ScholarMatch Inc.
Project Title
For project support to help a cohort of first-generation college-students gain credentials while attending college
Date
Sep. 10, 2026
Duration
30 months
Description
First-generation college students from low-income backgrounds often lack the professional networks, career guidance, and credentials needed to launch economically mobile careers. ScholarMatch, founded in 2010, addresses this gap through a seven-year integrated model spanning college access, persistence, and career launch. It has served more than 10,000 students with strong outcomes. With support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, ScholarMatch will launch a pilot program enabling 50 college juniors and seniors to earn industry-recognized digital certifications alongside their degrees, with up to $3,000 per student for high-value credentials. ScholarMatch will conduct a labor market analysis, develop a playbook, and translate pilot findings into accessible resources for diverse stakeholder audiences, maximizing impact well beyond the initial cohort.