Posts by Lakeshia Williams
Navigating College Applications: Advice for Students and Families
Applying to college can feel like navigating a maze, forms, essays, deadlines, and decisions coming from every direction. But with the right preparation and support system, the college application process can become a powerful opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re a student starting to explore your options or a parent trying to guide your…
Read MoreHow Every $1 Creates Impact and Why It Matters More Than Ever
At Minds Matter DC, we believe that opportunity shouldn’t depend on zip code, income, or circumstance. Every student deserves a clear path to college, career, and lifelong success. However, access to that path too often depends on resources. That’s where you come in. What One Dollar Can Do It may seem small, but $1 truly…
Read MoreWhy Mentorship Matters: Transforming Student Potential Into Success Stories
Every student has potential. But potential alone isn’t enough. Without guidance, support, and access to resources, that potential can go unrealized. This is where mentorship makes the difference. At Minds Matter DC, we believe mentorship isn’t just an add-on, it’s the key that transforms possibility into lasting success. Mentorship Builds Confidence High school can be…
Read MoreMeet Kian: 2025 PhRMA Scholar
We’re thrilled to announce Kian as the 2025 recipient of the PhRMA Scholarship, a meaningful honor that supports high-achieving students from Minds Matter DC as they pursue their college dreams. Kian joined Minds Matter DC in 2022 as a determined high school sophomore. Now, three years later, she’s graduated and is heading to Trinity Washington…
Read MoreThe #1 Skill That Sets College-Ready Students Apart
Why Self-Advocacy Is the Most Overlooked and Essential Skill for Postsecondary Success When we talk about college readiness with our students, we often focus on the visible metrics, rigorous coursework, standardized test prep, solid GPAs, and extracurricular involvement. But there’s one skill that doesn’t show up on transcripts or college applications, and yet it’s often…
Read More2025 MMDC Alumni Panel: Advice for College Success
At Minds Matter DC, we believe that one of the most valuable resources for students preparing for college is hearing directly from those who have walked the same path. Our 2025 MMDC Alumni Panel brought together former program participants to share their real-life college experiences, offering our current students a chance to ask questions, gain…
Read MoreMinds Matter DC Welcomes L’Toya Jones as Our New Executive Director
We are delighted to welcome L’Toya Jones to Minds Matter DC as our new Executive Director! L’Toya brings over a decade of experience and passion for educational equity to her new leadership role. She was most recently the Director of Programs at Minds Matter New York City (MMNYC), where she played a pivotal role in…
Read MoreOvercoming Challenges as a First-Generation College Student
Starting college is an important milestone for first-generation students, however, it’s like taking on an entire new world. You’re managing new academic demands, trying to understand the “unwritten rules” of college, and juggling expectations from family and friends, often without having some of the same support or guidance that other students might have. According to…
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