Driving Forward

Driving Forward

Non-profit Organizations

Chicago, IL 3,934 followers

Professional Development, Mentorship Opportunities, and Business-Focused Internships for college students

About us

At Driving Forward, we believe that every college student should have an equal opportunity to achieve their career objectives and create a better future for themselves and their communities. We strive to achieve this vision by empowering first-generation and under-resourced college students to successfully transition from college to a meaningful career through a supportive professional development, mentorship, and experiential learning community. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit with an award-winning flagship internship program that provides professional development, mentorship opportunities, and a business-focused curriculum. The program is offered through partnerships with a range of organizations and hundreds of dedicated, professional and executive volunteers. Our focus is bringing together diverse, high-achieving students, helping them to overcome financial or other challenges to achieve their career dreams. Graduates of the Driving Forward flagship program will have access to exclusive recruitment opportunities offered by our generous corporate sponsors and partners.

Website
https://drivingforward.org
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2020
Specialties
Education, Coaching, Intern Experience, Career, Internship, Professional Development, Mentoring, and Business Case Competition

Locations

Employees at Driving Forward

Updates

  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    Driving Forward has several workshops, including the Design Sprint series we offer to like-minded non-profits. For organizations with high school and college student development programs, contact us to learn more about how we can partner with you.

    I enjoyed running a Design Sprint workshop for 60 students from the University of Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Saturday. It is inspiring and humbling to meet so many bright undergraduates with interesting entrepreneurial endeavors. Special thanks to Kate Turvy at the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago for the vision and coordination to deliver this workshop. Looking forward to seeing many of the students compete in this coming year's College New Venture Challenge! #ScottTips Driving Forward

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  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    It was great seeing many of you last Tuesday at our 2025 Kickoff We are pleased to report that we are off to a fast start! Students are showing strong interest in our application portal. We are also welcoming back our mentors and coaches, whose support is fundamental to our internship program. Driving Forward’s 2025 programming will be the largest in our six years. You can help by volunteering, donating, or supporting us as a corporate sponsor. Donate - https://lnkd.in/gjEqVWsq Volunteer - https://lnkd.in/ghGgjM89 Corporate Sponsor - https://lnkd.in/ghR52XAB Please contact us with any questions ([email protected]). Thanks so much for your support!

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  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    When Mother Nature gives you lemons, make lemonade! We had to cancel Driving Forward's 2025 Kickoff at City Winery on Tuesday because of rain. However, true to our name, we continue to drive forward in unlocking skill development, internships, and social capital for 1st generation college students We are looking for volunteers, sponsors, and donations to support our expanded 2025 program. There are links in the Comments. We appreciate your support! When Mother Nature gives you lemons, make lemonade! We had to cancel Driving Forward's 2025 Kickoff at City Winery on Tuesday because of rain. However, true to our name, we continue to drive forward in unlocking skill development, internships, and social capital for 1st generation college students We are looking for volunteers, sponsors and donations to support our expanded 2025 program. I will put links in the Comments. We appreciate your support! When Mother Nature gives you lemons, make lemonade! We had to cancel Driving Forward's 2025 Kickoff at City Winery on Tuesday because of rain. However, true to our name, we continue to drive forward in unlocking skill development, internships, and social capital for 1st generation college students We are looking for volunteers, sponsors, and donations to support our expanded 2025 program. I will put links in the Comments. We appreciate your support! https://lnkd.in/gFHbG43D

    Boat Video 2 complete

    https://www.youtube.com/

  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    Alumni Spotlight: Sam Resnick was part of the inaugural Driving Forward cohort in 2020. Sam graduated from the Indiana University - Kelley School of Business in 2021 with a Bachelor's in Finance and International Business. "Driving Forward is an incredible organization and experience. While it was not part of my original summer 2020 plans due to COVID-19, it was the exact opportunity I needed in a time with so much uncertainty. Without the experience I gained through the multi-disciplinary case, the keynote speakers, and the endless available connections to expand my network, I would not be where I am today." "A favorite saying of mine has always been, "when one door closes another opens". For me, during the height of COVID-19, Driving Forward was my opening door and that door eventually led me to my current position at EY. As a Senior Consultant in EY's Business Consulting Finance Strategy and Transformation practice I continue to build upon the foundational skills of team work, communication and critical thinking that is emphasized in the Driving Forward program."

