Every year, one million first-generation and low-income students graduate from college believing that a bachelor’s degree will provide long-term economic well-being for themselves and their families. Despite the incredible amount of time and resources they invest in getting a bachelor’s degree, one year out of college, 60% of graduates will be un-/underemployed and half of them will remain so four years later. For first-generation and low-income college graduates, a good first job is the most important step toward achieving upward mobility. Yet, these graduates often experience significant barriers navigating the college-to-career transition. Namely, they don’t have the personal or professional networks and social capital needed to prepare them for the job market and to connect them to career opportunities that help them get a foothold in the digital economy.

COOP closes the gap and propels un-/underemployed college graduates into upward economic mobility through an untapped lever of social-capital building: peer and near-peer connections. Our unique fellowship model matches peer cohorts of un-/underemployed college graduates with alumni to support them in building the professional skills and networks they need to get their first good job after graduation. Our 16 week program includes nightly meetings to review technical skills, meet potential employers, and build community to jump start upwardly mobile careers; near-pear support to lead curriculum and serve as mentors; and alumni and dedicated social workers who inform curriculum development. Additionally, our Partnerships team works directly with employer partners to build tailored engagement and hiring plans that ensure fellows and alumni are introduced to companies, learn about various career pathways, expand their professional networks, and are directly connected to entry-level roles.

Since launching our Miami site in 2023, we have grown our alumni community to 80 strong. As of December 2024, 71% of fall 2023 Miami alumni are fully employed within one year of fellowship completion, earning an average salary of $51,000 (average pre-program income is $20,000). Overall, by growing their peer and near-peer professional networks, COOP propels members of our community into long-term economic security by ensuring they have the skills and connections they need for the careers they deserve.