San Francisco Bay Area, CALIFORNIA – October 2024 – Close the Gap is honored to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious STEM Action Grant from the Society for Science. This significant grant supports our unwavering mission to close the opportunity gap by empowering first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students with the resources, mentorship, and skills necessary to thrive in STEM fields and beyond.

The Society for Science’s STEM Action Grant program aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an equitable future where every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. This grant will directly bolster our flagship initiative, the Summer Fellowship Program, which offers FGLI students hands-on experience, project-based learning, and personalized mentorship from industry professionals.

Receiving this grant from the Society for Science is a testament to the impact of our work and the potential of our students, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our students not only gain technical skills but also the confidence and networks needed to excel in their undergraduate studies and careers. This grant enables us to expand our reach and provide even more students with the transformative opportunities they deserve. – Kevin Pang, CFO (Close the Gap)

Our Summer Fellowship Program is designed to break down barriers for FGLI students by offering them scholarships, refurbished MacBooks, and access to mentors who share their backgrounds and aspirations. These fellows engage in Social Impact Projects that address real-world challenges, from environmental sustainability to community health, culminating in an exhilarating Pitch Day where they present their innovative solutions to a panel of experts.

"It was inspiring to hear of the impactful work these young changemakers are doing and an honor to serve as a panelist! Congratulations to all the Fellows!" - Caitlin Sullivan, Director, Outreach & Equity Programs (Society for Science)

The Society for Science has a long history of supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. By awarding Close the Gap this grant, they are investing in a future where students from all backgrounds can contribute to solving the world's most pressing challenges.

We invite donors who share Close the Gap's mission to support our cause. Your generous contributions enable us to provide these transformative opportunities and empower students to achieve their full potential. Your tax-deductible donations are welcomed year-round and can be made tax deductible financial contributions are accepted year round here. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

About Close the Gap

Close the Gap is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the SF Bay Area, California. Founded with the vision to create an equitable future without opportunity gaps for low-income youths, Close the Gap Foundation works to empower first-gen, low-income students to build lifelong confidence and reach their fullest potential. Close the Gap Foundation Close the Gap Foundation’s President and co-founder, Tai Tran, has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and LinkedIn Top Voice.

Close the Gap's flagship program, the Social Impact Fellowship, is a three-month all-expenses-paid program that helps first-generation, low-income high school students find mentors, grow their confidence, and give back. Through structured mentorship and project-based learning, Fellows work with mentors from renowned organizations across Tech (Apple, Google), Consulting (EY, McKinsey), and Higher Education (Stanford, University of California) to tackle a self-directed social impact project to pitch to a panel of industry leaders.

Close the Gap is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the SF Bay Area, California, dedicated to equipping first-gen, low-income students to attain their fullest potential.

To learn more about Close the Gap, visit www.closethegapfoundation.org.

For media inquiries, contact hello@closethegapfoundation.org