Sunday, August 1st, 2010

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Who We Are


Group photo from the Thousand Friends of First Generation College Bound kick-off event.

Staff, board members, alumni and friends pose at the Thousand Friends of First Generation College Bound kick-off event.

First Generation College Bound (FGCB) is a grassroots organization based in Prince George’s County, Maryland, whose mission is to increase the participation of low- and moderate-income youth in higher education, particularly those whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree.

FGCB accomplishes this through an education-community support system that bridges the resources of the home, church, school and community. Emphasis is placed on early intervention through academic support, early identification of education and career goals, and sponsorship of individualized and personalized college access activities.

FGCB’s unique approach emphasizes frequent personal contact with participating students and their families to develop relationships, help them devise their own individualized college-application plan and then walk with them through the college access process.

FGCB doesn’t just help students apply to college; it also works with them to secure the financial aid they need to matriculate. The percentage of FGCB participants who enter college is more than 85%, compared to a national rate of approximately 55% for other college-access programs. FGCB also continues to stay in touch with students after they enter college to offer the support and advice that may be needed to ensure the students’ progress toward a bachelor’s degree.

Here are some numbers that indicate FGCB’s record of success and vision for the future:

  • Participants who have entered college: 750
  • Participants in 2007-2008 school year: 433 (131 enrolling in college, 248 already in college who received college retention services, 54 in Homework Clubs)
  • Financial aid secured with help of FBCB, 2001-2007: $2.7 million
  • Strategic plan: expansion from five Prince George’s County high schools currently to nine by 2012, with services to be provided to 1,880 students.

FGCB was founded in 1990 by Joseph Fisher,  a teacher and coach who resides in Laurel, Maryland.