Our Theory of change.

Our Theory of Change is driven by six core beliefs:

1. Personalized Admissions Support Leads to Success:
   We believe that first-generation and marginalized students face unique challenges in navigating the college and law school admissions processes. Without access to resources or role models, these students are often left to figure out critical decisions on their own. That's why our admissions support goes beyond generic advice—it's tailored, one-on-one guidance from experts who understand these challenges. This personalized approach equips students with the tools and confidence they need to not only apply but succeed in higher education.

2. Wraparound Support is Essential for Long-Term Success:
   For first-generation students, simply getting into college or law school is not enough. To truly succeed, they need continued guidance and holistic support throughout their journey. Our wraparound services extend beyond admissions, addressing the mental, emotional, physical, and financial barriers that often derail student success. From mentorship to mental health resources and financial aid counseling, we walk alongside students every step of the way to ensure they don’t just survive but thrive in higher education.

3. Holistic Support Must Address All Barriers to Success:
   Success in higher education doesn’t happen in a vacuum. First-generation and marginalized students often face obstacles outside the classroom—whether it's financial instability, mental health challenges, or lack of social support. We believe that by addressing these factors holistically, we can set students up for sustainable success. Our approach integrates academic, emotional, and financial support, ensuring that no barrier goes unaddressed.

4. Community is a Catalyst for Success:
   We know that students thrive when they have a strong community around them. That’s why we invest heavily in creating supportive networks for our students and alumni. Through our programs, we build a community of peers, mentors, and advisors who not only provide guidance but also offer emotional support and a sense of belonging. This community becomes a foundation for success—fostering resilience, sharing resources, and creating a safe space for students to grow and navigate their journey together. The collective power of community can be transformative, helping students to realize they are not alone in their challenges or their victories.

5. Representation and Shared Experiences Matter:
   We believe that the most impactful advice comes from those who share your lived experiences. That’s why our admissions advisors are either people of color or first-generation graduates themselves. Our team understands firsthand the barriers our students face because they’ve lived them. Additionally, through our free podcasts and YouTube channels, we amplify the voices of marginalized admissions experts who provide high-quality, relevant advice. These resources give students access to guidance from individuals who look like them, think like them, and understand their journey. This representation is critical—it helps students envision themselves in places where they might not have thought they belonged.

6. Scalable Support is Key to Changing Representation and Generational Outcomes:
   Representation matters. We know that to see lasting change in the representation of first-generation students at top institutions and in prestigious careers, we need to provide scalable, high-quality support to thousands of students across the country. By doing so, we help break cycles of generational poverty and student debt, unlocking pathways to financial independence and generational wealth. Our goal is not just to help individuals succeed but to create systemic change, ensuring that higher education is more accessible and equitable for all.