Gainesville, FL (EEF News) — Today, the Education Equalizer Foundation (EEF) proudly welcomed a new class of bright, ambitious students into Cohort IV of our College PASS Program. The session brought together scholars, community leaders, and educators for a powerful day of learning, inspiration, and connection.
Co-hosted by EEF Co-Founder Dr. Carjie Scott and Mr. Matthew Bowman, President of 100 Black Men of Greater Florida, the session introduced students to what they can expect from the program over the next year. Topics included how to research and compare different types of colleges, what to consider when selecting a school, and how admissions officers evaluate applications.
One of the day’s most engaging activities was the college admissions simulation, where students stepped into the shoes of admissions officers. They reviewed mock applications, discussed criteria such as GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and character, and debated who should be accepted or denied. The exercise challenged students to think critically and gave them a new perspective on how to present themselves as competitive applicants.
Students also had the opportunity to learn from a panel of distinguished community leaders who shared their personal stories and professional wisdom. Broderick Johnson, President of the Alachua County FAMU Alumni Association and an EEF Board Member, encouraged students to pursue excellence and proudly noted that more Alachua County students than ever are enrolling at FAMU thanks to the partnership with EEF. Judge Meshon Rawls, Alachua County Court Judge and First Lady of Greater Bethel AME Church, delivered an inspiring message about self-belief and overcoming life’s challenges, reminding students that success often begins with how you see yourself. Gwen Robinson, a Board Member of Wishful Thinking—the organization behind Gainesville’s Renaissance Beautillion and Cotillion—spoke about youth leadership through cultural celebration and shared her personal journey of surviving breast cancer. Her testimony reminded students of the power of resilience, purpose, and community.
The impact of the session was clear in the words of our scholars, who reflected thoughtfully on their experiences:
Isaiah Robinson
“I enjoyed every bit of it. All of this knowledge is so valuable, and I appreciate the time and attention to detail you and the speakers put into today. I came in not knowing what to expect and left with a clear idea of what this is. I’m excited for the future. I also enjoyed the fellowship with kids in my same position with similar mindsets.”
Jay Morant Jr.
“I really enjoyed the part where we acted as college admissions people, because it helped us see what things—and how quickly—our futures in a college could be decided.”
Isaiah Galloway
“It was a great experience, and I’m glad to know this will be continuous throughout the year. I learned a lot about how the college admissions process works, which gives us the ability to better advertise ourselves to colleges when we apply.”
Tyler Baker
“Today was a great experience. Time honestly flew by because of how engaged and interested I was during all the discussions. I really enjoyed the section when we acted as acceptance advisors and conversed about whether the students should be admitted. I learned that just scores or extracurriculars don’t determine acceptance.”
Emory Robinson
“Today was a great experience—from when we first came in this morning to when it was time to leave. Like Tyler said, I really enjoyed the section where we were acceptance advisors. Hearing the different opinions people shared about who should get accepted or denied was eye-opening. I learned that while people are there to support you, you have to believe in yourself first.”
Merveille Namusura
“Today was an amazing experience, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it. It was amazing listening to everyone share their thoughts and provide feedback. I learned that you should use every opportunity you get in life to the best of your ability because there are people out there who don’t have the same opportunities as we do.”
With strong support, honest dialogue, and peer connection, Cohort IV is already showing signs of greatness. We’re just getting started.
Next week, students will explore scholarships, financial aid, and campus life as we continue to equip them with the tools and confidence to prepare, gain access, and succeed in college.
The future is bright—and these scholars are ready to lead it.
About The Education Equalizer Foundation
The Education Equalizer Foundation empowers middle—through high school students and their families on the path to higher education. The college admittance process can be daunting and complex, particularly for scholars from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to demystify this process and provide students with the necessary tools to gain admission and graduate successfully.
Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring The Education Equalizer Foundation.
The Wagmore Foundation
Drs. Corey and Erika Hartman
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The Education Equalizer Foundation Inc. 501(c)(3) is a tax-exempt organization. The EIN number is 87-3688925.
address:
602 S Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
call:
352-363-1197
email: hello@educationequalizers.com
