First Graduate’s “Cap & Gown” 2026 Celebrates Student Achievement and Honors Jess Smith of the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, May 28
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First Graduate’s “Cap & Gown” 2026 Celebrates Student Achievement and Honors Jess Smith of the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, May 28
Annual gala to unite San Francisco leaders, supporters, students, and alumni for an inspiring evening benefiting first-generation college success.
23 April 2026 – San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Franklin famously said that “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” For a quarter century, First Graduate has been following that patriot’s lead: helping San Francisco students become the first in their families to graduate from college and pursue meaningful careers. On Thursday, May 28 at their annual Cap & Gown benefit at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, the esteemed nonprofit will bring together students, alumni, educators, civic leaders, and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of first-generation students and raising critical funds to support their journey from middle school through college graduation. This year’s event will honor Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries, as the First in Family Honoree, recognizing her leadership and commitment to advancing opportunity, equity, and community impact.
Now marking 25 years of service, First Graduate continues its mission of inspiring young people in their educational pursuits, leading to integration in the workforce. The organization currently supports hundreds of students through its free, long-term continuum of academic coaching, mentoring, college counseling, career readiness, and family engagement.
“San Francisco has long been known as both a city of compassion and of innovation,” said First Graduate Chief Executive Officer Terri Forman. “No city understands more the importance of an inspired and educated workforce and the importance of investing in new leaders. That is the mission of First Graduate.”
The Cap & Gown gala is one of First Graduate’s most important fundraising events of the year, helping sustain the organization’s 12-year support model, which begins the summer after sixth grade and continues through college completion. First Graduate’s students graduate from college at rates significantly above the national average for first-generation students.
“I was the first in my family to go to college. I know what that journey feels like, and I know how much it matters to have people in your corner,” said Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries. “First Graduate is doing that work every single day, and I’m proud to support an organization that believes every student deserves that chance.”
The evening will celebrate the academic and personal achievements of First Graduate’s newest cohort of student graduates while reaffirming the organization’s vision that every San Francisco family can establish a college-going tradition.
Sponsors for the evening include: Allen Matkins, BlackRock, BSSP, Cerity Partners, Deloitte, Dodge & Cox, Golden State Warriors, Hamilton Zanze, KPMG, Maven Retail, Morgan Stanley, Orrick
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Cap & Gown 2026 Galamay be found online at https://firstgraduate.org/
About First Graduate:
Founded in 2001, First Graduate helps San Francisco-based middle school, high school, and college students with academic coaching, tutoring, mentoring, college counseling, career exploration, and long-term support needed to become first-generation college graduates. The organization envisions a future in which all families in San Francisco and beyond can establish a college-going tradition, helping to break cycles of poverty and build a stronger workforce and civic community.