About CGF

Background Editing for PureSlider Currently Locked

Section must be unlocked to edit the background image above. Unlocking the background editing will hide any content you dragged and dropped, and let you add/change/remove the background image for each slide. This black section is a helper section and is only visible in the Weebly editor. This black section will not show on your live published website.

Unlock section

WHO WE ARE

The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to empowering underserved youth ages 9–24 in the Washington Metropolitan area. At CGF, we equip students with the tools, skills, and guidance they need to achieve success and build a brighter future.

Our programs are designed to uplift the dreams and aspirations of underserved students, providing them with a roadmap to dream beyond their zip code and reach new heights. Through transformative educational experiences, professional development opportunities, and mentorship, CGF helps students turn their goals into reality.

We believe that every student deserves a chance to succeed, which is why CGF offers a lifelong mentoring program that supports students every step of the way by guiding them academically, professionally, and personally as they grow into confident, capable young adults.

OUR HISTORY

Since its inception in 2017, The College Gurl Foundation (CGF) has been dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved youth in the Washington Metropolitan area. Founded with the mission of empowering students, CGF began with a vision to help young people see beyond their circumstances and unlock their full potential. Through innovative educational programs and community initiatives, CGF has become a catalyst for change, helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

In its early years, CGF focused on mentorship, career development, and academic support for students in need. Over time, the organization expanded its reach, offering transformative programs designed to bridge gaps in educational opportunities, particularly for youth from underserved communities in Washington, D.C.

Today, CGF continues to be a leader in advocating for underserved youth, equipping them with the tools, skills, and resources they need to achieve their goals and build a brighter, more accessible future.

Jessica L. Brown

President, College Gurl Foundation

Jessica L. Brown is a nationally recognized financial aid expert. As Founder of College Gurl, President of The College Gurl Foundation, Author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke and the children’s book College Girl’s First College Tour, Jessica educates students and families on how to make the best-informed decisions around financing a college education. Named the Financial Aid Fairy Godmother, her mission is to ensure students have access to an affordable and quality education. Additionally, she mentors and exposes Washington Metropolitan area high school students to college through her nonprofit, The College Gurl Foundation.

Jessica speaks all over the U.S. at a host of schools, universities, organizations, and news networks. Additionally, AT&T, Dark & Lovely, DC Government, Truist, The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation and many more have sponsored her efforts. She has recently been featured on Good Morning America, MSNBC, The Tamron Hall Show, BET News, FOX Business Network, Essence Magazine, and several other news outlets. Also, she is a graduate of Howard University, Strayer University, and is currently seeking her PhD in Higher Education Administration.

Moreover, Jessica is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, 2024 U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Woman of Power, AT&T CAP member, and 2023 Regional Finalist for the White House Fellowship. Her philanthropic efforts have awarded her the 2025 Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. Eastern Region Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year, 2024 WKYS 93.9 Woman of Excellence award, 2022 Loudmouth award from Al Sharpton, 2020 Mayor Bowser DC HOPE Award, 2020 HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30, 2020 WHUR 96.3 McDonalds DMV Black Excellence Award, 2019 Outstanding Community Service Award of Excellence from Odyssey International, 2018 Dreamer Award from Dream4It Foundation, and 2018 Power of She Award from Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.