Our Mission
Empowering the Next Generation of Professionals through Targeted Scholarships
Welcome to The Academic Hustle – a transformative scholarship system designed to guide students through the complexities of academic achievement and career success. Our approach is rooted in national award-winning research on high-achieving students and professionals. It combines powerful lessons and the personal experiences of our founder, Matthew A. Pigatt. Overcoming his own academic and life challenges, Matthew crafted a roadmap for success that spans college, career, and beyond.
Our Philosophy
Understand the System, then Hustle
At the core of The Academic Hustle is the belief that securing scholarships for college and beyond is achievable by anyone, regardless of their background. Our program is structured around three building blocks: identifying perfect-fit scholarships, becoming a competitive candidate, and crafting award-winning applications. Together, these building blocks form a comprehensive framework for achieving academic and career goals.
My Story
From Personal Lessons to National Award-Winning Research
The Academic Hustle was born out of Matthew's journey from a juvenile delinquent high school student with a 2.1 GPA to a top graduate of Morehouse College, earning over $100,000 in scholarships. His transformation was fueled by the support of mentors from the 100 Black Men of South Florida and national award-winning research that would become The Academic Hustle.
Our Success
Developed into a Curriculum with Proven Results
The program, first tested with his younger brother—who graduated debt-free from Morehouse College and earned significant scholarships for dental school—was refined while managing over $3 million in scholarship funds at Florida Memorial University. The results speak volumes: hundreds of students winning UNCF scholarships, others graduating debt-free from Howard University, and some securing over $70,000 in internships from Microsoft. The Academic Hustle is a demonstrated pathway to success.
Our Impact
Through The Academic Hustle, hundreds of families have been equipped to navigate the challenges of school and career planning, securing millions in scholarships and developing robust professional networks. Our curriculum offers practical tools and strategic insights, empowering students to excel in their educational pursuits and to build successful careers.
Million in Scholarships Awarded
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What Leaders Are Saying
"As a college president, this is the book I have been waiting for! Matthew’s personal transformation, combined with a clear game plan for how students can finance their college education, strikes the perfect balance between inspiration and action."
President of Benedict College
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has mentored thousands of youth to career achievement. Matthew is one of our best. Through The Academic Hustle, he distills the wisdom gained from his national award-winning research on our members and his personal transformation into a manual for excellence in education and beyond.
Chairman, 100 Black Men of American, Inc.
Matthew Pigatt in The Academic Hustle provides a clear pathway for urban youth toward higher education and a positive, productive life of prosperity. It should be used as a blueprint for urban youth who seek to overcome the financial hurdles of higher education.
School Board Member for Miami-Dade County Public Schools
If parents and students follow this game plan they will not have to worry about money for school or what to do after graduation. The Academic Hustle truly is the ultimate game plan for academic achievement.
Mr. David Watkins
Director of Equity and Academic Attainment for Broward Public Schools
How to pay for college is the number one obstacle that prohibits too many students with great potential from earning a degree. This guide offers insightful and innovative ideas about how to achieve that goal without amassing massive debt, which will enable young people to focus on what’s most important--building bright futures.
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-24 Florida)
Founder of 5000 Role Models
Join Us
The Academic Hustle is More than a Program
It's a community of mentors, educators, and students committed to mutual success. Whether you're planning for college, helping students seek scholarships, or crafting a career plan, The Academic Hustle provides the guidance and resources to help you succeed.
