New York, NY (October 1, 2019) – Oliver Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing high-achieving Black and Latinx students for success at the nation’s most prestigious independent schools and colleges, recently formalized a partnership with SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity). This new partnership with the SEO’s professional development program, SEO Career, will provide intensive training and career development to assist Oliver Scholars college students in securing competitive internships.  Together, the two organizations will expand their reach to open doors of opportunity for Oliver Scholars seeking the mentorship and training to succeed. The partnership will also aid corporate partners with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in expanding the pipeline of diverse talent.

“Oliver Scholars is excited to partner with SEO in supporting students of color in achieving their educational and life goals. The transition from college is critical, and access to internships can spark a successful career trajectory that leads to opportunities for leadership, advancement, and community involvement.  Together, Oliver Scholars and SEO can work to expand the vision of what’s possible in the world of work for the hundreds of highly motivated, talented scholars we both serve,” said Dr. Danielle R. Moss, Oliver’s CEO.

The new partnership bridges the gap between college and career for Oliver Scholars alumni and builds a pipeline to full-time  employment. Once accepted into SEO’s Career program, Oliver Scholars will have access to 100 + hours of coaching and training, 80 + partner companies, and a lifetime support network to ensure internship success.  Eighty percent of SEO Career participants receive full-time job offers upon completing their internships across the finance, real estate, technology, and various other industries.

“This partnership helps fulfill SEO’s mission of creating a more equitable society. Working together with Oliver Scholars, we can provide more Black and Hispanic college students with the technical training and support needed to excel in high-level internships, and secure full-time jobs across competitive industries where they are underrepresented,” said William Goodloe, President & CEO of SEO.

The partnership launched in September 2019. To learn more about Oliver Scholars, visit oliverscholars.org. For more information about SEO Career program, visit seocareer.org.

About Oliver Scholars

Founded in 1984, Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving Black and Latino students in New York City for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges. Oliver identifies and recruits Black and Latinx students in middle school, works with them for 14-months in its Scholar Immersion Program, then places them in high-performing college preparatory, independent schools, both day and boarding, across the country, providing support through their journey through college and beyond. Our mission is to ensure that our Scholars realize their full potential so that they can ultimately give back to the City, the nation, and the world.  To date, the organization has graduated over 1,100 Alumni, with approximately 30 percent attending Ivy League institutions. Visit www.oliverscholars.org to learn more.

About SEO

SEO was founded in 1963 with a mission to provide talented and motivated young people from underserved and underrepresented communities with access to educational and career opportunities. SEO’s four signature programs create an ecosystem of excellence. SEO Scholars – An eight-year academic program that successfully educates and mentors low-income public high school students in NYC and San Francisco to get to and through college – with a 90% college graduation rate. SEO Career – The nation’s premier pre-professional development and internship program for high-achieving Black, Hispanic and Native American college students who are underrepresented in the fields they seek. SEO Law – The nation’s only paid pre-law academic and fellowship program, SEO Law creates a talent pipeline of pre-law students of color who enter elite global law firms. SEO Alternative Investments – Education, exposure, training and mentoring opportunities for talented individuals traditionally underrepresented in the alternative investments sector. www.seo-usa.org