"ScholarMatch has allowed me to dream bigger and realize that I can pursue higher education without financial debt. My mentor is like one of my friends. She truly cares about me, we have engaging conversations, and we don’t just talk about only college applications. She’s helped me through so much, and she says it’s been a journey watching me grow this past year with the time we’ve spent together.”

“The ScholarMatch program has been a HUGE resource in helping me apply to college. (Big shout out to my ScholarMatch Advisor Nancy for everything she has done for me, including helping me to write essays, apply for scholarships, and prepare for interviews!!) ScholarMatch has provided me with many resources and information to know which college is my best fit. Because of the immense support I received, I will be going to Johns Hopkins University this upcoming fall! A fun fact about myself is that I love to watch pop culture analysis videos on YouTube.”

“As a first-gen low-income student, I had no clue how to start applying for college. Upon meeting with my ScholarMatch coach, Amber, she transformed my fear into confidence and assurance that I would be able to accomplish my goals. Words can’t adequately express my gratitude for her role in my college application process, I don’t think I would have reached this point without her wisdom and dedication to my success!”

“My college coach, Paul, has helped me find the right schools, guided me through the application process, and helped me secure enough aid to keep me debt-free. He’s been very kind, available, and never hesitates to lend some guidance. I’m positive I wouldn’t be where I am now without his help and the ScholarMatch program!”

“It’s been a privilege to work with the students I’ve been paired with through ScholarMatch. I’m in awe of how they have juggled home, school, and work commitments with their college research and planning for their future. I’ve cheered from the sidelines as their hard work translated to college acceptances, and to see their excitement as their efforts are rewarded has been incredible.”

"Having been a first-generation and low-income student myself, I fully understand the barriers many of these students face. The admissions process and the higher education system in itself can be frustrating, especially for first-generation students. The wonderful work ScholarMatch does for the community of first-generation students immediately drew me to become a college coach. As a college coach, I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with students and be part of their college journeys.”

“I’m so grateful to be a volunteer coach with ScholarMatch, and to have the privilege of guiding its students through the college process. ScholarMatch has paired me with such motivated and talented first-generation students who needed further help in figuring out how to apply to college. My ScholarMatch students in previous years aspired to pursue careers in veterinary science, social justice, and nursing, and my student this year will be applying to study studio art. Thank you to ScholarMatch for providing coaches with the opportunity to support students during this momentous journey in their lives!”