Mission

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually. SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year, academic program that transforms public high school students in New York City, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami into college graduates. SEO Scholars successfully educates and mentors students to and through college. 100% of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges, 85% of Scholars graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, and 80% are first-generation college graduates. All are welcome to apply. SEO Career recruits and prepares high-achieving undergraduates for summer internships in corporate America, including Wall Street, commercial real estate, and technology, with more than 80% leading to coveted full-time jobs. All are welcome to apply. SEO Tech Developer is a virtual intensive, free immersion program to propel first-year and sophomore computer science and software engineering college students to the next level — including a paid six-week summer residency. All are welcome to apply. SEO Alternative Investments is an industry-wide program that provides education, exposure, training, and mentorship to help high-achieving professionals be competitive in the industry. Approximately 90% of SEO Alternatives Fellows secure full-time roles in the sector. All are welcome to apply. SEO Law helps aspiring law students thrive in law school and excel in their legal careers through training, career development, and internships, all before starting law school. All are welcome to apply. SEO Leadership Institute provides ongoing development for SEO alumni, customized for each stage of their career, with three distinct features: making connections, professional and personal development, and civic engagement.