Senior information technology major Crystal Forson will graduate from George Mason University in May, after years of support from her parents and participation in the university’s Early Identification Program (EIP), according to a May 15 announcement. Forson, who is also a member of the Honors College, credits her family and EIP for helping her pursue higher education as a first-generation college student.
EIP supports first-generation, college-bound students starting in middle school by providing academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors on campus and at their home schools. The program will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. Forson said she was inspired to join EIP during eighth grade at Potomac Middle School when she learned about it through her mother’s enthusiasm: “What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family,” Forson said. “I knew it was something worth giving my all.”
A pivotal moment came when Forson participated in an EIP STEM Fusion course that introduced her to Python coding. “After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python,” she said. This experience led her toward a bachelor’s degree focused on web application development within the College of Engineering and Computing.
Alpachino Hogue, director of EIP, said: “Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists. 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.” 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 achievements extended beyond academics; she joined the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars—a scholarship funded by CACI International—and later interned with CACI on projects involving NASA data consolidation using technical solutions such as artificial intelligence. Jeana Plews, vice president at CACI HR consulting solutions said: “By investing early, we’re not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders… The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations.” Steve Brylski from CACI added: “Crystal’s academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment… Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work.”
Following this internship experience—where Plews remarked on how Forson “stood out”—Forson received an offer for full-time employment as a business analyst upon graduation while continuing toward an accelerated master’s degree in management with certification in business analytics.
Forson’s time at George Mason included receiving scholarships such as the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship—which honors service contributions connected both to University Life Advisory Board leadership by Paul Patton (a former senior vice president at CACI) —and serving as resident assistant along with involvement in Every Nation Campus.
