Help Jason Dong raise money for COOP Careers!

Why I'm running for COOP Careers

As a proud COOP alumni, the fellowship played a huge role in shaping my career. COOP gave me the skills, confidence, and community I needed to break into the industry and get to where I am today. 

The support, mentorship, and practical training I received truly changed the trajectory of my career. 

Now, I’m grateful to be paying it forward as a digital marketing captain. Supporting the current fellows through the very same journey I once experienced has been incredibly meaningful. 

Running the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon with COOP Careers is another powerful way for me to give back to an organization that has given me so much. It would allow me to help raise funds so COOP can continue empowering the next generation of fellows and create opportunities for others who are looking to pave their own path forward, just like I did.

What is COOP Careers?

Founded in 2014, COOP (“co-op”) Careers has supported nearly 9,000 first-gen and low-income college grads on their journey from underemployment to upward mobility.

Over the last decade, COOP has developed a targeted intervention that reflects the powerful role of relationships in the labor market — and the three qualities every job seeker needs: head, heart, and hustle.

• HEAD: Hard skills in defined career tracks

• HEART: Soft skills informed by Social Work team

• HUSTLE: Networking and employer partner engagement

Grounded in these core pillars, COOP delivers an intensive, 16-week fellowship offered in three career tracks: data analytics, digital marketing, and financial services. Fellows participate in a holistic, cohort-based model designed to build in-demand skills, expand professional networks, and provide the targeted support needed to secure their first good job after graduation. Fellows meet most weeknight evenings in cohorts of 16-20 peers, each led by a team of four captains, COOP’s signature alumni coaches. 

Following the 16-week fellowship, COOP provides up to eight months of optional alumni programming. This is a structured job search phase lasting two to eight months, when most alumni secure their first offer.

Historically, COOP participants are 2.3x as likely to be employed than non-COOP participants within 12 months of completing the fellowship. 

Your donation ensures first-gen and low-income college grads have the skills and connections they need for the careers they deserve.

Support Jason and COOP’s mission. Donate today!