Join Me in Putting Education First

I joined Education First, a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit with 30-year history, because I believe in our mission: provide college scholarships and coaching to disproportionally disadvantaged high school graduates determined to break the cycle of poverty.

Every year, we review many 100s of applications to handpick our scholars in 8 major cities in the US: Austin, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle. From one of this year's applications in SF:

My neighborhood, aptly named The Tenderloin, is a place where you either eat or get eaten. Every time I leave the safety of my apartment and the warmth of our cozy family, I see things better left for horror movies. It’s a place that comes with warnings from the city for tourists to be cautious of.
I used it as motivation to earn good grades. Education is the way out. I knew if I didn’t do my best in high school I would ultimately lose my chance and disappoint not only my family but myself. I want to show other kids in my neighborhood that no matter how they grew up, they have a choice, and can choose better.

Our scholars are often the first in their families to attend college. Many juggle school, work, and family responsibilities. Imagine two families sharing a small apartment in Tenderloin. Yet these scholars show incredible resilience and resolve to learn, to grow, to help their families and their communities. We believe in these students who have faced real challenges, not just those with perfect transcripts.

Please join me in contributing to my scholarship fund. Money raised goes directly to helping students pursue their dream of earning a college degree. Together, we can open doors, create opportunity, and change lives.

Thank you for making a difference.

Alexander Komyagin