Innovation can and often does occur in a crisis. Consider innovative start-ups that were formed during the Great Recession – WhatsApp, Venmo, and GroupOn – as a few examples. Propelled by the changes we’ve experienced over the past month and anticipating what coming with COVID-19, FirstGen Ahead is innovating, too.
Firstly, we are in the early stages of establishing a fund to support FirstGen Ahead students who are not getting paid for career-relevant experiences over the summer. More information about the fund, how to contribute, and how students can apply to access it, will be forthcoming in the May newsletter. Creating the fund will be made possible through generous donors and an extension of our partnership with the Steppingstone Foundation, which will soon serve as FirstGen Ahead’s fiscal sponsor. We are grateful for this partnership, which allows us to stay true to our mission while further meeting a need of our students.
Secondly, FirstGen Ahead is offering an opportunity for students to contribute to the generation of new knowledge by participating in primary, original research. This is an example of a career-relevant experience. This qualitative research project will assess the career trajectories of college graduates during the Great Recession. Students participating in the research will become experts in a subject of great consequence to them. The article below provides additional information about this research opportunity.
I know how hard all of us are working to keep our heads above water in this challenging time. Innovation and hard work will propel us forward to a brighter tomorrow.
Susan Gershenfeld, PhD
