What People Say

Joseph Fisher along with Anne Moultrie and Janice Breslin Doyle of the University System of Maryland at the Thousand Friends of First Generation College Bound kick-off event.

“First Generation College Bound is a wonderful hands-on organization that has been working for almost 20 years assisting students and their families – preparing them for college and helping them with the often-confusing application and financial aid process.  It has made a tremendous impact on many, many students and their families.” – Janice  Breslin Doyle, chief of staff for the chancellor of the University System of Maryland and FGCB board member

“FGCB is a very high-touch, hands-on organization. It doesn’t just throw a bunch of information at the students and their families; it holds their hands through the process to make sure they have access to all the tools and the resources they need. It’s remarkable.” – Anne Moultrie, associate vice chancellor for communications, University System of Maryland

“Of all the graduations I attend, the one hosted by First Generation College Bound is the most moving. These are the students that have beaten the odds, followed their hearts, believed that they could become the first in their families to earn a college degree. For 20 years Joe Fisher and FGCB have been the North Star for many hundreds of kids, beginning in elementary school and staying with them through matriculation from college. You cannot help but support a program like FGCB!” – H. Walter Townshend II, president and CEO, Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce and FGCB board member

“I have not worked with any person who is any more professional and more caring about the population he serves than Joe Fisher. Joe serves as a mother-father-sister-brother to all the students in his program. He’s called me late at night, he’s called me early in the morning. He’s one of the strongest advocates I’ve ever seen for students, not only in trying to get them admitted but also in trying to get them the financial resources to be able to go to school.” – Don Kiah, Bowie State University assistant vice president for enrollment management

“Joe Fisher is a proven, dynamic leader who has made a career of helping youth realize, and even exceed, their potential. Through his leadership, First Generation has grown into Prince George’s County’s premier youth mentoring program.” – Tom Dernoga, Prince George’s County Council

“The teachers at the (FGCB) Homework Club are wonderful. They helped my daughter, Ashley, a lot in subjects such as history. She brought her grades up to B’s, and now she’s receiving A’s. Ashley has gotten a full ride to McDaniel College.” – parent Cora Chase

“First Generation College Bound has had a tremendous influence on our young citizens in their efforts to improve the quality of their lives by continuing their education. Many of these young citizens would not have had the opportunity to go forward without the guidance and encouragement they have received from this valuable and worthwhile program.” – Craig A. Moe, mayor of Laurel

“I don’t think that I would be where I am now if FGCB hadn’t helped me. Being the first one in my family to go to a school like the University of Maryland, my family is very proud of me. I feel like I’m a role model for the younger generation. It makes me feel like if I have achieved what I have done so far, I can achieve more. Now I’m thinking about going to grad school.” – Cindy Hernandez, daughter of El Salvadoran parents

“(Joe Fisher) was another father figure in my life. He invited me to chamber of commerce dinners with all these people who owned huge businesses. I’ve also watched him mingle with friends of mine who had problems paying rent, allowing them to stay in his house while they went to high school. What he was willing to do to make sure we got to that goal was just phenomenal.” – Reginald Black, marine science graduate student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore