Successful Scholars On The Rise
TyShon & Nia: Univ of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (AR) Freshman Class of 2013
“I loved UAPB! Visiting the campus during our B&CB College Tour was more like a visit home. This was the right choice for me! --Nia
Nia, Veterinary Science Major, C/O 2017
TyShon, Photojournalism Major, C/O 2017
*Check out B&CB Photographer, TyShon's College Tour shots throughout this website
Pictured with Bri, B&CB Intern, Peer Leader, & Aspiring Educator - HS Class of 2015
Dr. Ervin with BCB Juniors on our 2013 College Tour to University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
“B&CB has taught me so much I never knew. Our scholarship searches resulted in FREE out of state tuition for me and I LOVE MY SCHOOL!" - Michael, #PVNation
* Management Info Systems, Class of 2017
Meet Our Founder & CEO: Dr. Deana Ervin, MBA, MPA, IPhD
As a mother of three teens I learned the hard way that you have to "own" your student's college admissions process. School staff do not always guide ALL students through effective college plans that meet their needs, interests, or abilities.
Working with thousands of youth and college students revealed an urgent need for COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE COACHING that educates and equips our youth for the overwhelming navigation required to GET INTO & GRADUATE FROM higher education institutions.
Deana Ervin's Youth Leadership Development and College Access expertise comes from decades of experience through executive positions held in Educational Leadership & Community Development organizations:
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CEO of Childrens Defense Fund KC Freedom Schools (19 sites serving 2,000 youth and families and hiring 150+ Minority Collegiate Servant Leaders annually)
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National Senior Director Program Effectiveness, CampFire USA
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Missouri Coordinator, Kauffman Scholars College Prep Program (a $2B comprehensive multi-year program designed to help urban students prepare for and complete a college education)
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Regional HUD Community Builder & Director, Faith Based Initiatives
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Harvard University Executive Leadership Program
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Harvard University Community Builder Leadership Program
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U.S. White House Interagency Council Regional Coordinator
Determined to make a difference in the achievement gaps and low college enrollment rates witnessedthroughout many communities, Deana Ervin launched Black & College Bound, a youth leadership development organization devoted to preparing urban youth and families in the areas of College & Career Readiness.
Her doctoral research thoroughly explores college access for urban students of color and best practices designed to eradicate achievement gaps, while increasing minority graduation rates and self-efficacy (the belief in one's own ability to achieve tasks and set goals, while managing their future and transitions successfully).
Ashley & Mikala on 2013 College Tour
Visiting Xavier in New Orleans
* Kansas City Students - Class of 2015
Chevan, Jackson State Univ (MS):
“I wish B&CB was available when I was in high school. I have learned so much about leadership and professionalism. I'm excited to bring B&CB to more students in Mississippi because they can also benefit from the coaching.
* President, Future JSU Alumni
* Campus Ambassador
* Engineering Major, Class of 2015
* B&CB Lead Trainer - B&CB College Readiness Camp
Pictured with sister Amber, B&CB Teen Ambassador & Aspiring Physician
HS Class of 2014
Bryson, Black & College Bound
Junior Ambassador (ATL)
“I love being a B&CB Jr. Ambassador because I get to attend cool conferences and learn more about leadership and I'm not even in high school yet. The UNCF tour at Clark Atlanta was fun and I got to meet all kinds of cool leaders who were proud of me when they learned of my college plans."
* Pictured with the CEO & Founders of HBCU Nation
* Class of 2018
How Can An Educational College Planning Consultant Help Your Family?
A professional educational consultant works one-on-one with each student, helping to identify colleges and universities that offer the best matches for the student's unique needs, and keeping the student on track through every phase of the college application process.
Our impartial expertise can help your family with:
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High School curriculum planning. A consultant can help students make smart choices about their high school courses so that they stay on track for college admissions.
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College admissions profile assessment. Although no consultant can guarantee admission to any individual college, a consultant can help your child identify their strengths as an applicant.
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College selection. A consultant can assist your child in finding the colleges and universities which best match their interests, personality, needs and admissions profile.
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College entrance exams. A professional consultant can answer questions about which college entrance exams are most appropriate for your child and when to schedule testing. Some consultants also provide assistance with test preparation.
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College applications and essays. A consultant works with each student to establish a realistic schedule for staying on top of application details and deadlines. Consultants may also review application elements, including essays.
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Majors and Careers. Students often benefit from guidance in choosing majors and careers that are a good fit, as well as information about which colleges offer strong programs in areas of interest.
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Financial Aid. Many families worry about how to pay for college expenses. A consultant can help your family navigate these concerns, while pointing your family in the direction of financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities.
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Help from a non-biased third party so that you and your child can focus on enjoying this time together, rather than arguing about completing college applications