About

ABOUT US

YesYouCanGoToCollege.org is a student-friendly website designed to help people—especially first-generation and international students—understand how college works in the United States. It provides clear, practical information about applying to college, financial aid, transferring credits, and more.

Unlike other resources, this platform begins with you. Users start by choosing a student persona whose story feels similar to their own. From there, the site offers guidance tailored to that path. It’s designed to reduce confusion by offering a supportive and easy-to-follow experience.

You choose the persona that most closely reflects your background or experience. That persona then guides you through key college topics—like admissions, financial aid, transferring credits, and asking the right questions. The site is designed to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and the right information to succeed.

Mission
The Guarini Institute of International Education & Economic Mobility creates innovative programs that advance the economic mobility of college students and underserved communities, with international education as a core pillar of its work.

Vision 
We envision a future where all college students, underserved communities, and families facing financial hardship have equitable access to the information and resources needed to achieve financial stability and long-term economic mobility.

More information about the Guarini Institute of International Education & Economic Mobility -> Coming Soon

Adrián Franco, PhD
Executive Director – Guarini Institute of International Education & Economic Mobility

Adrián Franco, PhD, is Executive Director of the Guarini Institute of International Education and Economic Mobility, where he oversees a multi-million-dollar fund and leads initiatives on programs that advance the economic mobility of college students and underserved communities, with international education as a core pillar of its work..

Prior to launching the Guarini Institute, Dr. Franco served at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he directed education and community outreach programs. Earlier in his career, he held positions in Mexico’s public sector, advised public and private organizations on financial education initiatives, and was a founding member of the Qualitas of Life Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing personal finance education to Spanish-speaking immigrants.

He currently serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In 2024, he launched brokenNotbroke, an initiative dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer access financial assistance resources and navigate the economic challenges of treatment. In 2026, Cancer Health magazine recognized Dr. Franco as one of 25 individuals making a significant impact in helping cancer patients and advancing financial health equity.

Franco holds a PhD and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. He has served on boards and advisory bodies in higher education and financial services.