Welcome to America Needs You

SLIDE1

America Needs You

The national nonprofit connecting ambitious, first-generation college students with transformative mentorship and intensive career development.

LEARN MORE

Being first doesn't have to mean doing it alone.

Over 50% of all college students in the United States are first-generation — the first in their families to navigate college and forge a career path beyond graduation.

America Needs You connects first-generation college students with mentors who help them understand workplaces, grow their networks, build resilience, and launch vibrant careers.

96% of Fellows graduate college

within six years

Compared to 21% of first-gen students nationally*

*who graduate within six years (The Pell Institute).

Our Impact

Fellows earn $70,000 - $80,000 median salary

six months after graduation

Compared to $50,000 nationally*

*median salary for first-generation college graduates, four years after graduation (U.S. Dept. of Education).

Our Impact

Our programs in action

Our two-year Fellows Program pairs first-generation college students with Mentor Coaches in deep, one-to-one mentoring relationships, empowering them to access opportunities and navigate challenges between college and careers. Fellows learn essential career readiness skills in peer cohorts, fostering community and belonging.

FirstGenU is a digital career development program available to first-generation college students across the country. This self-paced program teaches career readiness skills, bolsters internship and job searches, and offers peer connections for first-gen students.