NEW YORK, New York (April 23, 2018) — On Friday, April 20th, Daniel Craig’s 2014 Centenary Edition Aston Martin Vanquish was sold by Christie’s during The Exceptional Sale for $468,500 with all sale proceeds benefiting The Opportunity Network.

Numbered 007 as part of Aston Martin’s Centenary Edition collection to mark its 100th anniversary, Craig’s car is one of just 100 made.

“We are delighted to have been able to support Daniel Craig’s generosity to The Opportunity Network by selling his personal Aston Martin. The gorgeous bespoke car, a masterpiece of automotive engineering, drew legions of admirers during its time at Christie’s, and it was a thrilling auction moment when Daniel Craig brought his star power to our saleroom,” said Becky MacGuire Director of The Exceptional Sale at Christie’s.

Craig’s appearance in the saleroom drew great anticipation from guests and potential bidders, but he remained most excited about how the sale would be able to boost The Opportunity Network’s impact. "To be able to support OppNet further its mission with students in this way is so deeply rewarding – not only as a board member, but unabashed fan of the organization's work. I can think of no better reason to part ways with the 007 Vanquish," said Craig.

In response to the sale, Founder and CEO of The Opportunity Network Jessica Pliska said, “We are beside ourselves at OppNet over the generosity and commitment of both Daniel and Christie’s to grow and deepen our work with students in reaching their college and career goals.”

Through robust mentoring, targeted college and career guidance, and the facilitation of five summers of paid internships for students, The Opportunity Network is committed to preparing students from historically underrepresented communities create the dynamic futures of their choice through college and career success. Proceeds from The Exceptional Sale will allow The Opportunity Network to expand its programming and support more students.

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The Opportunity Network (OppNet) connects high school and college students from historically and systematically underrepresented communities to career opportunities, professional networks, and college success. One hundred percent of students graduate from college and 85 percent secure meaningful employment or graduate school admission within six months of graduation.

OppNet accomplishes this through its founding OppNet Fellows Program, an intensive sixyear experience for students beginning in the summer after their sophomore year aimed at honing their passions and skills to get through college and launch the careers of their choice. OppNet also houses Career Fluency® Partnerships, OppNet’s national capacitybuilding program centered on its best-in-class Career Fluency® curriculum to amplify college and career outcomes for partner institutions.

New York, NY (April 9, 2018)—On Monday, April 9th, The Opportunity Network, a New York City nonprofit that works with students from historically and systematically underrepresented communities to develop the skills, knowledge, and passions to achieve both their college and career goals, hosted their 11th annual Night of Opportunity at Cipriani Wall Street on 55 Wall Street in New York.

With support from Tulco, LLC, this year’s event will honor Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks, CNN TV Host Van Jones, actress and author Gabrielle Union and some of OppNet’s dynamic student Fellows.

Co-chaired by Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz along with Alba and Thomas Tull, the event raised over $2 million for the organization.

“We are honored to be celebrating 15 years of paving pathways to success for students at this year’s Night of Opportunity,” said Founder and CEO of The Opportunity Network Jessica Pliska. “Our honorees show what’s possible when determination, courage, and a fierce commitment to social progress come together. Michelle, Van and Gabrielle’s steadfastness in centering diversity and inclusivity in our nation through media is an inspiration to everyone, especially our OppNet Fellows who are at the helm of their careers and eager to make a difference.”

The evening featured remarks from Gala co-chairs Thomas and Alba Tull and Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, this year’s honorees, as well as speeches from students who have experienced powerful growth through the program. With over 770 students participating in OppNet’s intensive six-year founding Fellows Program this year and reaching nearly 1000 students through the Program by 2020, the event created an immediate impact for current and future OppNet students. Later this April, Christie’s will also be auctioning off Daniel Craig’s personal Aston Martin, a 2014 ‘Centenary Vanquish’ numbered 007 with all sale proceeds benefiting The Opportunity Network. The car was on display at the Night of Opportunity event.

“The Opportunity Network’s commitment to supporting students from underrepresented communities is as important as it's ever been,” said Daniel Craig. “Rachel and I are proud to further The Opportunity Network’s ongoing work as board members and Gala co-chairs as this is a cause we care about deeply.”

Founded in 2003 by Brian Weinstein and Jessica Pliska, The Opportunity Network’s track record of success over the last 15 years is marked by an unflinching commitment to preparing students from historically underrepresented communities for college, introducing them to career opportunities, facilitating paid summer internships, training students in professional etiquette and teaching them how to build networks. More than 90 percent of OppNet’s students will be the first in their families to graduate from college. One hundred percent of these students graduate from college, compared with only 10 percent of students from low-income communities nationwide. Within six months of graduation, 85 percent are admitted to graduate school or find meaningful employment.

This year, The Opportunity Network is expanding their impact to support schools and youthserving organizations across the nation through their Career Fluency® Partnerships program, working with dedicated Partners to train their teachers, guidance counselors, and staff to best support students in reaching their college and career goals.

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About The Opportunity Network

The Opportunity Network (OppNet) connects high school and college students from historically and systematically underrepresented communities to career opportunities, professional networks, and college success. One hundred percent of students graduate from four-year colleges and eighty-five percent secure meaningful employment or graduate school admission within six months of graduation.

