Bottom Line

Since the recent news that the US Education Department is cutting nearly 50% of its workforce, we've been leaning on community and combing through all the possible impacts the cuts could have on college access and success for first-gen students. While we don't have all the answers, in our statement, we express the need to fund proven programs and our faith in the village of RELENTLESS ALLIES waiting in the wings to be a positive force in the lives of students during these uncertain times. Read our full statement -

Empowering Future College Students at Bottom Line NYC!Bottom Line This weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to support high school juniors and seniors at the Bottom Line NYC College Expo! As a college freshman, it was incredibly rewarding to help students navigate the college process and share valuable insights—especially about John Jay College. Seeing their excitement and answering their questions reminded me of my own journey not too long ago. I know how overwhelming the college process can be, so being able to offer guidance and encouragement was truly fulfilling. Grateful for this experience and looking forward to more opportunities to give back and support future college students! #CollegeAccess #Mentorship #BottomLineNYC #JohnJayCollege

Behind the scenes! What an incredible day filming the impact video for Bottom Line Chicago’s Annual Rise Up Gala with Kyle Westbrook, Ph.D., Eder Delgado, and Bottom Line student Camaya. There’s still time to grab your tickets and join us on Wednesday, April 30. Use promo code RISEUP to get $100 off your ticket today: https://lnkd.in/gADsnH6J [Image Descriptions: Two behind the scenes photos from a film set. In one, a man is wearing dark framed glasses and business clothes sitting on a stool speaking. In the other, two individuals sit at a table looking at a laptop screen together talking while a camera operator films them.]

Congratulations are in order for Christa Funk, and the entire Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars team on their 12th annual celebration luncheon! I was seated with a student from Centerline High, featured on the poster on the left and another young lady from CMA. It was wonderful to hear about their impending futures. Honored to have DRDFS as a foundational partner for Bottom Line Detroit. It’s always a great day when you connect with your fellow Chippewa! LaRon Evans, MS, MHC, LLPC and I are in the same rooms these days since my switch to serving high schoolers! 🔥 🆙! Keep up the great work! #partnerships #drdfs #detroitregionaldollarsforscholars #collegeaccess #collegesuccess #bottomlinedetroit

Higher-ed is shifting, but one thing remains the same—students need champions in their corner. Join Michael LeeYow, Managing Director of Programs at Bottom Line, at the A Dream Deferred 2025 Conference for a powerful conversation on what true allyship looks like, especially for Black and brown students from low-income communities. Michael will break down real-life, practical ways to support students beyond just good intentions. From smarter recruitment strategies to tips for establishing authentic relationships with students, he'll show how small shifts can make BIG differences for student success. Walk away with new ideas and a renewed commitment to making a difference. 📅 March 6, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM PT 📍 Avalon (3rd Floor) To learn more about the conference, visit https://lnkd.in/e5SiGms7

What better way to keep the momentum going this week than by welcoming a new leader to Bottom Line? 🎉 We're excited to introduce Farhad Asghar as our new Chief Growth Officer! With a passion for expanding educational access and a proven track record in strategic growth and student success, Farhad is ready to lead the charge in scaling Bottom Line's impact nationwide. His leadership will help ensure that even more first-gen students get in, graduate, and go far. "As an immigrant and first-generation college student, my professional success and everything good in my life came from timely guidance, optimistic persistence, and a healthy dose of good luck. I am thrilled to join Bottom Line because consistent, caring allies are key for students to go far in life." - Farhad Asghar, Chief Growth Officer We're looking forward to the future with Farhad on board! Learn more about his vision and impact: https://lnkd.in/eaNqQF7H

Save the dates! Bottom Line's annual spring fundraising events are on the horizon. These signature events bring together our community to celebrate the achievements of first-generation college students and raise vital support for their success. Mark your calendars and join us: - Massachusetts - Rise Up Dinner | April 3, 2025 | Encore Boston Harbor - Chicago - Rise Up Gala | April 30, 2025 | Venue West - New York - Spring Benefit | May 7, 2025 | Tribeca 360 Your partnership helps Bottom Line provide the guidance, mentorship, and resources that students need to earn their degrees and launch thriving careers. Learn more and find ways to get involved: https://lnkd.in/dijpMiM

📣 Calling all connections in the greater Boston area! Bottom Line's College Expo is a very unique (and free) experience for high school students and their supporters to learn about in-state and some out-of-state colleges from a student perspective instead of an admissions perspective. Current undergraduate students and alumni at various colleges and universities will be present to share their experiences and knowledge through the college fair. 🙋 Do you know a high school student who's considering college? Please help us SPREAD THE WORD to your community and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/exAcAGb8 🎓 College Expo 2025: A College Fair Like No Other! 🎓   📅 When: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM  📍 Where: Community Academy of Science and Health (11 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02122)  💡 Why This Expo Stands Out for a High School Student: • Real connections. Talk to college students — many are first-generation, from low- to medium-income backgrounds, students of color, or Boston high school graduates. They’ll give honest answers about college life without the sales pitch.   • Get FAFSA help on the spot to maximize a student's financial aid.   • Exclusive insights for juniors and younger students on preparing for college— and learn how to join Bottom Line for free, personalized support with applications and aid.   • Win big! Raffle prizes worth $100+ including a brand new laptop!  

ICYMI: The conversation on reimagining relentless doesn’t end here!   As relentless allies, our work goes beyond a single interaction—it’s a lasting commitment to supporting students on their path to success. Missed the discussion? You can request the recording or a Q&A Recap One-Pager by DMing us!   A huge thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise and insights: 🎓 Auditi Chakravarty, Board of Directors Chair, Bottom Line 🎓 Catherine Brown, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy, National College Attainment Network (NCAN)  🎓 Max Clermont, Board of Directors, Member and Alum, Bottom Line    Let's keep the conversation going!