Established in 1987, Educating Students Together was initially founded to increase awareness of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities through campus tours. EST applied for and became a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in May of 2002 focused on college access. The organization is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for youth from the foster care system and low-income communities-both are populations that historically do not receive the level of support they need to ensure their academic success.
EST's College Access Program increases access, retention, and the graduation of foster and low-income youth at four-year colleges, putting them on the pathway to successful careers and ending the generational cycle of poverty. As a Black led organization, we have a deep understanding of the barriers our students face. Our program is culturally competent and designed to address the equity gaps that disadvantaged people of color face, especially those in foster care, via three components: College Counseling and Preparation; Mentoring and Networks of Support; and Financial Education and Support.
"Without EST, I wouldn't have the guidance to get into college. Kids in foster care don't have those opportunities; they're not exposed to them."
Our Mission
Educating Students Together is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the quality of life for foster and low-income youth by helping them access and complete postsecondary education.
Board of Directors
Celeste Wall
Board President
Gregory Delahoussaye
Executive Director
Dr. Charlotte Forte-Parnell
Member
Cynthia Barnett
Board Secretary
Karin Griffin
Friend of EST
Julia Coley
Member
Dr. Lance Robert
Member
Dr. Yasmin Delahoussaye
Member
Will Convington
Member
Corporate & Community Advisory Group
Erika Fogarty
Director of Brand, Chan Zuckerberg
Venell Taylor
Vice President, Regional Manager, Community Outreach, US Bank
Aaron Judovits
Diana Judovits
Stephanie Gold
Christine James
Vice President and General Manager, Valero
Staff
“I have worked with Educating Students Together for three years. I especially like how open the management team is to creative input and problem-solving. It is a pleasure to work with people who are so purpose-driven and to know that your work will make the difference to the lives of so many people.”
OMARI VALENTINE
“The most rewarding experience working for EST has been helping students pursue their dreams through education. As someone who did not take the opportunity to attend college, EST has given me a sense of pride in helping to transform the lives of young gifted students. I am also thrilled to be a part of an organization making a difference in our community.”
Paula Darling
Administrative Assistant
“I have been privileged to work in fundraising for the EST program. As someone who strongly believes in the program’s mission, I am committed to helping high-performing, low-income, and foster youth get into college and obtain scholarships that will help them start building generational wealth instead of leaving college with staggering student loan debt.”
Greg Delahoussaye
“I feel incredibly fortunate to work with Educating Students Together. My passion has always been providing access to college education, and this program allows me to make a meaningful impact every day. Sharing resources, support, and guidance with students is not just a job but a true calling for me.”
Gina Lutcher
“I was immediately drawn to Educating Students Together (EST), having done college counseling and coordination for over 12 years at other organizations. I first joined the organization as a board member and felt blessed to be a part of a team of like-minded people coming together to push the mission forward. As satisfying as being a board member, transitioning to an employee has been amazing! The experience and exposure have been empowering and, therefore, invaluable. I am grateful to EST for helping me continue to grow professionally and personally in a field that I genuinely love and enjoy.”
Antoinette Bowie-Smith
EST Program Coordinator
“I am honored to be able to work with ESTCAP. Just a few years ago, I was one of the students that benefited from the outstanding resources that ESTCAP provides. I’ll never forget how dedicated Dr. Yasmin Delahoussaye was to ensuring that my peers and I succeeded! So, with great honor, I returned to offer my social media skills to help reach students, parents, partners, and donors to spread the word about the greatness of this organization!”
Alexis Small
Social Media