Volunteer Story: Rafaelito Sy

Volunteering for First Graduate® has given me an avenue to impart my passion for writing and storytelling to today’s youth. As an essay coach, I was paired with a young woman from the Philippines, who had turned financial struggles and a dysfunctional relationship with her paternal grandmother into fuel for growth and success. The happiness she expressed because of my help in articulating her story was personally rewarding; I brought her that much closer to her goal of higher education.

As a volunteer in the marketing department, I presently edit profiles of FG alumni for the Alumni Spotlight Project. The journey of every alumni – the will and determination each one possesses despite the odds – is impressive. They all have stories worth telling, stories that instill in us faith in the future, no matter our age. Being a conduit for their voices validates my purpose as a writer.           

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Black History Month 2023

First Graduate® has helped more than 600 students in San Francisco to access college, with 75% of applicants graduating within six years.

Alumni Spotlight: Alex Lazo

Alex grew up in a struggling San Francisco community. His school had poor test scores, and Alex and the other students had to deal with racism even within the school community.