College Match Career Launch Initiative

Income inequality

Central LA East LA South LA South Bay County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Despite graduating from top colleges, first-generation students from low-income backgrounds face systemic barriers when entering the workforce. They often lack the networks, social capital, and guidance needed to navigate Los Angeles’s relationship-driven job market. Research shows they earn less and are more likely to accept lower-paying roles than peers with college-educated parents. Many also experience impostor syndrome and family pressure, which can impact confidence. College Match Career Launch addresses these barriers through targeted coaching, career exploration, and professional connections. Since launching in 2020, students have secured internships and full-time roles at prominent companies, including Capital Group, City National Bank, and Lendistry. Others are advancing to law school, medical school, and graduate programs—proof that, with the proper support, our students are not only prepared to succeed, but they’re also ready to lead.

Since 2002, College Match LA has helped talented students from low-income families in Los Angeles gain admission to and graduate from the nation’s top colleges and universities. Over the past two decades, we’ve built a vibrant community of nearly 2,500 students, alumni, counselors, staff, and donors,with representation across all career stages. With 95% of our students admitted to top 50 colleges, including Ivy League and highly selective institutions, College Match has a strong track record of success.
Today, we’re at a pivotal moment. We are ready to leverage and formalize the support networks that have helped students succeed,not just in college, but beyond. Our goal is to ensure that students graduate college-ready for their careers. Over the past five years, we’ve piloted several programs to support students through the transition from college to career. With LA2050’s support, we will scale our most promising model: College Match Career Launch.
Career Launch helps first-generation, low-income college students from Los Angeles successfully transition into meaningful careers by providing individualized coaching, career exploration, and access to employer networks. Launched in 2020, the program has already connected students to internships and full-time roles at Capital Group, City National Bank, and Lendistry. Our digital platform, CMConnect, supports these efforts by hosting resumes, job postings, and event calendars, keeping students, coaches, and employers connected.

If College Match Career Launch is successful, Los Angeles will be home to a new generation of diverse, first-generation professionals thriving in meaningful careers. Our students will earn fair wages, support their families, and serve as role models in their communities. Employers will benefit from inclusive talent pipelines, and industries across L.A. will be strengthened by voices that reflect the county’s diversity. Already, young professionals who launched their careers through this program are giving back, forming our Alumni Board and professional network to mentor students and expand opportunities. This self-sustaining cycle will grow each year. In the long term, we aim to scale Career Launch to serve all alumni, deepen employer partnerships, and create a model that supports career equity county-wide.