OppNet accomplishes this through its two programs, OppNet Fellows, an intensive six-year experience for students beginning in the summer after their sophomore year aimed at honing their passions and skills to get through college and launch the careers of their choice, and Career Fluency® Partnerships, OppNet’s national capacity-building work centered on its best-in-class Career Fluency® curriculum to amplify college and career

New York, NY (October 24, 2017) – The Citi Foundation today announced that The Opportunity Network has been awarded a grant from the 2017 Youth Workforce Fund to expand its Career Fluency® Fellows program, which works with students over six years to build the exposure, experiences and skills for career success.

The grant is part of Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative, which provides youth in the U.S. and around the world with training and access to jobs, including paid apprenticeships and internships. In partnership with America’s Promise Alliance, 15 nonprofit organizations across the U.S. will further expand their programming to provide a range of employment opportunities. Collectively, the Youth Workforce Fund is expected to reach more than 5,000 youth across the country.

As the only grant recipient in New York City, The Opportunity Network will receive $250,000 to expand its six-year career readiness and college success program to serve nearly 800 students. In addition to expansion, the grant will also fund workshops, campus visits and internship preparation, and will underwrite stipends that allow students to take on unpaid internships.

“Every summer, our students intern at a broad spectrum of organizations ranging from Deloitte to the Mayor’s office to Legal Aid. We make sure that they are fully prepared to make the most of the opportunity and to expand their skills and interests through the process. With this grant we will be able to do more and do it even better,” said The Opportunity Network’s Founder and CEO, Jessica Pliska.

Access to apprenticeships, internships and vocational training is essential to empowering youth and preparing them to compete in today’s economy. According to the Citi Foundation’s Global Youth Survey 2017: Economic Prospects & Expectations, 78% of young people surveyed believe that internships and apprenticeships are critical for career success; however, 60% say there aren’t enough of these opportunities.

“While there is much focus on the skills mismatch among today’s youth and the jobs available, there are a lot of community organizations across the U.S. that are changing the dynamics around youth employment in their communities,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “Through the Youth Workforce Fund, we’re supporting those organizations that are expanding the skills of young people, building their networks, and connecting them to jobs.”

America’s Promise Alliance, the largest coalition of youth-serving organizations across the United States, will help us promote the adoption of new ideas that arise from Youth Workforce Fund programming. “We know that for many youth there is not one straight line to success and that the more opportunities young people have to work in real-world environments, the better chance they have for future economic mobility and success” added John Gomperts, President & CEO of America’s Promise Alliance. “The programs supported by the Youth Workforce Fund reflect different pathways into the workforce that are essential for young people.”

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About The Opportunity Network

The Opportunity Network connects high school and college students from underrepresented communities with career opportunities, professional networks and colleges. One hundred percent of students graduate from four-year colleges and eighty-five percent secure meaningful employment or graduate school admission within six months of graduation. For more information, visit www.opportunitynetwork.org.

About the Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.

About America’s Promise Alliance

America’s Promise Alliance leads an alliance of organizations, communities and individuals dedicated to making the promise of America real for every child. As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21st century workforce. For more information, visit www.americaspromise.org

New York, NY (April 25, 2017)—On Monday, April 24th, 850 prominent New Yorkers gathered at Cipriani Wall Street for the Night of Opportunity gala, raising $2.1 million to help students from underserved high schools on the road to top colleges and successful careers. The event honored David H. McCormick, Co-CEO of Bridgewater Associates; John F. Megrue, Jr., Chairman of Apax Partners, U.S.; and Will Packer, leading Hollywood TV and film producer.

Honorees were joined by guests including Nicky Hilton Rothschild and James Rothschild; Alan Patricof; Louise Camuto; George Hall; Thabiti Boone; Gigi Stone and Dendy Engelmann. They mingled with Opportunity Network students at the reception before moving into the dining room for the dinner and program. Daniel Craig, an Opportunity Network board member, sent a video welcoming guests.

David McCormick said, “The magic in this room is what we need for our country. We’re launching hundreds of careers marked by meaningful contribution.” McCormick’s global macro investment firm has over $160 billion in assets. His distinguished public service career includes serving as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, Deputy National Security Advisor and Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security.

Renowned film and television producer Will Packer told the guests, “you are making a difference, you are bridging the gap.” Packer is one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hitmakers and one of the only AfricanAmerican producers in the world to have nine films open number one at the box office. Some of his successes include Straight Outta Compton, the Ride Along franchise and Think Like a Man franchise.

John Megrue, Jr. said his philanthropic journey has been a big part of his life. In addition to longtime support for OppNet, Megrue serves as Chairman of Born Free Africa, a nonprofit working to eliminate HIV in newborn children around the world.

The Night of Opportunity Gala raises funds for programs that support high potential students from underserved schools to and through competitive colleges, career opportunities and professional networks. Funds from the gala will enable The Opportunity Network to grow and serve more students. “Right now we have a 25 percent acceptance rate in a pool of qualified candidates. We need to do better than that,” said founder and CEO Jessica Pliska.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild summed up the evening in a late night tweet, “inspiring evening at @Opp_Net's gala. Truly life changing work as told by the students.”

About The Opportunity Network

Since 2003, The Opportunity Network has helped students from underserved schools access competitive colleges, career opportunities and professional networks. One hundred percent of students graduate from competitive colleges and eighty-five percent secure professional jobs or graduate school admission within six months of graduation.

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