For Immediate Release
June 2, 2025 - New York, NY – Today, The Opportunity Network (OppNet) has announced that it raised $3.25 million at its annual Night of Opportunity Gala hosted on May 15 at Pier Sixty in New York City. The funds will advance OppNet’s longstanding mission to provide critical college and career support to students from under-resourced communities, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to thrive through college and into the workforce.
Each year, industry leaders, advocates, and philanthropists unite for the evening to celebrate the remarkable achievements of OppNet students and to honor visionary leaders across business, philanthropy, media, and the arts who serve as inspiration for the next generation of leaders. The evening was presided over by esteemed host, journalist, and executive producer Soledad O’Brien and celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of “Today” Co-Anchor and “3rd Hour of Today” Co-Host Craig Melvin, Coach CEO and Brand President Todd Kahn, and Pharos Capital Group Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO Kneeland Youngblood. Each honoree shared inspirational reflections on their career journeys and offered words of encouragement to OppNet students.
Todd Kahn delivered a compelling message about the shared belief in the power of dreams and the importance of removing financial barriers to student success. Since 2021, the Coach Foundation's Dream It Real Scholarship Program has supported 125 OppNet students with four-year college scholarships and mentorship from Coach associates. In one of the evening's most moving moments, Todd announced a new commitment: Coach will invest $1 million annually over four years, from 2025 to 2029, to fully fund scholarships for all incoming OppNet Fellows.
Craig Melvin accepted the Acclaimed Media Icon Award with a moving tribute to the power of storytelling, mentorship, and opportunity. Emphasizing the importance of media as a tool for truth and empowerment, Craig brought 10 of his NBC mentees to the gala, underscoring his commitment to opening doors for the next generation. To OppNet students and young professionals, he offered this message: “You don't need to wait for permission to make an impact. Your story matters.”
During his acceptance speech, Kneeland Youngblood shared that by listening to their passions and connecting with like-minded people, OppNet students have the power and support to actualize their dreams. He emphasized that career paths don't always feel linear, but that doesn't mean you aren't heading to where you're meant to be.
“I'm profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s gala — from our generous funders and sponsors, to our phenomenal students and alumni, devoted staff, and dedicated Board of Directors,” said Jessica Pliska, Founder and CEO of OppNet. “What made the evening most meaningful was watching our students and alumni shine and be embraced by such a wonderful community of supporters. I'm more inspired than ever about our path forward — creating meaningful opportunities that will transform many more futures in the year ahead.”
Founded in 2003, OppNet advances the college and career aspirations of students from under-resourced communities by providing them with access to critical resources, networks, and professional connections. The organization’s flagship Fellows program, an intensive six-year experience for New York City high school students beginning the summer after 10th grade, provides robust support through college guidance, internship opportunities, career readiness training, networking sessions, and more. The results are clear: over 98% of Fellows graduate from college within six years, well above the national average, and 91% secure interest-aligned jobs or graduate school admission within six months of college graduation. Through its broad and growing network of corporate partners, OppNet connects students with employers and offers workplace training for companies interested in helping career-bound youth successfully prepare for and navigate the job market. OppNet's work is guided by the principle that access to resources, networks, and supportive communities is an essential factor in helping young people develop the skills to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
CLICK HERE to see photos from the 2025 Night of Opportunity Gala
Visit OppNet’s website at opportunitynetwork.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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