Latest news with #CollegePrep
CBS News
19-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Local nonprofits aims to honor legacy of ancestors by uplifting Black excellence in students
A local nonprofit is using education as a tool to unlock Black excellence. School is out for summer, but a group of scholars is learning a very important lesson. It's an educational seminar put on by the nonprofit, Council of African American Parents, or CAAP. Ingrid Johnson founded the organization in 1992, when she says a Black "A-student" at Diamond Bar High School was denied entrance to an AP Calculus class. "She was just prejudged by a teacher who never saw an African American as being stellar in math," Johnson said. After organizing with other Black parents and convincing the then-superintendent, the student was placed in the advanced class. But Johnson didn't stop there. She created a volunteer-led Kindergarten through 12th Grade college prep organization, with an emphasis on embracing your African roots. "We thought it should be more than a Saturday school. It should be a movement," Johnson said. Last fall, Black students made up less than 5% of the total population at both Cal State Universities and University of California schools. But in the last 33 years, 99% of CAAP scholars have gone to 4-year universities. Camara Christian is one of them. "I was accepted into over 30 schools with $1.5 million in scholarships," Christian said. The 18-year-old is getting a refresher on Juneteenth, learning how, despite President Lincoln liberating enslaved Americans in 1863, that message didn't reach those in Texas until June 19, 1865. Christian said ignorance is not bliss, knowing her ancestors were denied their education. "I know my family history, we come from a slave plantation," Christian said. She said that after the plantation burned down, her family ran to Ohio and learned how to read. Fast forward to now, CAAP helped Christian get into Cal State Fullerton as a Presidential Scholar. "Them moving a boundary for themselves, will move it for someone else, and they will see in our organization if she could move that boundary, I can too," Johnson said. Christian said she is living the dream of her ancestors and hopes to continue to make them proud. "It's empowering. Knowing that we are defying all odds and breaking barriers," Christian said. "Doing what our ancestors couldn't do, gaining an education. It's amazing."
Business Insider
26-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
STEM College Prep Expands Digital Skills Initiative and Celebrates Co-Founder Oluwatoyin Kode's Global Recognition Award
STEM College Prep, a pioneering K-12 tutoring center dedicated to empowering minority students through education, has announced a major expansion of its digital skills training program. LANHAM, MD, April 26, 2025 -- The initiative aims to provide underserved students with cutting-edge technical skills, positioning them for success in the growing digital economy. This announcement comes as the organization celebrates its co-founder, Oluwatoyin Kode, for receiving the prestigious Global Recognition Award for her contributions to education and entrepreneurship. Expanding Access to Digital Skills for Underserved Communities Since its founding in 2019 by Oluwatoyin Esther Kode and Adeolu Kode, STEM College Prep has been committed to bridging the educational gap for minority students. The center has helped hundreds of students improve their standardized test scores and develop in-demand digital skills. The latest expansion aims to equip even more students with industry-relevant training in areas such as coding, 3D animation, and digital entrepreneurship. 'With technology driving the future of work, we cannot afford to leave minority students behind,' said Oluwatoyin Kode. 'This expansion is about more than just education—it's about economic empowerment and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the skills to compete in today's job market.' The results of STEM College Prep's programs speak for themselves: • 85% of digital training participants have successfully secured freelance work. • 90% of test prep students have increased their SAT/PSAT scores by an average of 200 points. • Hundreds of students have gained college scholarships, thanks to their improved test scores. Bridging the Digital Divide with Hands-On STEM Training Unlike traditional tutoring centers that focus solely on academic subjects, STEM College Prep integrates real-world technical training into its curriculum. The expanded STEM Boot Camps will now include: Coding & Computer Programming – Teaching students the fundamentals of software development. • 3D Animation & Digital Design – Providing technical and creative expertise for careers in media and entertainment. • Freelancing & Entrepreneurship – Preparing students to earn income through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. By incorporating hands-on projects and real-world applications, students gain not only technical skills but also practical experience that enhances their future career prospects. A Vision for the Future: From Test Prep to Tech Careers Beyond digital skills training, STEM College Prep remains steadfast in its mission to ensure academic excellence and college readiness. The center's personalized learning approach has opened doors to top universities for its students while also preparing them for workforce success. 'It's not just about getting students into college; it's about making sure they graduate with the skills that set them apart in the workforce,' Oluwatoyin emphasized. 'We are closing the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern economy.' Oluwatoyin Kode's outstanding contributions to STEM education have earned her the Global Recognition Award, a prestigious honor celebrating exceptional entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. Selected from over 2,000 applicants worldwide, Oluwatoyin was one of only 120 recipients recognized for their transformative work in their respective fields. The Global Recognition Award is widely regarded as one of the top business accolades globally, with past winners representing diverse industries and regions. Oluwatoyin's selection highlights not only her achievements but also the growing recognition of STEM College Prep's influence on education and workforce development. 'This award is a reflection of our team's dedication to providing equitable education and preparing students for a successful future in technology,' said Oluwatoyin. 'We are proud to be at the forefront of digital education and economic empowerment.' Scaling Impact Through Partnerships As STEM College Prep expands its digital skills initiative, the organization is actively seeking partnerships with schools, tech companies, and nonprofits to scale its impact. Corporate sponsorships and community collaborations will play a crucial role in ensuring that more students gain access to high-quality STEM education. 'We are building a movement,' Oluwatoyin said. 'Through strategic partnerships, we can reach even more students and give them the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.' About STEM College Prep Founded in 2019, STEM College Prep is a Maryland-based K-12 tutoring center dedicated to academic excellence and digital literacy. Through personalized tutoring, test preparation, and hands-on STEM training, the center empowers minority students to excel in school and prepare for future careers in technology. Release ID: 89158650 If you come across any problems, discrepancies, or concerns related to the content contained within this press release that necessitate action or if a press release requires takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out without delay by contacting error@ (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our committed team will be readily accessible round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take appropriate actions to rectify identified issues or support with press release removals. 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