Dayton university’s partnership with nonprofit will expand access to college for first-generation students

A local college, serving about 11,000 students and offering nearly 300 degree programs, is partnering with a nonprofit to expand access to higher education
for students in the Dayton region. The nonprofit is already partnered with other local schools and hopes to expand its reach across the region.

Wright State University is partnering with Bottom Line, a nonprofit that works with first-generation students to get into and graduate from college. The
partnership creates a pathway to college for local first-generation students from under-resourced backgrounds to obtain a four-year college degree.

Wright State is the first university to sign a memorandum of understanding with Bottom Line Ohio since the organization expanded to Ohio after receiving
support from The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners program.

“We are excited to partner with a university whose values align with our organization,” said James Cosby, executive director of Bottom Line Ohio.
“We both want to see students thrive and achieve success, and I know that this partnership with Wright State will have an incredible impact.” Sue Edwards, president of Wright State University, said the college is excited to partner with Bottom Line and expand access to hire education while helping students meet their academic and career goals.

“Our partnership with Bottom Line underscores our commitment to offer an affordable and accessible education for students in the region and to support workforce needs,” Edwards said.

Bottom Line partners with high school seniors as they navigate the college admissions process, including building college lists, writing essays, submitting applications, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and selecting a college. Bottom Line helps students determine their strong college match with a balance of academic fit and affordability.

Once students enroll in college, Bottom Line advisors provide them with advising and mentoring to graduate. The organization also helps its students start their
career, partnering with them to identify a first-destination role post-graduation.

“We start working with students in their senior year of high school and partner with them throughout college, through free one-on-one advising,” said Emily
Broughton, director of development and external relations for Bottom Line Ohio.