San Francisco Bay Area, CALIFORNIA – August 2024 – Close the Gap proudly announces the launch of its sixth annual Social Impact Fellowship, running from June to September 2024. This transformative program empowers first-generation, low-income (FGLI) high school juniors and seniors in California, Oregon, and Washington through project-based learning, structured mentorship, and professional skills workshops.

This year marks our most expansive Fellowship yet, with 48 exceptional Fellows. The program boasts enhanced digital engagement through Discord and culminates in an exhilarating Pitch Day, where Fellows showcase their groundbreaking social impact projects. Program Director Anwar Dhanani underscores the significance of cultivating meaningful mentor-student relationships and nurturing a vibrant, supportive community. Additionally, to support each Fellow, we've awarded $35,000 in scholarships and refurbished MacBook laptops.

We are excited to welcome this year's Fellows, who will drive meaningful change through our Summer Fellowship. Our Fellows take on a Social Impact Project to make sustainable change in their communities while receiving invaluable guidance from phenomenal mentors. Together, we are cultivating a generation of changemakers dedicated to building a more equitable and bright future. – Anwar Dhanani, Program Director

The program’s success demonstrates the incredible impact of dedicated support and resources on young lives. By aligning their social impact goals with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, students address local challenges while contributing to global solutions. As our Fellows transform their communities through innovative projects and mentorship, we are proud to support their journey towards becoming future leaders.

Learning to leverage professional connections and leading my own panels in a single summer with the CTG Fellowship built my confidence and ignited a passion for serving my first-gen community. – Angelica Benitez, 2024 Program Manager (2023 Fellow)

Building on the success of the Fellowship, Close the Gap is thrilled to introduce its Self-Led Social Impact Project Pilot Program. This innovative initiative empowers first-generation, low-income high school students to take full ownership of their social impact projects, providing the autonomy to choose and execute projects that align with their passions and community needs.

Designed to be entirely self-led and self-paced, the program allows students to manage their projects effectively while developing essential skills for their future academic and professional endeavors. By offering a structured yet flexible framework, Close the Gap ensures that students can maximize their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Examples of self-led projects include organizing community cleanups and developing advocacy campaigns, which help students build organizational, leadership, research, communication, and advocacy skills.

I envision the Self-Led Social Impact Pilot Program to be a transformative journey for first-generation and low-income students. This program is not just an opportunity for community service but also a platform for these students to ignite their passion for societal change, unleash their creativity, and experience holistic growth personally, academically, and professionally. It’s a chance for students to empower themselves and inspire others. With a commitment to this self-led program, they will acquire invaluable skills to become the catalysts of change for their communities. – Lauryn Valerio, Ed.D, Board of Educators, Close the Gap

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