What we’re solving
#1: First-generation and undocumented students are not set up for success in college and the workforce.
90% of undocumented students do not make it to college.
Out of the 428,000 current undocumented college students, 57% are not eligible for work authorization.
Only 26% of first generation students have a bachelors degree compared to 70% of those with a parent with a degree.
Even with the same education, first-generation students lag behind in economic mobility.
The median household income for a first-generation college graduate ($99,600) is substantially lower than the income for a second-generation graduate ($135,800) - $35k difference per year!
The median wealth of households headed by a first-generation college graduate ($152,000) is drastically less than the of a second-generation graduate ($244,500). - 62% more!
There is a significant college counselor capacity issue throughout California high schools, with an average of 622 students for every 1 college counselor.
In schools with a predominantly first-generation and low-income population, this ratio can be as high as 2000+ students to 1 counselor.
#2: High schools and colleges are not set up to effectively support first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students.
In colleges, Career Centers do not have adequate resources and training to support the unique needs of undocumented students. The rapidly changing and complex immigration policy landscape makes it difficult to provide the right advice to undocumented students.
This is where we step in.
First Gen Empower deploys a two-pronged approach to ensure college and career success for first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students
For institutions
We strengthen the institutional capacity of high schools and colleges in supporting first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students.
Undocu-Ally Trainings: We partner with high schools and colleges to deliver trainings so they can effectively support undocumented students in succeeding in college and pursuing professional careers.
Personalized consulting: We provide personalized services to Career Centers, Undocumented Student Services Centers, and other student-facing departments to strengthen their capacity to design services inclusive of undocumented immigrants.
Launching soon:
Staff onboarding training: Implementing base level UndocuAlly training into the onboarding process of every student facing staff on campus
Pipeline building: Creating partnerships to build out a comprehensive pipeline for creating and matching income-generating opportunities for undocumented students
For Students
We work directly with first-generation, low-income, and undocumented high school and college students to increase their college and career attainment.
Empowered Scholars Program: To address the issue of counselor capacity in under-resourced high schools, we train high school students to become peer counselors for fellow first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students in their communities. Students play an instrumental role in increasing college-going rates at their school sites.
Workshops: We host workshops for students to prepare them for college and to succeed in the workforce. Topics include:
Completing college applications
Networking and professional development
Exploring careers and majors
Navigating life after college
Launching soon:
Undocu-Student bootcamp: A detailed program walking students through the nitty-gritty of setting up income-generating opportunities for them