An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time-"just without the studying." Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the George Mason University's Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

Forson and her family first learned about EIP as a student at Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, and her mother's excitement about the program was infectious. "What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family," said Forson, who is a member of the Honors College. "I knew it was something worth giving my all."

EIP-which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027-supports first-generation, college-bound students beginning in middle school. Participants have access to academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors both in their home schools and on the George Mason campuses.

Through EIP's STEM Fusion courses, Forson took a Python coding class that changed her trajectory. "After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python," she said. That early spark led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in information technology with a concentration in web application development in George Mason's College of Engineering and Computing.

"Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists," said Alpachino Hogue, EIP director. "She is bright, disciplined, and deeply committed to making the most of every opportunity. She has embraced EIP as both a community and a pathway to her goals."

Family support is a cornerstone of EIP, and Forson's parents-who immigrated from Ghana-fully embraced that role. They attended EIP's Family Academy, ensured she had transportation to every program, and encouraged her at every step. "They were always willing to listen, always willing to show up," Forson said. "They are one of my biggest driving forces."

Hogue added, "Students do not sustain this kind of success without a strong foundation, and Crystal's journey reflects that. Her family instilled in her the habits and values that matter most: perseverance, accountability, and a belief in oneself and the power of education."

Forson's dedication extended beyond EIP. She was selected for the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars, a scholarship made possible by a 2023 gift from CACI International and awarded to 10 EIP alumni.

"By investing early, we're not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders," said Jeana Plews, vice president of CACI HR consulting solutions. "The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations."

Forson first met the CACI team by chance while volunteering at a STEM event the company sponsored. "She stood out," Plews said. "Not just for her initiative, but for the way she engaged with others."

Her CACI summer internship, made possible through the scholarship, placed her on a team working to consolidate information across NASA's many centers nationwide. The project blended her interest in technology with her passion for working with people. "I was exposed to technical solutions, including AI, while also working with the actual customer," she said.

"Crystal's academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment," said Steve Brylski, CACI senior systems architect. "Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work."

The internship proved such a strong match that CACI offered Forson a full-time business analyst position upon graduation. The job dovetails nicely with the master's degree program she is already pursuing as a part of George Mason's Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's Program. She will earn a degree in management with a certificate in business analytics.

Forson also received the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to an EIP alum attending George Mason. The scholarship, housed in University Life, honors Paul Patton's eight years of service on the University Life Advisory Board and is supported in part by CACI, where he served as a senior vice president for more than two decades.

During her time at George Mason, Forson also served as a resident assistant for two years and was part of George Mason's chapter of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based international organization. Forson's Patriot experience, combining her loves of Python and people, her desire for more and better, and fueled by the benefits of EIP and CACI, have already rocketed her to great heights.