Help Ting raise money for COOP Careers!

Why I'm running for COOP Careers

I’m running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Team COOP because I’ve experienced firsthand how much can change when someone is given the support to see beyond their doubts.

COOP Careers fundamentally changed what I saw for myself and my future. It showed me the impact of having a community that believes in you, challenges you, and what once felt like a “one day.” That experience shaped where I am today and continues to influence how I think about my career, how I support others, and why creating access to opportunity matters so much to me.

The marathon will push me in ways I’ve never been pushed before, but running for Team COOP gives every mile a bigger purpose. I’m running for the people who are figuring out their next step, navigating barriers to economic mobility, and wondering whether the career they want is within reach.

Because sometimes the difference between a “what if?” and “I did it” is having the community, mentorship, and resources to push past your doubts.

Thank you for supporting me, Team COOP, and a mission that means so much to me!

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 Ting and COOP’s mission. Donate today!