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Educate. Elevate. Podcast

Presented by ICanGoToCollege.com

Season 2 – Episode 2 out now.

Hear from actual community college students and alumni who are finding the hope and support they need to succeed every step of the way.

Full Episodes

Season 2 – Episode 2

Discover how The Nandi Organization empowers Black community college students with mentorship, scholarships, and professional development. Committed to helping Black women achieve their goals, Nandi stands as a powerful force for change and success.

Season 2 – Episode 1

Season 2 of Educate. Elevate. is here! Hear from a former foster youth sharing insights on the transformative benefits of the NextUp program. Learn the inspiring journey of a former foster youth who aged out of the system, struggled to find the support needed to succeed, and then discovered a life-changing support network through the NextUp program at a Calfiornia community college.

Season 1 – Episode 10

In the season finale of the Educate. Elevate. podcast, find out what today’s students think about the Brown vs. Board of Education decision and the ongoing effort to uplift Black and African American students at California community colleges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming barriers and the supportive role the California Community Colleges play.

Season 1 – Episode 9

In the second of our three-part season finale, we delve into the historic Brown vs. Board of Education ruling and its ongoing impact on educational equity. Join some of California’s top officials and education experts as they discuss how California community colleges and others are working to close the equity gap for Black students, ensuring access and opportunities for all.

Season 1 – Episode 8

Check out the first episode of a three-part series finale focused on the 70th anniversary of the Brown vs Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional and opened doors for a new standard in American education. Tune in to hear from leaders and experts about how this ruling opened doors in American education and why there is still more work to be done.

Season 1 – Episode 7

Did you know more than 200 Career Education degree and certificate programs are offered by California’s community colleges in high-demand fields that can potentially double your earnings within three years? Learn how one expert motivates Black and African American students to pursue their dream careers, and hear the amazing story of a current student who is getting the skills she needs to become an entrepreneur.

Season 1 – Episode 6

Learn about the diverse opportunities for high school and adult education students to earn credit toward their college degrees with dual enrollment. Discover how dual enrollment creates pathways to success for historically underserved Black communities. Hear how one high school student is saving money on her education, earning college credits, and developing essential college-ready skills by taking dual enrollment classes. You CAN accomplish your dreams – it’s never too late – you just need to know where to start.

Season 1 – Episode 5

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), or thought that attending one was out of reach, this is the episode for you. HBCUs provide a unique sense of community, culture, and support that help students thrive in and out of the classroom. Hear how one woman started at her local California community college and took the guaranteed transfer pathway to Bethune-Cookman University to fulfill her dream of attending an HBCU. Learn how other students across California are also finding their way to guaranteed admission at many HBCUs by starting at their local community college. You CAN accomplish your dreams – it’s never too late – you just need to know where to start.

Season 1 – Episode 4

Experience the inspiring story of LA Community College President Dr. Amanuel Gebru, a Sudanese immigrant who triumphed over cultural barriers to ascend to his current leadership position fueled by a passion to aid those encountering similar hurdles. Learn about his work with A2MEND, which provides mentorship opportunities for Black men at California community colleges. Also, witness how Moorpark College student Ebba Tefera maximizes the resources available on his campus, seizing opportunities like engagement in a work-study initiative and active participation in campus groups like the Black Student Union.

Season 1 – Episode 3

Learn from the wisdom of former community college counselor Dr. Judy Mays and her 35 years of experience guiding students as she delves into her inspiring story and learn about her work with the Umoja community. Also hear the remarkable journey of American River College alumni Laurin Williams, who faced incarceration and homelessness and triumphed against the odds with the support of her college to go on to pursue higher education at UC Davis. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start.

Season 1 – Episode 2

Learn from a young man who left high school with a 0.9 GPA still found his way to UC Davis, while another student with a passion for advocacy shares why she believes California community colleges are a “cheat code” for success. Also hear a college president’s remarkable story of determination as he refused to settle for “good enough,” and his powerful challenge to students today to unlock their full potential. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start.

Season 1 – Episode 1

Learn from a young man without a place to call home, and a young woman who grew up in the foster care system, both found hope and a future at their local California community college. Learn how YOU can receive a full range of resources and student support services to help you reach your academic goals. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start.

Clips

Episode 10

Opening Remarks | Episode 10

Panel Introductions | Episode 10

Dr. Abdimalik Buul – award-winning professor and visiting executive of educational excellence and the equal employment opportunity program for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Taneil Franklin – current student and former foster youth at Los Angeles Trade Technical College studying political science, plans to use the Associate Degree for Transfer program to continue her studies at Howard University.

Treshawn Weatherspoon – California community college alum who transferred to Nightingale College for his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Jessica Wright – California community college alum and student advocate who used the Associate Degree for Transfer program to transfer to California State University, Fresno, and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Daniel Abercrombie – current student at Sierra College and a disabled veteran, is obtaining two Associate of Arts degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Science and plans on transferring to a four-year university to secure a bachelor’s degree.

