Empower First‑Generation Students. Build the Bay Area’s Future.

Your company can propel local students to become the first in their families to graduate from college. By investing in First Graduate, you strengthen the workforce, uplift communities, and inspire the next generation of Bay Area leaders.

Why Partnering is Transformative

Local companies partner with First Graduate because they understand that thriving communities create thriving businesses. Sponsoring first‑generation students is more than philanthropy. It’s a direct investment in local talent, present and future inventive leadership, and the long-term success and health of the Bay Area.

Develop Bay Area Talent

Every student receives 114 hours of individualized support per year, combining one-on-one coaching, family engagement, workshops, college tours, and workplace exposure.

Strengthen Communities

72% of First Graduate alumni return as mentors and panelists, creating a self-sustaining cycle of leadership.

Measurable Impact

78% of First Graduate students graduate within 4-6 years, compared to 11% nationally for first-generation students.

From Student to Graduate to Community Innovator and Leader

When you support First Graduate, you help students succeed at every stage.

Middle School & High School

  • Academic support
  • Career exposure
  • Family engagement

College Years

  • Scholarship funding
  • Mentorship
  • Workplace opportunities

Early Career

  • Alumni Support
  • Networking
  • Workforce Development

Ways To Get Involved

Your sponsorship isn’t just meaningful. It’s visible, engaging, and aligned with your company’s values.

  • Recognition on First Graduate’s website and materials
  • Volunteer and mentorship opportunities for your employees
  • Provide workforce development opportunities – micro-internships, annual programs

 

  • Offer networking opportunities for first-generation college students

 

  • Mentor a cohort of students
  • Invitation to Cap & Gown, First Graduate’s premiere annual gala event
  • Storytelling and social media features highlighting your impact
  • Host a group of First Graduate students for an on-site Career Day
  • Organize a Lunch + Learn for your colleagues

Ways to Partner

Career Day

Host a group of 30 students, suggested contribution $1,000

Workforce Development

Co-design and underwrite workplace exposure programming to ensure transferrable skill-building, suggested contribution varies

Lunch & Learn

Host a Lunch & Learn and fundraiser using First Graduate's blueprint, suggested contribution $7500

You're In Good Company

Join Us in Building the Next Generation of Bay Area Innovators!

One partnership can change dozens of lives. Let’s make it happen together.