by Torie Weiston-Serdan

I've been running a college access centered mentoring program since 2007. Since that time I have actively cultivated mentoring relationships with high school youth and acted as an institutional agent with the intention of helping low-income, first generation, and young people of color to gain access to higher education institutions. To this end, myself and the mentors within my organization have sent 98% of over 300 young people to college. Of those we have sent, 100% of those have stayed in school until graduation or are still in college working towards their degree. In our own way, we have been working to slowly plug away at the higher education access gap, especially the gap that exists in the Inland Empire of Southern California.

by Nina Daoud


As a 16 year old, first-generation college applicant who also happened to be first-generation American and the eldest of four siblings, the last thing I wanted to do was apply to colleges in faraway places in the middle of nowhere. In my eyes, institutions like Dartmouth, Middlebury, and Swarthmore reeked of privilege and unfamiliarity—and I wanted no part of it. I told my counselor I wanted to apply early decision to SUNY Buffalo, and that I had made my decision.

by Candace Simpson


My favorite social media platform is Twitter because it provides the opportunity to both connect and assist us with building great things like community and social movements. Twitter is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to sharing news and information, as well as analysis of what’s going on around us. I love Twitter for its power, but with great power comes great responsibility. And some folks abuse the power. Here are a few Twitter discussions that I want to die, so that we may clear space for more fruitful conversations.

by Brittany Dawson


Oklahoma’s flagship university is suffering from a self-inflicted media hailstorm after a racist video went viral  showing a fraternity chant conducted by members of the University of Oklahoma’ Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter.