In this episode, Tej interviews Monique Robinson, a dedicated educator and founder of Better Chance for Youth Futures Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that empowers underprivileged students to pursue higher education. Monique's unwavering commitment to fostering a brighter future for the youth serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless young minds to overcome obstacles and embrace the power of education. Through her work, she has transformed textbooks into tickets to success, opening doors for students who were often overlooked.

Highlights of the Conversation:

0:16 - Introduction to the podcast topic: Breaking down financial barriers and motivating youth to pursue educational aspirations.

1:15 - Monique's introduction as a teacher of the year for Imagine Schools, motivational speaker, and bestselling author.

2:12 - Monique shares her motivation for starting the nonprofit organization, Better Chance for Youth Futures Incorporated, to support minority students and provide them with options beyond community schools.

3:04 - The expansion of the nonprofit's reach beyond Monique's local community, serving scholars across different states.

4:13 - Number of students currently enrolled in the program, starting from eighth grade and continuing through college with ongoing support.

5:03 - Monique's personal story of overcoming academic challenges in high school and using her experiences to inspire and guide students.

5:38 - The importance of showcasing success stories through a talk show on the Daily Gospel Network, highlighting entrepreneurs and HBCU graduates.

6:00 - Challenges faced initially when approaching students and parents about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), but how COVID-19 provided opportunities for creative marketing and outreach.

7:06 - The growth of the organization and the use of newsletters to share success stories and attract more attention.

7:19 - Reflecting on the humble beginnings and continuous learning as an educator.

8:02 - The impact of the program on both students and parents, with some parents expressing interest in pursuing education as well.

8:31 - Collaborations with historically black colleges and universities, building relationships with admission counselors, and receiving notifications about scholarship opportunities.

9:01 - The importance of collaboration and working together to achieve long-lasting impact.

Join Tej and Monique in this inspiring episode as they discuss the power of education, overcoming barriers, and creating opportunities for the next generation.