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    3,934 followers

    Driving Forward alumni spotlight: celebrating with Justin Nguyen from our 2021 cohort, a member of Booz Allen Hamilton as a Senior Consultant in the San Diego office. "Participating in the Driving Forward program was an incredible opportunity that provided me with essential foundational skills for the workplace. I am deeply grateful for the experience, as it taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration in generating new ideas. I also had the privilege of working with a mentor who offered invaluable guidance and support, answering my questions and helping me grow both professionally and personally. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was working with my team on a case study. We developed a comprehensive business plan to help a company navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. We also proposed data-driven strategies for Dunkin’ Brands to rebrand and better connect with environmentally and health-conscious consumers. This experience boosted my confidence and equipped me with the skills I needed for my future endeavors. I am truly thankful for the lessons I learned and the people I had the chance to work with during my time in the program."

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  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    Driving Forward's coaching of college students includes ensuring a professional profile. At no cost, we help our students create a functional headshot in five minutes.

    AI headshots do not cut it unless . . . . . . . . . . you are going for one of the following roles + Botox endorsement + Local weekend news anchor + Timeshare model + Anime heroine or hero Not to mention the hassle of having 15 to 30 different photos of your face that you need to load into each service. Thank you to Sarah Johnston and her Career Briefs newsletter today which includes an updated review of popular AI headshot services. #ScottTips Driving Forward

    My (updated) in-depth review of the top AI headshot generators - Briefcase Coach

    My (updated) in-depth review of the top AI headshot generators - Briefcase Coach

    https://www.briefcasecoach.com

  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    Driving Forward alumni spotlight: Destiny Howell, part of the 2024 Driving Forward cohort. Destiny graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor's in Physics and is pursuing her Doctorate in Physics at the University of Texas, San Antonio. "After completing Driving Forward, I had several opportunities to reflect on what I learned, and I’ve found that the program's lessons continue to benefit me. One key takeaway was the power of effective communication. I recalled this lesson vividly when I had to present a complex idea to a group of stakeholders. By applying the communication techniques I practiced during the program, I was able to convey my ideas clearly and confidently, which ultimately led to a successful outcome. The project also required me to critically assess various AI tools and features, understanding their strengths and limitations in incident management. The fast-evolving nature of AI meant that I had to stay updated with the latest developments and adapt our recommendations accordingly. This experience taught me the value of continuous learning and being adaptable in the face of rapidly changing technology landscapes." "I want to express my gratitude to Driving Forward for preparing me so well for the upcoming opportunities I am looking forward to. The skills, insights, and experiences I gained have equipped me to pursue these opportunities with confidence and enthusiasm. Thank you for the invaluable experience, Driving Forward."

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    3,934 followers

    This the difference we are making at Driving Forward!! Join us as a Corporate Sponsor, a Project Volunteer, or Benefactor and help us empower the next generation of talent

    University co-op programs need to be accessible For sure, co-op offerings provide college students with applied skills and experiences But some colleges are ratcheting up tuition and expanding applicant recruiting to support co-ops College applicants who will benefit the most from these programs They are the least likely to be accepted to these colleges We need to make these opportunities more accessible Accessible for students with abilities and drive, but without financial and social capital Work with me and Driving Forward to make this happen! + Corporate Sponsors + Project Volunteers + Marketing & Finance support DM and let’s talk!! https://lnkd.in/grjA2rwZ #ScottTips Driving Forward

    In Demand: The Colleges Where Students Start Jobs Right Away

    In Demand: The Colleges Where Students Start Jobs Right Away

    wsj.com

  • View organization page for Driving Forward, graphic

    3,934 followers

    One of the great parts of Driving Forward is the access that are students and alumni have for interview coaching with our awesome Mentors!

    Why do interviewers ask you to "Walk me through your resume"? It is ironic It is not a leisurely five-minute summary of everything on the resume They are you asking for a 60 second sprint through the highlights They want your take on the highlights that stand out about you Here is a four-part sequence to answer "Walk me through your resume" 1. Start with two sentences on your current status One where you currently study or work One on the type of work you are pursuing 2. Two sentences on a most recent role What you did What you enjoyed or were most proud 3. Two sentences on a favorite non-work role like a club, non-profit, or other volunteer role Describe the organization Describe your role 4. Finish with one to two sentences from your Skills & Interests section at the bottom This finish rounds out your summary nicely with a hobby or interest If the interviewer is interested in more, they will ask So keep that walk short It will serve as a smooth start to the interview #ScottTips Driving Forward

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