We were one of the earliest supporters of America Needs You (ANY), an organization that has achieved success in responding to the needs of first-generation college students, launching the program in New York with 50 students in 2009. Over the past decade, ANY has supported over 2,000 students nationally, with a majority of these students directly served through NYC-based programs. The program model offers intensive career development and leadership training, which enables high-potential, low-income, first-generation college students to persist in college, earn their degrees and secure meaningful jobs in areas of interest. 90% of students are recruited to the ANY New York Fellows Program from CUNY colleges (identified as the highest need), with 30% beginning their higher education in community colleges (two-year CUNY institutions).
To ensure year-over-year persistence and bachelor’s degree completion, ANY supports students as they transition from two-year to four-year colleges and throughout their post-secondary education. 95% of Fellows graduate from four-year institutions within 6 years and 82% of Fellows secure employment or enroll in grad school within 6 months of graduation.