Volunteer Stories: David Hilario

When did you first get involved with First Graduate?

I got involved with First Graduate® when I selected the organization as my charity to raise money for when I ran the San Francisco Marathon in June 2013.

What inspired you to get involved?

I chose First Graduate® because I was the first in my family to graduate. I dedicated the marathon to my father who passed away in 2004. He really instilled the importance of finishing school and First Graduate® was perfect fit to represent our journey.

What kind of opportunities have you been involved with at First Graduate?

I am currently an Academic Coach and have assisted with interviewing potential First Graduate® students during a Discovery Day event.

Take us behind the scenes. Tell us about an experience you had while volunteering that made you realize you were making a difference.

Every time I volunteer, I always see how I’m making a difference. Whether it’s helping a student work through a problem or sharing my education experience; I feel like every action I take is an opportunity to help the students make the right decisions about their future.

What pieces of wisdom would you share with new volunteers or community members who are interested in supporting First Graduate?

There are fewer places better than First Graduate® to make a donation whether it be time or money. It is an investment not only in the children, but our future and our community. Even the greatest leaders need a little guidance, and First Graduate® offers that in many ways.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?

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First Graduate’s Alumni: Beating the Odds

All of this support-driven success is only possible because of the contributions from our donors. That’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to support our generation-changing organization with donations to our end-of-fiscal year campaign. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of this month to sustain the positive impact we have on our First Graduate® students in a way that changes their lives forever.
Donate here!

Cap & Gown

To Everyone Who Attended Cap & Gown 2023: Thank You!

As we celebrate our newest graduates, remember that first-generation students can move from sixth grade through college graduation and into meaningful careers because of you and your support! And we couldn’t do it without the help of our corporate supporters: Hamilton Zanze, Dodge & Cox, Accenture, Adobe, KPMG, BSSP, Millennium Career Advantage, and GoodRx.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Despite how difficult they can be to get, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of scholarships. Especially for a first-generation student, a scholarship can be the difference between being able to go to college and not.