SEO was founded in 1963 as one of NYC’s first high-school-to-college mentoring organizations. Our mission is creating a more equitable society by closing the academic and career opportunity gap for motivated young people from underserved and/or underrepresented communities. SEO Scholars NYC, our flagship program, works with promising local young people who come from low-income communities beginning in 9th grade. During high school, they participate in rigorous academic classes outside of their regular high school schedule, and receive intensive individual guidance. Following graduation, they gain entry to top colleges across the nation. SEO's academic and personal supports continue throughout college, and ultimately, 90% of Scholars graduate, compared to 20% of low-income students and 60% of all students graduating college nationally. As COVID-19 and its various affects continue to hit low-income communities the hardest, these deserving young students need our help more than ever.