Our Impact
Beating the Odds for First-Generation Students
Every student in our community carries a story of determination, talent, and resilience. SRA surrounds them with personalized support that helps them move from possibility to achievement. Their paths are shaped by relationships, resources, and opportunities that are often out of reach for first-generation students. Our impact shows what is possible when that gap is closed.
The Problem
Students across the country face barriers that shape the course of their education and future earning potential. These numbers show why our work matters.
Fewer College Graduates
Only 11 percent of first-generation students from low-income families earn a bachelor’s degree, while 64 percent of students nationwide reach that milestone.
Lower Income
Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of 62 percent more than people who never complete college, which widens wealth gaps over time.
Higher Stopout Rate
Sixty-six percent of students from low-income backgrounds leave college without completing a degree, often because they lack guidance and support.
High Underemployment
Nearly half (45%) of graduates are still underemployed a decade after graduating—working in roles that don’t require their degree or match their training.
WHO WE SERVe
Our students are reshaping expectations and pursuing education with determination and support.
- 95% low to moderate income
- 84% first-generation college students
- 85% pell grant eligible
- 98% identify as people of color
In Their Words
Elijah’s love of Performing Arts, work in Community Service, and enjoyment of English were difficult to translate into a career path. His SRA college counselor elevated his exploration of new colleges and majors–options Elijah would have never considered on his own. After earning a USC offer letter with over $88k in grants and scholarships, Elijah is now exploring Business Administration and its intersections with essential parts of his life with broadened horizons.
Jaden, a first-generation student at UC Davis, studied abroad in Edinburgh and Egypt—experiences rare among first-generation students. With guidance from his SRA advisor, he blended academics with personal exploration, broadening his perspective and building career-ready skills in economics. These transformative opportunities, combined with Jaden’s drive, reflect how SRA’s personalized coaching empowers students to discover themselves, pursue unimaginable possibilities, and gain the confidence to turn aspirations into reality
Malia’s journey to graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.91 GPA did not come without obstacles. Early on, Malia struggled with anxiety. In these moments, SRA’s consistent support made all the difference. Through compassionate communication and guidance from her SRA college & career advisors, Malia learned to navigate challenges and build confidence to thrive. Now a graduate of Cal Poly SLO’s architecture program, Malia pays it forward through her career as a junior designer, focused on projects that positively impact communities, and as a mentor at SRA workshops.
Vision 2035:
Expanding Opportunity for the Next Generation
SRA believes that every student who aspires to go to college should have the opportunity to thrive in higher education and enter into economically mobile careers. By 2035, we will multiply our legacy threefold, supporting 2500 students every year to intentionally use their college experience to unlock opportunity.
Today’s Challenge
11% of first-generation students nationally graduate within six years.
52% of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation.
O
SRA Students by 2035
80% of SRA students will graduate within six years.
80% of SRA students enter economically mobile careers within a year of graduation
Our Path to Growth
This plan is more than a goal – it’s a commitment to the lives and legacies of students who break barriers, build bridges, and lead the way for their families and communities.
Regional Expansion
Enhanced Career and Post-Graduate Support
Partnerships with Community Colleges
Partnerships with Aligned Community Organizations
Nearly triple the national average for first-generation students.
4/5 SRA students complete their degrees with less than $10,000 in debt.
SRA alumni are twice as likely to secure an economically mobile job by graduation.
Annual Reports
Every year adds a new chapter to the story of students rising above obstacles and building futures filled with possibility. Explore our past reports to see how their progress has grown over time.