National Transfer Week Powerful Story from KLP Alum

Bolaji James KLP Cohort 1

Morehouse College ‘09

BS in Economics

New York City College of Technology ‘07

AAS in Vision Care Tech

Current Professional role: I am the Director of Customer Marketing at i-Health Inc. in Cromwell, CT. I am an experienced professional in trade marketing, category development, consumer insights, and sales, with valuable expertise gained within the consumer goods industry.

?? Extracurriculars: Investment Club, Volunteer Peer Tutor, Internships. President of the Student Optical Society at City Tech.

?? Intellectual Claim-to-Fame/Honors/Achievements aside from KEF: Morehouse Class of '09 Salutatorian.

?? My mantra: In the words of Gwendolyn Brooks, "Not that success for him is sure infallible, but never has he been afraid to reach. His lesions are legion, but reaching is his rule."

?? Toughest Challenge: Breaking out of the survivor mindset as a transfer student.

?? Biggest Influence: KEF changed my life and continues to do so. The opportunity it afforded me continues to impact me, my family, my children. Its effect, like a domino effect, will be felt for generations. Most Profound Impact: The journey of moving from a community college to a four-year institution, with the invaluable support of the Kaplan Educational Foundation, has left an enduring mark on my life. It has not only shaped my personal and academic path but has also reached beyond, influencing the lives of my family and setting the stage for generations to come.

The College Upward Transfer Experience transition wasn't just a change in educational settings; it marked a profound transformation of my entire perspective on life. It stood as a pivotal moment in my academic journey where I traded the comfort of the familiar for the limitless potential of higher education. It felt like ascending a staircase, with each step drawing me closer to a future rich with opportunities, knowledge, and personal growth.

The Impact of KEF on my life: The support from the KEF acted as the key that unlocked the door to this new world of possibilities. It offered the necessary resources that allowed me to pursue my dreams without the burden of student debt, making the transition from a community college to a four-year university a reality. This support not only relieved the financial strain but also ignited a sense of hope and motivation, demonstrating that someone believed in my potential and was willing to invest in my future.

The impact of the support from the KEF on my life is immeasurable. It extended far beyond the academic realm, influencing my personal development, career prospects, and overall quality of life for my family and me. With the knowledge and experiences gained during my time as a KLP Scholar and at the university, I am now better equipped to contribute meaningfully to my colleagues at work, my community, and society as a whole.

A Ripple Effect: The effects of my educational journey, fueled by the support from the KEF, are akin to a cascading domino effect, touching the lives of my family, my children, and even the generations that follow. My improved educational attainment and the opportunities it brought continue to serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for those close to me, encouraging them to pursue their own dreams and realize their full potential.

In conclusion, the college upward transfer experience, catalyzed by the support from the KEF, has been a turning point in my life. It has not only enriched me academically but also allowed me to break the cycle of limited opportunities. The positive changes resulting from this journey have already begun to influence my family and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations, proving that education is not just an individual endeavor but a beacon of hope that can light the way for countless others in our community.

?? Expectation vs. Reality: Transformation from Vision to Reality: Cohort 1 was a groundbreaking experiment that unfolded into something truly remarkable. It was originally conceived as a modest initiative but blossomed into a thriving force for positive change. Every time I receive updates about the program's expansion, I swell with an immense sense of pride. I was there at the beginning, part of a bold endeavor that dared to innovate. Through my experiences, I witnessed this program evolve into what it is today, with 17 cohorts and more than 160 lives (and the count keeps rising) directly and indirectly impacted by the tireless efforts of the KEF team.

The Upward College Transfer Perspective: I am forever thankful that I took the leap of faith to chase my dreams, ultimately transforming my life through the power of upward college transfer. What once was a vision has now become a reality, one that my own children are growing up with, thanks to the courage and determination of a small group of trailblazers back in 2006. In simple terms, KEF acted as the catalyst that not only shaped but also summoned forth the person I am today, illustrating the incredible impact that education and opportunity can have on an individual's life journey.

?? Something in the world I’d like to change: More representation of successful minorities in media, corporate America, and social groups - this should be the norm.

?? Favorite thing about your Community College experience: The opportunity to try and sometimes fail. It fostered a learning mindset and a passion for curiosity.

?? Favorite things about transferring to a four-year school: I truly gained an appreciation for, respect for, and confidence in everything that is me; Black (history, current reality, and future hope).

This was written by Bolaji James for National Transfer Week 2023 - Full Steam Ahead campaign.