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The College Gurl Foundation
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The College Gurl Foundation

The College Gurl Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing students from the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia metropolitan area with tools for successful, debt-free college matriculation including college tours, admissions counseling, financial planning, scholarships, and mentoring.
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Our programming provides opportunities for African American and other minority students. These young people come from economically disadvantaged households and are overwhelmingly the first in their families to have accomplished this level of academic success. We believe that a small investment of time can help students save money and make informed decisions around securing a post-secondary education.

Our History

The College Gurl Foundation equips students to transition from high school to college by providing application support, financial aid counseling, mentoring, and book scholarships. Since 2017, College Gurl has introduced over 40 students to different colleges and universities, careers, and geographic locations beyond the Washington, D.C. metro area. Our graduates enroll in college, excel academically, build strong professional networks, and empower their classmates to also pursue post-secondary education. 

CGF’s 2018 graduating class is matriculating into their sophomore year at the following institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Spelman College, Bowie State, Radford University, Livingstone College, Norfolk State University, Clark Atlanta University, and University of the District of Columbia. Additionally, our 2019 graduating class have begun their freshman year at the following institutions: Syracuse University, Spelman College, Xavier University, Bowie State University, UNC Greensboro, Cheyney University, and Jackson State University. Our program works as our graduates are furthering their education in medicine, business, communications, and the arts.
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Our 2018 Average Stats

GPA - 3.25

SAT SCORE - 1115

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Why is CGF Important?

The U.S. Census Bureau states that one out of five residents within the District of Columbia live below poverty. Currently, 77% of District of Columbia Public Schools students are economically disadvantaged, with 60% of them being African-American. Meaning more than half of African-American DCPS students are at risk of obtaining their educational goals. This standard of living proves that economic hardships within the Washington Metropolitan area are impacting higher education, which is hindering students from pursuing their goals and becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, CGF aims to provide free college tours to local high school students, monthly educational programs, family financial planning sessions, and scholarships for all graduating seniors apart of the foundation. 

It is our sincere hope that you will invest into the success of our youth by supporting The College Gurl Foundation’s work in the coming year and beyond!
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Jessica Brown

Founder of College Gurl
President of College Gurl Foundation
Author, How to Pay for College When You’re Broke
Jessica Brown is a nationally recognized financial aid expert. As Founder of College Gurl, President of The College Gurl Foundation, and Author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke, Jessica educates students and families on how to make the best-informed decisions around financing a college education. She is a graduate of Howard University, Strayer University, and is currently seeking her PhD in Higher Education Administration at Indiana State University. 
 
Named the Financial Aid Fairy Godmother, Jessica uses her experiences to help students and
families across the country successfully plot their course toward financial aid opportunities for
higher education that realistically meets their needs and works for them. Her mission is to ensure
that students obtain financial freedom post-graduation. 
 
Jessica speaks all over the U.S. at a host of schools, universities, organizations, and news networks. Additionally, Diversity Inc., Strayer University, The Capitol Hill Community Foundation, and The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation have sponsored her efforts. She has recently been featured on FOX Business Network, Good Day LA, ABC 7 NY, FOX 5 DC, W*USA-9 News, and several other news outlets.
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What Our Students Are Saying

"The College Gurl Foundation really helped me learn about the next steps after high-school. In my neighborhood school isn't the most popular thing, so it's good to have a support system. Because of College Gurl, I've got accepted into school with 3 scholarships and one is from The College Gurl Foundation!" - Dawit, CGF 2018 Alumni

"CGF allowed me to meet new people that make you come out of your comfort zone and prepare you for real life experiences." - Shalyse, CGF 2019 Alumni

"I went to Clark Atlanta University because of The College Gurl Foundation's 2017 college tour. Hands down, the best tour I ever been on!" - Corey, CGF 2018 Alumni

"CGF is very hands on even after being admitted into college. Not only providing opportunities for current high school students, but for college students too!" - JaNae, CGF 2018 Alumni

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  • Home
  • About
  • Media
  • Programs
    • Annual College Tour >
      • College Tour Sign Up
    • Annual Scholarship Luncheon
  • Donate
  • Contact