About Us: Students
Every spring, twenty-four 6th-grade students are chosen from several of San Francisco's lower performing middle schools. All of these young people will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Some will be the first to graduate from high school.
Students participate in a rigorous application process that includes a day-long "Discovery Day" where they take part in a number of small group activities with other potential First Graduate students and are interviewed by community members who come in to evaluate the students.
First Graduate students are admitted on the basis of evidence of their desire to succeed, their ability to benefit from the program, and the support of parents or guardians. We do not require students to meet minimum grade or test standards before entering the program.
"In these past few weeks I had a great time at First Graduate and I like all my teachers. I learned a lot of math and how to use the computer. When I grow up and when I'm in college I will remember how I got in college and a better life, I will thank all of First Graduate's staff."
Rising 7th grader, Edgar, after First Graduate Summer Session '07
