Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Strasburger.
Justin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since 1997, Bottom Line has addressed the low college graduation rates of low-income and first-generation students. Our organization was founded on the belief that students need a mentor and a guide during the college application process and throughout college to succeed. By providing consistent one-on-one support, Bottom Line has helped thousands of low-income and first-generation students stay in college and complete their degrees. We are now a national organization with additional offices in Worcester, MA; New York City; and Chicago.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Fast growth is always challenging. Challenges included: identifying new, diversified funding sources; supporting a much larger staff; navigating local vs. national team dynamics and decision making; and maintaining strong program results while growing.
Please tell us about Bottom Line.
Bottom Line specializes in helping low-income and first-generation students get into college, graduate from college, and launch their careers. What sets us apart is our focus on the importance of 1-on-1 relationships. Rather than supporting students with just one aspect of the process, we are there for them all the way through. Our deep relationships allow us to provide individualized support, meeting our students where they are and ensuring a successful outcome. I am incredibly proud that, over our 20 year history, we have helped more than 1,200 students graduate and boast a 78% college graduation rate which is more than 2-3 times the national average for these students. Additionally 85% of our recent grads are employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduating, helping to break generational cycles of poverty.
Pricing:
- Our services are 100% free to our students and families.
- We rely on philanthropic support of donors big and small!
- To learn more or donate, check out our website here: www.bottomline.org
Contact Info:
- Address: 500 Amory Street
Suite 3
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 - Website: www.bottomline.org
- Phone: 617-524-8833
- Email: justin@bottomline.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottomlinema/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottomlineinc/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/BottomLineMA
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/BottomLineInc1
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