One of my most influential mentors, Tufts University History Professor Gerald Gill, always reminded his students that Black History Month should not only be an occasion to celebrate the most prominent leaders in the struggle for equality — we must also highlight a more complete account of the African-American experience that too often gets overlooked. Gill wanted his students to understand there were many unsung heroes who promoted progress for African Americans and never became famous. He … [Read more...]
Remembering One of My Mentors
National Mentoring Month is a time to highlight the power of relationships. As January draws to a close, we reflect on the many stories shared and articles written about the importance of mentorship and its impact on those who need it most. I’ve committed nearly 20 years of my life to expanding mentorship opportunities for youth because I benefited so much from great mentors as a kid and young adult. I know how fortunate I am to have had people take a special interest in helping me develop my … [Read more...]
CPE Mentor Spotlight with Paige Lawal
Hearing stories from our mentors about the work they're doing to support their mentee is both meaningful and inspiring. Paige Lawal is not only our Volunteer Engagement Manager, but a CPE mentor as well. Learn how she is helping her mentee, Jennifer, achieve her dreams. Danielle (CPE): Why did you become a mentor? Paige: I became a mentor because I wanted to make an impact in my community. I wanted to give back to a young person. Danielle (CPE): How long have you … [Read more...]
CPE Mentor Spotlight with David Heaton
January is National Mentoring Month and CPE will be celebrating its mentors throughout the month for the time they spend cultivating meaningful relationships with their mentees! Over the last 25 years, we’ve watched the relationships between our mentors and students develop and have seen first-hand how mentors have tapped into the potential of our students to help them become the best versions of themselves. David Heaton has been a CPE mentor for more than 2 years. Learn how he is helping his … [Read more...]
The Unspoken Dilemma College Students Encounter
The cost of college tuition has risen significantly over the last 20 years – 100% to be exact, as reported by the Washington Post. As students embark on a journey to further their education, they often come face-to-face with the reality of expenses they’ll incur along the way. Textbooks, lab fees, housing deposits, and other non-tuition related costs are just a few items students will likely have to pay for out of pocket. One expense effecting millions of students is the cost of … [Read more...]
Economic Club of Washington, D.C. Grants CPE $50K
The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., has selected Capital Partners for Education (CPE) as a recipient of their $50,000 Milestone Celebration Community Grant. CPE is one of ten local organizations to receive the award. Each of the organizations selected have a clear focus on the education of under-served youth in the Greater Washington area for success in school, the workforce, and life. CPE will be recognized at the Economic Club’s Milestone Celebration on September 13. Jeff … [Read more...]
CPE Receives $1 Million Donation for Career Readiness Initiatives
By 2021, 65% of jobs in the Washington D.C. area will require a bachelor’s degree. But beyond a bachelor’s degree, the majority of high-paying jobs require abilities such as strong communication and critical thinking skills. These are skills you can’t just develop overnight; they require the right exposure and coaching, and a long-term investment in developing them. Capital Partners for Education (CPE) works to ensure our students not only earn a college degree, but develop the … [Read more...]
Capital Partners for Education Receives $45K from the National College Access Network and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Capital Partners for Education (CPE) announced today that it is the recipient of a $45,000 grant from the National College Access Network (NCAN) and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. These funds will support its one-to-one mentoring, college success and career preparation programs for over 220 low-income college students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. CPE is proud to be a member of the National College Access Network, whose … [Read more...]
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy
This week as we reflect on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, I wanted to share with you this video produced by the Obama Foundation and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance featuring Ron Brown College Preparatory High School students, some of whom are in our program, speaking with President Obama and Congressman John Lewis. What an amazing experience to talk with two of the most significant living American leaders and advocates for racial … [Read more...]
You’ve Truly Changed My Life for the Better
As part of National Mentoring Month, today is “Thank Your Mentor Day.” CPE student Kela, a senior at Benjamin Banneker High School, expresses her thanks to her CPE mentor Heather below. Kela also reminds us how mentoring can impact the lives of low-income students as they navigate high school and college. Please join CPE today in thanking your own mentors on social media, and tell us what they meant to you. #MentorIRL I first met my mentor Heather when I was in the 11th grade … [Read more...]