Dear friends,
I'm so happy to be reaching out to connect with you as we kick off 2025. Your support in 2024 had such a profound impact on us last year that it feels meaningful to start the new one with profound gratitude. As Founder, it's extraordinary to me that we are entering our 22nd year, and I'm particularly proud of how our network has grown to include all of you. We have stayed true to our core belief that networks — and the communities they help us build — are sources of power and promise.
I'm also starting the new year with hope — that our work together will be just as impactful in these months ahead, full of new possibilities, as we reaffirm our deep commitment to our mission.
And we will need it. The year ahead also brings headwinds. While shifts in the national landscape will require greater innovation and resilience, OppNet's organizational mission remains crystal clear: we will continue to stand alongside students across the country as they pursue destinies of their own making and to support educators, organizations, colleges, and employers working in partnership with us in service of that mission. We hope you'll join all of us by renewing your commitment to creating opportunities for young people with the potential for greatness.
Each OppNet student success story represents their hard-earned achievements and the powerful ripple effect that strong, supportive networks and abundant resources can have across generations. As we navigate this pivotal moment, your continued support enables us to deepen our commitment to our young people, expand our reach, and strengthen the systems that create lasting change.
I invite you to learn more about our work and consider supporting OppNet's mission by visiting opportunitynetwork.org/donate. Together, we can light the path for every young person to shine.
Onward,
Jessica Pliska
Founder, The Opportunity Network
ICYMI: 12 Ways You Helped Build Bright Futures in 2024
In observance of National Thank You Month, OppNet thanks all of our supporters who helped make 2024 such an impactful year. For a snapshot of 2024 highlights, check out our latest video, "12 Ways You Helped Build Bright Futures This Year."
First, OppNet Fellows participated in an Externship at PineBridge's NYC office to explore the world of asset management, gaining expertise into investing, trading, and marketing, while networking with PineBridge professionals.
For our second Career Immersion Day, Fellows spent a day with Antin Infrastructure Partners, a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure investments. Learning about deal-making and engaging with Antin's young professionals were just a few of the highlights of their deep dive into the investment sector as a potential career pathway.
Get Involved and Unleash Opportunity
The Opportunity Network is always open to partnering on career exposure opportunities and on our Fellows programming and events. Here are just a few ways you can get involved:
🙋🏾♀️ Volunteer — OppNet holds several events and workshops throughout the year where you can interact with our talented students and offer your professional and career advice.
💼 Hire an Intern — There are many ways to partner with OppNet as an Internship Employer. Companies and organizations can work directly with our Internships and Career Success team to formalize an internship program where we place OppNet Fellows.
🤝 Join Our Network of Corporate Partners — Corporate and employer partnerships are integral to the strength of our network. Learn more about forming a personalized partnership with OppNet built on shared goals for engagement, retention, diverse talent, and more.
Learn more at opportunitynetwork.org/get-involved.
