The Opportunity Network

Each day at The Opportunity Network, we support young people who are working hard to build their futures — showing up, putting in the effort, and dreaming big.

And while their drive is powerful, what makes the biggest difference is a community that believes in them. This , your contribution fuels:

• College prep and career readiness programming
• Mentorship from industry leaders
• Real-world work experiences and internships
• A lifelong network of support

And this year, thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Hernan Lopez Family Foundation, every gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 — doubling the impact of your support.

Whether $25, $100, or $1,000, every gift helps unlock opportunities and demonstrates to our Fellows that their potential is worth investing in.
Join our community by visiting https://theopportunitynetwork.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/givingtuesday

Together, let’s show the next generation what’s possible when we lift as we climb.

This week, we’re excited to see OppNet alum Puspita Esha spotlighted in Forbes alongside our Founder and CEO, Jessica Pliska! The article demonstrates how brands can effectively model corporate social impact, as highlighted through our partnership with the Coach Foundation — one that has made a positive impact in the lives of 125 OppNet Fellows!

A Baruch College grad student, Puspita shares how getting connected with the Coach Foundation’s Dream It Real program through OppNet’s Fellows program supported her academic goals, exposed her to quality mentorship and career opportunities, and nurtured lasting connections. Jessica also highlights how partnerships like the one between OppNet and Coach can be a success model for other nonprofits and corporate brands by preparing youth for the future while contributing to a stronger workforce:

“Anybody who knows me will not be surprised to know I started an organization that's really built on the foundation of the power of networks for mobilizing social capital and career and economic mobility. We have a real workforce shortage in this country across a very broad range of sectors and we help our students prepare for opportunities where they can fill those gaps.”

We hope you’ll take a moment to read the full article linked below, and join us in wishing Puspita well on her road to a super bright future!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/pklein/2025/08/10/social-impact-and-luxury-brands---getting-it-right

Big thanks to Blue Owl Capital for an unforgettable Career Immersion Day! 🦉💼

As part of OppNet’s Finance Career Accelerator — a four-week program equipping Fellows with the skills and exposure needed to break into competitive finance careers — our students spent the day learning from and connecting with the incredible team at Blue Owl.

The day featured a deep dive into the firm’s work, an inspiring panel with leaders from Blue Owl’s HomeCourt fund (which invests in the NBA! 🏀) moderated by OppNet Founder & CEO Jessica Pliska, and engaging activities that helped Fellows practice teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Fellows also explored Blue Owl’s offices and wrapped up with a speed networking session with employees from across the firm.

We’re so grateful to the Blue Owl team for helping our Fellows build confidence, grow their networks, and envision their futures in finance.

A huge thank you to GIC for hosting a truly insightful Career Immersion Day!

As part of OppNet’s Finance Career Accelerator — a four-week program designed to equip Fellows with the skills, exposure, and confidence to pursue careers in finance — our students spent the day learning from leaders across GIC.

From asset management and operations to sustainability, AI, and investing, Fellows got a 360° view of the finance industry and how their interests might align with different career paths. They also received practical guidance on navigating today’s hiring landscape.

Big thanks to the GIC team for creating such a rich, engaging experience and showing our Fellows what’s possible.

Thank you, TowerBrook! 🙌

As part of our new Finance Career Accelerator — a four-week program that equips OppNet college Fellows with the skills, experience, and industry exposure needed to break into competitive finance careers — our Fellows had the incredible opportunity to spend a Career Immersion Day with the team at TowerBrook.

From an inspiring introduction to thoughtful panel conversations and mock interviews, the day brought the world of private equity to life. Fellows left energized, more confident, and better prepared to pursue their future in finance.

Huge thanks to Abrielle Rosenthal, TowerBrook leader and OppNet Board Member, for championing this experience and leading such a robust and welcoming day for our Fellows. And a special shoutout to Kaisha Handa, an OppNet Fellow currently interning at TowerBrook, who left a lasting impact on everyone in the room!

Experiences like these are what make OppNet so powerful. 💼✨

Big thanks to our partners at Evercore ISI and the Evercore Foundation for hosting our Fellows for a high-impact Career Immersion Day! 💼📊

As part of OppNet’s Finance Career Accelerator — a four-week program preparing college Fellows to break into competitive finance careers — our students spent the day immersed in the fast-paced world of investment banking at Evercore.

From shadowing a mock morning research analyst meeting to an Excel workshop, interview prep, and roundtable conversations, the Fellows got a hands-on look at what it takes to succeed in the industry. The learning was deep, the insights were real, and the energy was high!

We're so grateful to the Evercore team for welcoming our Fellows and making space for skill-building, learning, and authentic connection. Opportunities like this are opening doors for our incredible young people.

This spring, in partnership with HGGC, we hosted our third-annual Scholars Day, a full-day Career Immersion program for undergraduates interested in exploring finance and private equity careers. Students had the chance to participate in workshops and gain real-world insight through conversations and networking opportunities. HGGC's staff's openness and deep industry knowledge made the day engaging and inspiring. We're grateful to our partners at HGGC for opening their doors and helping students imagine what’s possible.

Happy National Volunteer Week! 💛 Today — and every day — we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who help prepare OppNet Fellows for college and career success. From mock interviews and career panels to speed networking and mentorship, your time, talent, and wisdom make all the difference.

Your support helps Fellows build confidence, sharpen skills, and expand their professional networks — and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner. Thank you for being part of the OppNet community!

Want to get involved? Learn more about volunteering with us: opportunitynetwork.org/volunteer

Five OppNet Fellows and three staff members traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National College Attainment Network's first-ever 2025 Leadership Summit! 🎓 💪

Alongside 200+ students, educators, and advocates, they met with the offices of seven U.S. Representatives to speak up for increased Pell Grant funding, strong FAFSA implementation, and continued investment in student aid and college success.

Big thanks to our Career Fluency® Partners and peer orgs who joined us in advocating for the resources students need to thrive in college and beyond.

A huge shoutout to the incredible volunteers who joined us for our 11th-grade Mock Interviews this week! Thanks to your time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback, our Fellows had the chance to practice answering common interview questions, refine their storytelling, and receive real-time guidance — building the confidence and skills they need to shine in future opportunities.

Special thanks to Blue Owl Capital for generously hosting us! Your support helps create spaces where our Fellows can grow their professional readiness and put their skills into action.

​Interested in volunteering with OppNet? Join us for our 12th-grade Speed Networking and Mock Interviews next week! Register here: https://oppnet.tfaforms.net/5117758