Secondary Success & Beyond was founded in Rockford, Illinois, in 2020 by Gabrielle Foreman. As a college senior at Northern Illinois University, Gabrielle saw a real need among her peers—many of whom were first-generation college students trying to navigate higher education with little guidance. She listened as students shared how overwhelming it felt to understand applications, financial aid, campus resources, and career planning. Gabrielle related to their frustration and felt compelled to “reach back” and support the students coming behind her. By her senior year, she had figured out how to network, build her resume, and access the tools she needed to thrive. She believed every student deserved that same level of support and access. Out of that conviction, Secondary Success & Beyond was born.