About Us
Our Mission
Circle Match empowers driven students from low-income communities and provides a platform for them to lead their hometowns through the college application process and beyond.
Our Vision
A future where hometown talent drives community progress together.
Our Values
- Rooted Reciprocity – We give back and build forward, staying grounded in the communities that raised us for the long haul, not just for a season.
- Transparency – We build trust through honest, open communication—internally and externally.
- Courage – We stand up for what is right and take risks to get there.
- Youth-Led Futures – We believe young people have the vision and power to create what doesn’t yet exist.
- Collective Uplift – We build with, not for—believing transformation happens through shared effort and collective care.
Who We Are
We are a dedicated organization committed to guiding students through the college admissions process. Focused on supporting students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, we provide tailored resources and mentorship to help them identify the right college fit, navigate their academic journey, and achieve long-term success in higher education. We also believe in the power of giving back, encouraging our students to contribute to their communities and inspire future generations.
Meet Our Team
Our team is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals who believe in the power of mentorship, education, and community. Each member brings unique experience and heart to the work we do supporting students, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for growth. Together, we’re committed to helping the next generation thrive.
Make sure to check out our team to learn more about our incredible staff and advisors!
Our History
Circle Match was founded in 2019 by Michael Sanchez, a proud graduate of Memorial High School in West New York, NJ—a community rich with ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting one another.
From an early age, Michael witnessed the determination of his peers: students who balanced academics, family responsibilities, and part-time jobs, all while striving for futures that reflected their full potential. When his family sought outside guidance from a college advising agency, he realized that while talent was abundant in his community, access to specialized resources was not. Yet, when he was admitted to four Ivy League universities, it wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was proof of what was possible.
Determined to turn individual success into collective opportunity, Michael launched Circle Match as an informal peer-support network, where students could navigate the college application process together. In West New York, success has always been shared, and it was no surprise when two of the first students he mentored were admitted to Yale and the University of Virginia. Inspired by their own journeys, they became Circle Match’s first college advisors, proving that when one student makes it, they bring others with them.
Since then, Circle Match has grown, reaching out and creating partnerships with six high schools as of 2025 and expanding our reach to more students who, like Michael, dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
As we look to the future, we believe in the power of students lifting each other up—because when opportunity is shared, new leaders come to light. And when one of us makes it, we all rise.
Ready to help the next generation of leaders?