Introducing the social platform for social mobility:

Backrs is a virtual space where you can help high-performing, under-resourced students grow their networks while you expand your own.

  • MENTOR
  • Character Lab
  • Valor Collegiate Academies Logo
  • Crosstown Exploreres

Your connection is your impact.

According to research out of Harvard University, cross-class relationships are the biggest predictors of social mobility in the U.S. Problem is: Our nation’s so economically segregated, they’re hard to come by.

We aim to change that. By leveraging the connective power of social media, our platform brings students who need social and financial capital together with adults who can share it.

Giving back with Backrs is a two-way street.

With Backrs, you can help young people build the social capital they need to realize their potential. Young people can introduce you to new perspectives. And everyone has the chance to grow. Take it from professionals already on our platform:

Backrs Testimonials
Ahmed, Marketer at Apple
Ahmed, Marketer at Apple

“As a Backr, I love the opportunity to support and mentor my three proteges as they grow and develop. I feel grateful to be able to guide and shape their future in a positive way. Through Backrs, I have been able to watch them grow into confident and capable individuals, and it has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I can't put into words. It's made a tremendous difference in my life to see them achieve their goals and know that I played a role in helping them get there.”

Colin, Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company
Colin, Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company

“As a recent college graduate, I've become increasingly cognizant of the role that academic and professional mentorship has played in my life. Backrs has been the perfect way to pay this forward. Working with my proteges to make progress toward their near and long-term goals has been an incredibly rewarding and fun experience that I would recommend to anyone who wants to give back to others!”

Will, Attorney at Bass, Berry, Sims
Will, Attorney at Bass, Berry, Sims

“I love connecting with my proteges on their terms via the app. Being able to quickly check for updates from my proteges and respond easily to their posts makes the mentoring process so much simpler for everyone. I also love providing context to any struggles my proteges are going through by sharing how I’ve dealt with similar issues in the past.”

Will McCullough, Deloitte
Will McCullough, Deloitte

“The platform makes it super simple to stay in contact with your protégé, and while I enjoy the ease of it, the program also offers live meet-ups on a recurring basis as well that allows face to face interaction with your protégé. Ultimately, being able to interact with different individuals from varying backgrounds all with the same goal of success in life has been my favorite part of this program. I have learned as much about myself as I have my protégé during my time as a Backr and I would encourage anybody looking for a volunteering opportunity to take a look at Backrs.”

Lori, College Provost
Lori, College Provost

“Backrs gives me an opportunity to utilize my expertise to provide mentoring and support to students. Even though my students are a couple time zones away, I have the flexibility to connect with them on my time and have been dedicated to checking my app weekly at minimum to engage in conversations and answer questions. Its exciting to celebrate their wins and talk about future plans. Mentoring was very impactful in my life so it gives me joy to give back in this way.”

Empower students anytime, anywhere.

Our students have talent, drive, and ambition. What they need is advice, connections, and opportunity. Backrs offers many convenient ways you can share these things with them. How do you want to engage?

  • Offer insight on the go.

    Respond to one-time requests for your knowledge—backing opportunities—when it’s most convenient for you.

  • Grow students’ networks.

    Connect with students who have similar interests or experiences in Networks. Share insights with them; we’ll post opportunities for you!

  • Back a protege.

    Play a more involved role in one, two, or more students’ journeys by ‘backing’ them. Offer guidance and encouragement on your schedule.

  • Get behind goal getters.

    Stay up-to-date on students’ academic, career, and life goals. Provide targeted support and celebrate the wins!

  • Invest in student success.

    Help a student afford textbooks, extracurricular dues, and more by choosing to donate to their Flourish Fund.

Make a difference in minutes.

Kaothara is a junior at Amherst college who aims to become a software engineer. Learn how the professionals she’s connected with through Backrs are championing her aspirations and why the diverse community on our platform is important to her.

Best way to see how rewarding and convenient being a backr really is? Give it a try, commitment-free.

Our proteges are aspiring high.

Hand-picked by our school and youth org partners, 100% of our proteges are high-performing, under-resourced students who are committed to making the most of the support they receive. Get to know some of them; we guarantee you’ll be inspired:

Backing in Action

Backing a student means sharing advice, connections, resources, or encouragement with them through our platform. Examples below—you also can download them here.