Students, parents, colleagues, and partners: I personally want to welcome you to my new blog!
My name is Brannon Jones, and I am an educational consultant in Atlanta, Georgia. I am so excited about the wonderful things that are unfolding, and I am happy that you can join me on this journey. As most of you already know, I started an endeavor a few years ago called Next Step Education Foundation. It is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that helps college-bound students improve their chances of getting accepted into college. It also helps career-oriented students successfully pursue their vocations by being more prepared to face challenges in the workforce.
When I was a youth, I was eager to start my college trek. However, like many of you, I didn't have all the guidance and direction necessary to navigate this challenging transition easily. High school is drastically different from college, which can be intimidating for students and even their parents. Take it from me; I know that the overwhelming amount of responsibility placed in your hands upon entering college can be daunting. This is what drove me to create Next Step Education Foundation. It also inspired me to create my college preparatory curriculum: College Readiness 101. My foundation and workbooks help guide students and parents to become better prepared for a successful college transition from eighth grade until senior year of high school.
Did you know that besides not being able to afford college, why students do not go or remain in college past the first year is that they are simply not prepared? According to Education Week, "Only a third of the country's public high schools have a counselor devoted to helping students get prepared for college. [Also public] high school counselors are able to devote less than 30 percent of their time to college advising."
Students are slipping through the cracks when it comes to preparing for and remaining in college. This is where education consultants like me come in and help bridge the gap in college readiness. Not only have I created the Next Step Education Foundation and the College Readiness 101 curriculum, but I have also recently launched two additional tools to help you be prepared for college: my podcast and this blog. The podcast will include insider advice and guidance on college prep from education professionals including myself and other thought leaders in the industry. The blog will provide you with higher education news; interviews with educational professionals; testimonials from clients who have used my products and services for college readiness; and stories that keep you informed about what’s going on with my organization.
There is a lot involved in preparing for college. However, I want students and parents to understand that they do not have to face this challenge alone or quit when the going gets tough. Trust me. I have been where you are headed -- confused and overwhelmed juggling schoolwork and other college-related responsibilities. Nevertheless, just as Thomas Edison once said, "There is no substitute for hard work." This quote is a mantra that I live by, and if you want to be successful in college or life in general, you have to be willing to put in the work.
I care about your success and I look forward to taking this journey with you to be better prepared to face the challenges of college prep. My team and I are here to help give you a great head start whether you choose to go to college or are ready to go right into your career.
Are you ready to start the first day of your future?