Empowering Future Leaders in Charlotte, NC

Words by Christiana Roussel

In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, where the city buzzes with innovation, commerce, and cultural dynamism, an organization is quietly shaping the future. The Carolina Youth Coalition (CYC), a nonprofit founded in 2018, has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for high-achieving, under-resourced students, helping them navigate the often-daunting path toward higher education. In just a few short years, the coalition has made remarkable strides, transforming the lives of hundreds of students and setting them on trajectories toward success.

A Vision Rooted in Opportunity

The Carolina Youth Coalition is more than just a college readiness program; it’s a life-changing experience. At its core, CYC aims to break the cycle of poverty through education. The organization provides a rigorous and comprehensive support system to help students—known as "Fellows"—overcome the barriers that often prevent students from low-income backgrounds from accessing and succeeding in higher education. Through a combination of mentoring, academic support, leadership development, and college counseling, CYC ensures that each Fellow is equipped not only to attend college but to thrive there.

“Our number one goal is helping Fellows change their generational trajectory through higher education. Success for us is having them graduate on time with as little debt as possible and have strong prospects for the workforce or for postgraduate studies,” says Aaron Randolph, the co-founder and executive director of CYC. “We believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Our mission is to provide the resources and guidance needed to help these students realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.”

The Program

CYC’s holistic approach to student success begins with early engagement, accepting applications from first-generation college students, as early as ninth grade. They must have a GPA of 3.3 or better and live in a household with an income of less than $60,000 (or demonstrate financial need.) Once accepted, Fellows receive a host of resources designed to help them excel academically and personally.

One of the key components of the program is its emphasis on college preparation. CYC partners with experienced college counselors who help students navigate the complexities of the college application process, from selecting the right schools to crafting compelling essays. Additionally, the program provides SAT and ACT prep courses, ensuring that students are academically competitive when applying to their dream schools.

But CYC doesn’t stop at just helping students get into college—it prepares them to succeed once they’re there. Randolph shares, “85% of our students are first generation college students. So that first year transition (to college) can be difficult—not only from an academic standpoint, but also social acclamation standpoint, being in a new environment, homesickness, finding resources, and being able to advocate for yourself.” Once CYC students make their college decision, typically in April or May of their senior year, they transition to the CYC Persistence Program which includes a team of staff that case manages them through that first year.  He adds, “Their goal is to ensure that they get through that first year in good standing.”

Mentorship and Support

While CYC boasts a dedicated staff of educators and counselors who work closely with Fellows to ensure their academic success, mentorship is a key component to the program’s success. Each Fellow is paired with a mentor who serves as a guide, advocate, and sounding board throughout their high school and college journey. These mentors, many of whom are professionals in the Charlotte area, provide invaluable insights and advice, helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

For many Fellows, this mentorship is a game-changer. Praises Amponsah is a CYC alum and Brown University ’24 graduate. "My mentor, Joanna (Beck), was instrumental in helping me navigate my college journey. She guided me through scholarship and application processes and even attended my college graduation. Her support has been invaluable throughout my college and now career journey." Beck, as business consultant, has served as a CYC mentor since their first set of cohorts, seven years ago. Each of Joanna's six mentees in college is/has attended college completely debt-free at the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Grinnell College, Wake Forest University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. 

The Power of Community

One of the most striking aspects of the Carolina Youth Coalition is the sense of community it fosters among its Fellows. Students come from diverse backgrounds, but they are united by their drive to succeed and their desire to overcome the odds. This sense of camaraderie and shared purpose creates a supportive environment where students encourage and uplift one another.

CYC hosts several community-building events throughout the year, from leadership retreats to service projects, where Fellows learn the importance of giving back to their communities. This emphasis on community service not only strengthens the bonds among students but also instills in them a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Ashley Martin, CYC Young Professionals board member and self-proclaimed CYC hype-woman, is passionate about developing this community.

“I'm just constantly trying to make connections and build community partnerships to increase the visibility of CYC, but also connect CYC with businesses in Charlotte that are moving and shaking. Beyond their mission of offering college preparedness that sets these students up for success, there is also that career exploration component that is so invaluable.”

Results that Speak for Themselves

The impact of the Carolina Youth Coalition is undeniable. In just the ’23-’24 graduating group of Fellows, there was a 98% college enrollment rate, with 75% of seniors attending college debt-free. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, making their achievements all the more significant. Dyamond Grate is one such success story. She knew from an early age that she wanted to attend college but that paying for it would be her responsibility. As a ninth grader at East Mecklenburg High School, she was connected to CYC. Juggling family responsibilities, academics, and an internship at Microsoft, as well as two part-time jobs, Grate was awarded a full ride scholarship to the college of her choice from the Jordan Wings Scholarship Program in 2022. Today she is a Computer Technology major at N.C. A&T State University in Greensboro. Last summer, she completed a Software Engineering Internship with Dell Technologies. True to her nature, she still finds time to mentor CYC students back home.

A Bright Future

As the Carolina Youth Coalition looks to the future, its leaders are focused on expanding the program to reach even more students in Charlotte and beyond. The organization recently held a ribbon-cutting at their second campus with business partner CPI Security while also actively seeking partnerships with local businesses and philanthropic organizations to increase its capacity and provide even more resources to its Fellows.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know there’s more work to be done,” says Randolph. “We’ve set a goal of expanding our reach to 500 students by the ’27-’28 school year. There are so many talented students out there who just need the right opportunities to succeed, and we’re committed to helping as many of them as possible.”

The Carolina Youth Coalition stands as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and community. In a city that is constantly evolving, CYC is ensuring that the next generation of leaders is not only prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow but to shape the future of Charlotte and beyond. Through its dedication to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success, CYC is giving students the tools they need to transform their lives—and, in turn, to change the world.