Level Up Cincinnati

Be the reason
a scholar finishes.

First-generation college students from lower-income families have the talent. What they're missing is the support system their classmates take for granted. Here's what your gift makes possible.

Click or press → to begin
Meet Martha

From self-doubt to the NICU.

Martha was the first in her family to go to college. This is what a support system looked like for her.

Martha at TriHealth
Martha at TriHealth
1

Starting Point

Martha arrived at UC quiet, unsure of herself, and struggling to find her place.

2

The Coaching

Her Level Up coach, Elena, showed up consistently: listening, encouraging, and attending events alongside her.

3

The Leap

She stretched herself with an international internship, far from home, and grew into a leadership role there and at Level Up.

4

Today

Through Level Up's network she landed a NICU role at TriHealth. She's pursuing her master's in nursing and now mentors the scholars coming up behind her.

“My coach helped me believe that I was capable of succeeding in college and life, even when I doubted myself. She encouraged me to apply for opportunities I wouldn't have gone for on my own.”

Martha, Level Up Scholar
The Odds

Martha's story is the exception.
It shouldn't be.

1in10
low-income, first-generation students earns a bachelor's degree within six years.
Who finishes within six years
First-generation students24%
Students with college-educated parents59%

Same campus. Same classes. Same ability. The difference is everything that happens outside the classroom.

They got in. Getting in was never the problem.

Sources: Pell Institute; RTI International via FirstGen Forward / NASPA

What's Missing

It isn't talent. It's the support system.

First-gen scholars arrive with the same drive as anyone else. What they don't have is what classmates with college-educated parents take for granted: someone to call when it gets hard, a professional network, and money that doesn't run out sophomore year. Level Up provides all of it, for the whole college journey.

Two Coaches

A Transition Coach for the early years, a Career Coach as graduation nears. Weekly contact, monthly in person, for the whole ride.

$5,000 a Year

A renewable scholarship for every scholar, in partnership with the University of Cincinnati.

Real-World Curriculum

Financial literacy, mental wellness, personal branding, and career readiness, taught by Cincinnati professionals.

The Launch Network

Networking Month, Professional Development Day, and a community of local professionals and employers who open doors.

In partnership with the University of Cincinnati

We treat everyone involved like family. That's the whole model.

The Results

The odds look different here.

Every number below comes from our 2025 Impact Report.

0
scholars supported, up from 25 the year before
0%+
retention rate: our scholars stay enrolled and keep going
0.00
average GPA, with 48% making the Dean's List
4.95/5
★★★★★★★★★★
scholar satisfaction with the Level Up experience
Nate Dunn, 2026 graduate, waving at commencement
Nate Dunn · 2026 Graduate

2025 Impact Report · impact.levelupcincinnati.org

The Ripple

They graduate.
Then they give back.

Level Up scholars don't just finish. They go to work for employers like TriHealth and Cintas, and many come back as coaches, speakers, and mentors for the scholars behind them.

01

Finish the degree

Two coaches, a scholarship, and a community carry them across the line.

02

Launch a career

The Launch Network turns connections into internships and first jobs.

03

Come back

Graduates return to mentor, speak, and strengthen the family that got them here.

Where scholars have landed
Martha · TriHealth, Neonatal ICU Sarah · Cintas, Management Trainee Nick · Williams International, Engineer
Scholars and Cincinnati professionals at Level Up Your Network
Your Gift

What your gift makes possible.

Give once, or give monthly. Pick the amount that's meaningful to you. Every card below takes you straight to our secure giving page.

100% of your gift goes to scholars and programming
Our operating costs are covered separately by a private donor and a foundation partner. Every dollar you give reaches a scholar.

Full support for one scholar runs about $12-13K a year in programming and scholarship. 2025 Impact Report.

Give Today

Give in the way that's meaningful to you.

Monthly, one-time, quarterly, or yearly. Level Up Cincinnati is a 501(c)(3) public charity, every gift is tax-deductible, and your receipt arrives instantly.

Give Now
givebutter.com/levelup
MonthlyOne-timeQuarterlyYearly
QR code to give at givebutter.com/levelup

Scan to give

More ways to give

Employer Match

Many Cincinnati employers match gifts dollar for dollar. Search for Level Up Cincinnati in your company's giving portal. EIN 88-0931411.

Donor-Advised Fund

Recommend a grant to Level Up Cincinnati from your DAF. We're listed with every major charity database.

Kroger Community Rewards

Link your Kroger account to Level Up Cincinnati once, and a portion of every grocery run supports our scholars. No cost to you.

What questions do you have?

Bridging Opportunity for First-Generation Scholars
Jim Rodarte, Executive Director
jim@levelupcincinnati.org · 513-549-2779
levelupcincinnati.org · givebutter.com/levelup
1 / 9