student journey
Free academic instruction and homework help for every student, year-round.
Career panels, workshops, job shadowing, and mock interviews.
Supporting families in helping their children become first-generation college graduates.
Where you come in
Access to quality education shouldn’t depend on whether your parents went to college. First Graduate closes that gap with a 12-year commitment to each student — from sixth grade through college graduation and into their careers. Today we serve 60 middle schoolers, 110 high schoolers, 110 college students, and 218 alumni.
With Gratitude
Get Involved
Join us in creating a college-going tradition for every family in San Francisco.
