Circle Match is a community-based nonprofit that mentors driven high school students from underrepresented backgrounds through the college application process and beyond. We pair first-generation, low-income students with near-peer college advisors and provide resources like 1-on-1 essay review, leadership development, financial aid assistance, and community programming. The result? More students from the communities that we serve achieve their dream of college and come back as mentors to uplift others.

Our Impact So Far

Circle Match has a proven track record of opening doors for youth in our community and creating a lasting pay-it-forward culture:

100% of Circle Match students have been admitted to a four-year college or university.
98% have earned acceptance to highly competitive colleges and universities
2/3 of our program alumni return as volunteers – often as advisors – to mentor the next generation of students.

These outcomes aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives changed and a community growing stronger. Our alumni often return to offer campus tours, help with college essay workshops, or even serve as Circle Match advisors for younger peers from their own high schools. This is the full-circle model that makes Circle Match special: the students we help today become the mentors and leaders of tomorrow.

Together, Let’s Create a Ripple Effect

When you donate to Circle Match, you’re not just giving money – you're leading by example. By giving a motivated young person the chance to succeed and to become a leader themselves, you’re not only helping one student overcome financial and informational barriers to college; you’re also igniting a chain reaction that will touch many lives.

Donate today and help us light the way for the next generation.

Donate to Circle Match

Where Leaders Come To Light

Team Members