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OUR MISSION
Our mission is to empower scholars and their families to navigate the educational system. Specifically, to help scholars graduate from high school and have the choice of attending college or being successful in a post secondary path, while helping their parents/responsible adults create strategies to ensure educational success.
Our purpose is to EMPOWER our scholars by:
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Ensuring that all scholars are safe, appreciated and provided access to a quality education.
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Motivating parents/responsible adults and scholars to navigate the educational system.
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Providing college related meetings, resources, programs, tours and services.
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Offering customized college tours introducing CB families to in person visits.
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Working with other educational partners to provide community service opportunities.
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Encouraging scholars to graduate from high school and to have the choice of attending a four year college or experience postsecondary success.
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Respectively introduce the College Bound Academy Programs “Parenopoly Series” by helping parents & responsible adults understand the importance of learning the school district’s policies and procedures.
OUR TEAM
Our team is composed of dedicated professionals and community leaders who are passionate about empowering students and families to achieve educational success. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to our mission, they provide strategic guidance and support to ensure our programs create lasting impact in the communities we serve.
BOARD MEMBERS
DENISE M. LAWS
President
Denise M. Laws, as President, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization, guiding its efforts to support students and families in achieving educational success. With a strong commitment to community engagement and organizational excellence, she works closely with the board and executive team to ensure the effective implementation of programs that align with the organization's mission. Her leadership fosters collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth, helping to drive lasting impact in the communities we serve.
SHERYLE GRIFFIN
Vice President
Sheryle Griffin, as Vice President, plays an integral role in supporting the organization's mission by providing strong leadership and strategic direction. She works closely with the President and the board to ensure effective program implementation and organizational growth. With her commitment to empowering students and families, Sheryle helps foster partnerships and drive initiatives that create meaningful impact in the community. Her dedication and expertise are key to advancing the organization's goals and long-term success.
LEN TURNER
Board Member
Len Turner, as a dedicated board member, brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission. His leadership and insights help guide strategic decision-making and ensure that the organization's programs effectively support students and families in achieving educational success. Len's passion for community engagement and educational equity makes him an essential contributor to the board’s efforts to drive meaningful change and foster lasting impact within the communities we serve.
DARLENE V. WILLIS, PH. D.
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Ex-Officio Board Member
Dr. Darlene V. Willis, as the Executive Director and Co-Founder, leads the organization with a visionary approach, guiding its strategic direction and overseeing the execution of programs that empower students and families. She plays a key role in cultivating partnerships, securing resources, and advocating for the organization’s mission within the community. As an Ex-Officio Board Member, Dr. Willis offers invaluable insight and expertise, collaborating with the board on important decisions while serving in an advisory, non-voting capacity to ensure the organization’s long-term growth and success.
HISTORY
A College and Career Readiness Family program was created in the living room of Phillip and Darlene Willis in 2001. Having two young sons enrolled in the Poway Unified School District at the time and reviewing the disaggregated data listed in the 2001 State of the District’s Report, the Co-Founders felt a need to gather other parents of like mind to see how they could change the situation around in their households! CPA serves as the parent organization for our College Bound Academy Programs that are located throughout CA. Our approach is unique in that we not only focus on the scholars but we empower their parents, guardians, and/or responsible adults as well. This family model has a proven track record. 100% of our scholars graduate from high school and have the choice of attending college while their parents/guardians learn to navigate the educational system and become more engaged in their scholar’s educational journey. The CB family model is known for ensuring a successful post-secondary education for the scholar and for their parent/responsible adult. Many of our alums are now serving in professional careers around the country and continue to serve as mentors while giving back to the community.
BRAGGING RIGHTS, PROGRAMS, SERVICES & PARTNERSHIPS
A college and career readiness family program that empowers youth, also known as, scholars and their parents/guardians/families.
100% of our scholars have successfully navigated the educational system, graduated from high school and had the choice of attending as well as graduating from college since 2001. The State of CA established date is 2003.
For the past 20 plus years, our parents/families have learned to successfully navigate the educational system on behalf of their scholars while becoming more engaged in their academic journey.
CPA/CBAP has provided over 350 customized college/educational tours
Many of our CBAP parents/guardians have been inspired during their CB experience and have returned to school themselves earning their high school diplomas/GED, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and/or Doctoral degrees.
The CPA/CBAP programs are evidenced-based. We value quantitative and qualitative research as well as our own professional experiences.
CPA works with a variety school districts, community based organizations, employers and/or congregations to establish College Bound Academy Programs which empower elementary, middle and/or high school scholars as well as their parents/guardians.
CPA, along with some educational partners, has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships.
Respecting the value of time, we provide monthly meetings which focus on academic excellence, leadership development, parent/family engagement, racial equity and inclusion, self-esteem building, self-advocacy, community service, reading, customized college tours and understanding the rules…AKA “Parenopoly℠”!
RESEARCH & DATA COLLECTION
The College Bound Academy Programs are evidenced based. We value both quantitative and qualitative research as well as years of professional experience. In addition, each College Bound Academy Program provides pre and post assessments for every scholar and their parent/responsible adult. Some examples are posted below: