We Stand With You

To our students and families: we stand with you.These are difficult, unconscionable times, when it feels like everything we have trusted as part of our social covenant is going sideways. 

Children are being forced to live in cages, separated from their parents; people are being shot with weapons that should be illegal, and our leaders are fomenting hate and brutality by either the words they use or by their silence. Shame on those who have the power to stop this and choose to do nothing for political reasons. This is not normal, and we should not become used to it, nor complacent about it, nor accept it as the new civil norm.

It is frustrating to not find recourse enough to make change happen quickly–that has to happen at the ballot box. It is the best way that those who are able can use our voices to say, “enough!”, this is not who we are.

Here is why we are so proud of who you are: every day you use your perseverance, resilience, strength, and courage to keep you moving forward to fulfill your dreams. And we will be here with you, coaching you, supporting you, and cheering you on as you reach your goals and begin to change the world into one that embraces all people.

We recognize that leadership lives in each of us; we will do our best to help you recognize your leadership power and nurture it.

In solidarity,

Your First Graduate® family

Stay Connected

More Updates

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.

no-hate

Saying “no” to hate and racism

Dear Friends, First Graduate® has been active on Twitter because we believed that the platform was a good way to connect with our community–our students, our donors, our partners, and our volunteers. It has become clear lately that hate, racism, and sanctioned disinformation endanger the lives of people everywhere and we can not continue legitimizing