Grace Moore, a senior double concentrating in education and sociology, is passionate about building stronger support networks for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) Black students at Brown. Her capstone project, titled “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Black Alumni-Student Connections for First-Generation Low-Income Students at Brown University,” focused on fostering meaningful relationships between students and alumni to create lasting support systems. 

“Typically, FGLI students are less likely to reach out for help at elite institutions,” Moore explained. Despite growing support for these students through affinity groups and resource centers, there are still steps to be taken to foster meaningful alumni-student relationships. Moore’s project focused on improving the connections facilitated by programs such as the Inman Page Black Alumni Council (IPC) and the Brown Annual Fund (BAF) Scholarship.

Moore’s inspiration came from her experiences as an FGLI student, as well as her internships in higher education policy and research. “My experiences allowed me to provide valuable recommendations and highlight the realities students face today,” she said. These insights not only shaped her project but also reinforced her aspirations for a career in education.  

Her research led to practical recommendations, including the creation of a LinkedIn Group to connect alumni and students. Through conversations with peers, she also explored students’ experiences with LinkedIn and scholarship opportunities, ensuring her project was informed by real student needs.

Though Moore primarily worked independently, she credited Professor Diane Silva Pimentel and Professor Lindsay Page for their support. Professor Page’s readings laid the foundation for her literature review, while Professor Pimentel’s course provided opportunities for feedback and collaboration. Moore also cited Anthony Jack’s Privileged Poor as a key influence, which she encountered in Professor Page’s ‘Current Issues in U.S. Higher Education’ course. The book helped her contextualize the challenges faced by FGLI students.

Looking ahead, Moore is committed to strengthening alumni-student connections and encouraging students to seek out the support they deserve. “I want to guide them through the experience of being Black at Brown,” she emphasized. Her work will help to ensure that future generations of FGLI students have stronger networks, greater opportunities, and a sense of belonging.