ABOUT US
Building Systems That Drive Measurable Outcomes and Expand Opportunity
Scholarship Education Outreach is a national nonprofit organization focused on delivering measurable student outcomes that increase scholarship access, strengthen workforce readiness, and expand pathways to long-term economic mobility.
We work at the intersection of education, workforce development, and equity – designing structured, scalable systems that move students from uncertainty to opportunity.
Through school, community, and national partnerships, we equip students with the strategies, tools, and guidance needed to successfully navigate scholarships, postsecondary pathways, and career opportunities. Our approach is rooted in data, driven by outcomes, and designed for replication and scale.
At the core of our work is the Youth Career Pipeline to Economic Mobility, a structured model that guides students through critical milestones – from career awareness to workforce readiness – ensuring measurable progress at every stage.
We don’t deliver one-time experiences. We build systems that produce results.
OUR APPROACH
A Structured, Outcome-Driven Model for Student Success
Our model is designed to deliver real, measurable impact by combining strategy, skill development, and guided execution.
We focus on:
- Increasing scholarship application completion and access to funding
- Strengthening postsecondary readiness and decision-making
- Building workforce-ready skills, including communication and professional preparedness
- Advancing integrity-centered AI literacy through AI ScholarReadyTM
By engaging students, families, educators, and community partners, we create acomprehensive support system that drives sustained success beyond the classroom.
MISSION
To equip students, families, and educators with structured systems, strategies, and tools that
increase scholarship access, strengthen workforce readiness, and expand pathways to
long-term economic mobility.
VISION
We envision a future where every student has equitable access to the guidance, systems, and
opportunities needed to successfully navigate education and career pathways - resulting in
sustained economic mobility at scale.
VALUES
- Outcome-Driven Impact: We prioritize measurable results that create meaningful change in students’ academic and economic trajectories.
- Integrity-Centered Learning: We equip students to succeed with honesty, accountability, and ownership of their ideas – ensuring ethical decision-making in academics, AI use, and career pathways.
- Equitable Access to Opportunity
We work to remove barriers and expand access to the resources, systems, and support students need to succeed.
- Workforce & Future Readiness: We prepare students with the skills, confidence, and mindset required to thrive in evolving career landscapes and real-world environments.
- Systems Over Short-Term Solutions: We design scalable, repeatable models that deliver long-term impact across schools, communities, and national partnerships.
Our Team
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to fulfill our mission and make a lasting impact on the students we serve. With backgrounds in education, nonprofit management, youth development, and community engagement, we bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our work.
Niakesha Hollins
Founder & Executive DirectorWith years of experience as an education access advocate and post-secondary education champion, Niakesha is the driving force behind the organization. Her unwavering commitment to helping students achieve their dreams through scholarships drives every initiative we
undertake. Niakesha is the driving force behind the organization. Her unwavering commitment to helping students achieve their dreams through scholarships drives every initiative we undertake.
Clarissa Myrick-Harris White
VP, Programs Director:Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris-White is a distinguished higher education administrator,
scholar/activist, and public historian. She serves as a tenured professor at Morehouse
College and is the former Chair of the Humanities Division. With a deep commitment to
academic excellence and community engagement, Dr. Myrick-Harris-White leverages
her expertise to advocate for equitable education and to preserve and share diverse
histories. As a board member of Scholarship Education Outreach, she contributes her
extensive knowledge and leadership to support students in achieving their educational
goals.
Ayiesha Scott
Financial ManagerAyiesha Scott is a dedicated professional school counselor with Cobb County Schools,
bringing years of experience in supporting students' academic, emotional, and social
development. Passionate about social-emotional learning and increasing access to
education, Ayiesha is committed to empowering students to reach their full potential. As
a board member of Scholarship Education Outreach, she plays a vital role in advocating
for equitable opportunities and fostering pathways to success for all scholars.
Upenda Dubose
Board Member, Strategic PartnershipsA seasoned leader with extensive experience across youth development, school systems, and philanthropy, she brings a proven track record of building and sustaining high-impact partnerships. Her expertise in aligning community, education, and funding stakeholders strengthens the organization’s ability to expand access, deepen engagement, and drive meaningful outcomes. She brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and relationship capital to advance the mission of Scholarship Education Outreach and support long-term growth and impact.
Board of Directors
Lori Stetson
Technology InnovatorCarmen Myrick
Ed.S, Retired Educator, Cobb County Schools & Atlanta Public Schools