Foundation volunteers and Eastside High School seniors holding donated laptops
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Every student deserves a real path to college. We walk it with them.

The Robert & Seth Memorial Foundation provides free, one-on-one college advising to high school seniors across the tri-state area, from the first application to the final financial aid award.

Laptop donation day with the seniors of Eastside High School, Paterson, NJ
$10M+Scholarships awarded
100+Schools applied to
<$5,500Target student debt per year
100%Free for every student
Our Mission

One student at a time, the right college within reach

We give high school seniors the direction and expertise to apply effectively to the college of their choice. Every student works with us individually. Together we talk through strengths and weaknesses, career goals, and financial needs to find the right university fit.

Then we go further. We help each student build a financial package of federal and state aid, college grants, and scholarships, with one clear goal: keep annual student debt under $5,500 and make college genuinely affordable for the inner-city community.

Robert and Seth Ginsberg
In memory of Robert and Seth Ginsberg. We do this work in honor of two individuals who never had the chance to experience this time in their lives. Helping students step into their futures is how we carry theirs forward.
Foundation advisor Walter Ginsberg with two students in the school library
How We Help

From first list to final award letter

Our volunteer advisors stay with each student through every stage of the process.

Finding the Right Fit

We build a college list around each student's goals, academics, and family finances, not just name recognition.

Applications & Essays

One-on-one help with every application, from the Common App to essays, deadlines, and supporting materials.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

We guide families through FAFSA, state aid, grants, and scholarship applications so no money is left on the table.

Advocacy with Colleges

We go to bat for our students directly with admissions and financial aid offices, for both acceptance and aid.

Why It Matters

We treat the award letter like the finish line

Getting in is only half the job. A college acceptance a family cannot afford is not an opportunity. Our advisors work the numbers with every student until the math works for their family, with a target of keeping debt under $5,500 a year.

Sample Aid PackageOne Academic Year
Published cost of attendance$54,000
Federal & state aid− $13,500
College grants− $24,000
Outside scholarships− $11,500
Student's annual cost$5,000
Under $5,500 ✓

Illustrative example. Every student's package is different; our commitment to working the numbers is not.

Student Stories

In their own words

Thank you for all your support, time, and patience. Most importantly, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for not giving up on me the day I became a mother. There were days I wanted to give up and leave everything behind, but I didn't want to be the one to disappoint you. I hope you are proud of me.

Eucarys V. Program graduate

3.8 GPA, Honors in both majors, and High Honors overall. Thank you so much for all your help and guidance!

Debra P. Program graduate

Thanks to the Robert and Seth Memorial Foundation, I completed my college applications without it being so difficult. They didn't just help me with applications, but with scholarships and the financial matters that were confusing to me. It was a big privilege, and something I will always be thankful for.

Karla H. Program graduate
Our Team

Volunteers who show up, year after year

A family-run foundation that has volunteered its time and expertise to seniors and juniors across the tri-state area.

RG

Robin Ginsberg

CEO

WG

Walter Ginsberg

College Advisor

AD

Alan Dlugasch

College Advisor

MD

Michele Dlugasch

Board Member