Our Impact

At I Know I Can, we’re committed to empowering students to pursue their dreams through education and opportunity. Our programs and resources support students every step of the way, from preparing for college to navigating their career paths.

We’re proud to highlight the stories of students who have overcome challenges, reached their goals, and are making their dreams a reality. These students are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the impact of a community that believes in their potential.

more than $41 million in i know i can grants have been given in the last 36 years.

Hear from our students

“My I Know I Can advisors helped me with everything. My mom and I attended a FAFSA workshop, they helped edit my college essays, and they showed me how to fill out applications. But most importantly, they gave me pep talks and motivation.”

Jacqueline Lopez Reyes
  • 2022 Westland High School Graduate
  • The Ohio State University Student
Jacqueline’s Success Story

Every year, More than 16,000 one-on-one sessions help high schoolers plan their futures.

“My advisor helped empower me to feel like college was 100% an option for me and was accessible. I’m not sure I would have believed that without his help.”

Ava McCargish
  • 2017 Whetstone High School Graduate
  • I Know I Can Grant Recipient
  • 2021 The Ohio State University Graduate, Public Management, Leadership, and Policy
  • 2022 AmeriCorps College Guide
  • 2024 The Ohio State University Graduate, Master’s in Public Administration
Ava’s Success Story

The I know I Can children’s book has been distributed to more than 100,000 2nd graders since 1996.

My I Know I Can advisor and one of my teachers made me feel seen — like I was more than my grades. They believed in me, and that gave me the push I needed.

Elwopp Hall
  • 2017 Beechcroft High School Graduate
  • 2023 The Ohio State University Graduate
Elwopp's Success Story

I know i can is a founding member of the national college attainment network (Ncan).

“My parents are so proud and supportive of my academic pursuits and my sisters showed me the value of working hard and staying focused. But I Know I Can played an integral part in where I am now—a college graduate with a bright future.”

Kailash Mishra
  • 2020 Northland High School Graduate
  • 2023 The Ohio State University Graduate, Economics & Political Science
Kailash’s Success Story