About the Nonprofit
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CSN’s core mission is to support first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) college students to achieve their academic and career aspirations through empowering mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. We seek to remove obstacles to FGLI success in college and in life, while building on their assets, increasing their cultural capital, developing their leadership and advocacy skills and creating a supportive network for future FGLI students.
Unfortunately, FGLI students face numerous obstacles to their degree attainment and career advancement. FGLI students comprise over 50% of all college students in the US. Their medium family income is $41,000 as compared to $90,000 for “continuing generation” (CG) college students and they are five times more likely to drop out of college after their first year. Only 55% of FG students made use of academic advising services as compared to 72% of CG students. At the same time, FGLI students have been found to bring many assets to their educational experience and careers, including resourcefulness, creativity, problem-solving skills, compassion, empathy, persistence, and resilience.
CSN envisions a future where FGLI college students can define and achieve career and personal goals by recognizing their skills and gifts, increasing their cultural capital, and leveraging a supportive network.