Jeremiah Stephens – current student at Los Angeles Southwest College studying journalism and serving as the President of the Associated Student Organization.

Panel Discussion | Episode 10

Listen to what today’s students think about the Brown vs. Board of Education decision and the ongoing effort to uplift Black and African American students at California community colleges.

Closing Remarks | Episode 10

Episode 9

Opening Remarks | Episode 9

Panel Introductions | Episode 9

Panelists include:

Dr. Abdimalik Buul – California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Visiting Executive of Educational Excellence

Dr. Shirley Weber – California’s first Black Secretary of State

Dr. Luke Wood – President of California State University, Sacramento

Pam Haynes – Board of Governors member of the California Community Colleges

Dr. Adam Clark – President of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators

Dr. Edward Bush, President of Consumnes River College and co-founder of A2MEND

Panel Discussion | Episode 9

Listen to an insightful conversation featuring California’s top officials and leading education experts as they share their knowledge and emphasize the vital role of California Community Colleges and others in fostering equity in higher education.

Closing Remarks | Episode 9

Episode 8

Opening Remarks | Episode 8

Panel Introductions | Episode 8

Panel Discussion | Episode 8

Hear experts discuss the importance of the historic Brown vs. Board of Education ruling and why there is still more work to be done to support students, open doors, and break down barriers.

Closing Remarks | Episode 8

Episode 7

Opening Remarks | Episode 7

Dr. Sasha Knox Interview | Episode 7

Hear the story of a first-generation college student who achieved career success and now champions opportunities for Black and African American students to explore their passions through career education programs at community colleges.

Keona Kimbrough Interview | Episode 7

Listen to the inspiring journey of a current student who, despite financial challenges, is working toward her dream of entrepreneurship thanks to career education, support services and resources at San Diego City College.

Spoken Word | Episode 7

Performance by Christopher Anderson

Closing Remarks | Episode 7

Episode 6

Opening Remarks | Episode 6

Dr. Ashanti Hands Interview | Episode 6

Jadyn Jones Interview | Episode 6

Hear how one high school student is saving money on her education, earning college credits, and developing essential college-ready skills by taking dual enrollment classes.

Closing Remarks | Episode 6

Episode 5

Opening Remarks | Episode 5

Dr. Helen Young Interview | Episode 5

Learn about the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and how students can take advantage of the guaranteed transfer pathway, starting at their local community college.

Starquita Washington Interview | Episode 5

Hear how a determined woman began her educational journey at a California community college, seizing the guaranteed transfer pathway to realize her lifelong dream of attending an HBCU.

Marlon Mackey | Episode 5

Listen to the musical performance of Marlon Mackey.

Closing Remarks | Episode 5

Episode 4

Opening Remarks | Episode 4

Dr. Amanuel Gebru Interview | Episode 4

Ebba Tefera Interview | Episode 4

Witness how Moorpark College student Ebba Tefera maximizes the resources available on his campus, seizing opportunities like engagement in a work-study initiative and active participation in campus groups like the Black Student Union.

Closing Remarks | Episode 4

Episode 3

Opening Remarks | Episode 3

Dr. Judy Mays Interview | Episode 3

Learn from the wisdom of former community college counselor Dr. Judy Mays and her 35 years of experience guiding students. Delve into her inspiring story and learn about her work with the Umoja community.

Laurin Williams Interview | Episode 3

Hear the remarkable journey of American River College alumni Laurin Williams, who faced incarceration and homelessness and triumphed against the odds with the support of her college to go on to pursue higher education at UC Davis.

Nina Grae | Episode 3

Listen to the musical performance of Nina Grae.

Closing Remarks | Episode 3

Episode 2

Opening Remarks | Episode 2

Jesse Williams Interview | Episode 2

Feather River College alum Jesse Williams shares how he found his way to UC Davis after overcoming obstacles in his educational journey.

Madison Harris Interview | Episode 2

Student Madison Harris speaks on student advocacy and exploring leadership opportunities through Orange Coast College.

Dr. Culpepper Interview | Episode 2

LA Southwest College President Dr. Anthony Culpepper talks about his story of resilience and determination and debunks myths about community colleges, proving they offer an affordable, high quality education.

Closing Remarks | Episode 2

Episode 1

Opening Remarks | Episode 1

Jared Barnes Interview | Episode 1

Student Jared Barnes shares how he got connected to support services and financial resources at his local community college.

Taneil Franklin Interview | Episode 1

Student Taneil Franklin speaks on growing up in the foster system and how she found hope at her local community college.

Closing Remarks | Episode 1

Episode 2 Teaser: breaking down the biggest myths about higher education and community college.

About the Pod

Tune in to hear from students who refused to let the challenges in their lives or the myths they heard keep them from becoming leaders and difference-makers. You’ll be inspired by stories of hope and get connected to the resources you need to make your dreams a reality.

EDUCATE.ELEVATE. podcast features real stories from California community college students embarking on an affordable, transformative, high-quality educational journey. The EDUCATE. ELEVATE.podcast is offered to inspire and empower current and prospective Black and African American students.