Bennisha joined CPE as a student in 2002. Her 15-year relationship with her mentor, Deborah, has made a lasting impact on her. It is one of the reasons why Bennisha decided to become a CPE mentor herself this year.
Honestly, the only person that I knew who had gone to college was my mentor. She was the one example I had in my life at that time of what a college graduate actually looked like.Bennisha, CPE Alumna and Current Mentor
Deborah became a part of my family. She taught me so many things about life, college, career readiness, upward mobility, socialization, and womanhood.Bennisha, CPE Alumna and Current Mentor
I wanted to become a mentor with CPE because I know how amazing this program is. I know exactly what it can do and what it’s capable of, and what the students are capable of. I also wanted to give back to the community that has done so much for me.Bennisha is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist for D.C. Public Schools, where she helps students “access their extraordinary.”
The true measure of our success is the accomplishments of our students.
developed a learning and evaluation system to track student progress
designed and implemented career readiness programming
welcomed two new school partners
created new communications platforms to facilitate better interactions between CPE staff, mentors, and students
CPE is strategically working with the students and schools where the greatest impact can be made.
Maurquice is a current CPE student and sophomore at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. Maurquice has said that CPE and his mentor, Zach, are “like family” to him.
Maurquice says, “Zach has helped expose me to more opportunities not just in the classroom, but in sports and in life. He always encourages me to challenge myself.”
Zach has really opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there. He challenges me to explore my options for college. I’ve already gone on tours of schools like Georgetown, Morehouse, Clark-Atlanta, and the University of Virginia.Maurquice
