Letter from the Founders

Dear Friends,

Five years ago, we were just two former high school classmates and lifelong friends who remembered how daunting the college application process felt. While we had struggled with uncertainty ourselves, we also saw firsthand how especially overwhelming it was for first-generation and low-income students navigating it without guidance or support.

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, these inequities only deepened. With the encouragement of incredible mentors and peers, we felt compelled to act. What started as late-night Zoom conversations and a shared dream soon grew into Summit United. From the very beginning, our hope was simple: to ensure no student had to climb the mountain of higher education alone. Looking back, we could never have imagined what these five years would bring. In our first years, we celebrated students earning admission to Cornell, Villanova, and other top universities. By our third year, we expanded to support graduate school applicants—helping students gain acceptance into programs at Harvard, Oxford, Princeton, Georgetown, and more.  Each of these stories is a reminder of the perseverance of our scholars and the incredible impact of mentorship.

As we mark this milestone, we are grateful for the scholars who have trusted us with their dreams, for the supporters who have stood with us, and for the many current and former mentors whose contributions have helped shape Summit United all these years. Each of you has left a lasting mark on our community.

Five years is worth celebrating, but it is also just the beginning. With a dedicated team and a growing network of scholars, the path ahead is bright. We are more committed than ever to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and helping students reach the summit of higher education. Both our college and graduate admissions mentoring programs launch on September 7. If you are a student seeking support in your college or graduate application journey, we would be honored to walk with you. Apply at summitunited.org. 

Thank you for believing in us, and in the power of education. Here’s to the next summit.

With gratitude,

Jessica & Walter
Founders, Summit United, NFP