CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Education is key to the American dream, and that’s why GenOne is working to reach more CMS scholars like Emmanuel Ramirez.
"I've always been very driven to make it to college," said Ramirez."I would like to get a degree either in marine biology or something in environmental science."
GenOne said its goal is to help first-generation students from underserved communities who are eager to pursue higher education.
GenOne said every ambitious child deserves a shot regardless of their zip code, race, or family income. The organization is working to close the gap and ensure that students excel beyond the classroom.
"We are preparing students at a really young age to be scholarship-ready," said Ian Joyce, the cofounder of GenOne.
Joyce said their end goal is to enhance economic mobility for students coming from the lowest income brackets.
"A college degree will quadruple their chances for economic mobility," said Joyce.
According to the Pew Research Center, only 26% of first-generation college students receive their degree.
To combat the issue, GenOne is helping kids as young as middle school age prepare for, and thrive in, college.
"I remember when our first student got our first got their first college acceptance and she called me crying saying 'I got accepted to Queens,'" said Joyce. "I said 'I knew you would get accepted that was never the question.'"
Currently, the organization has more than 230 students enrolled, with 60 students currently in college.
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About 83% of the students enrolled in college are attending debt-free.
As the impact continues to grow, so does the inspiration, motivating students like Ramirez to push to influence their peers.
"I want to motivate the kids that I know from my hometown to do something greater because I know they can," said Ramirez.
If you would like to learn more about the program or make a donation click here.
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