by MJ Bridges | Sep 17, 2025 | Career, Classroom, Programs, Student Engagement
As a proud GEAR UP alumnus, MJ Bridges knows the program’s impact doesn’t end at graduation. Growing up in Racine, Wisconsin, he participated in the Wisconsin Education Opportunity Program: Racine GEAR UP while attending Washington Park High School, an experience that...
by Juan Cangas | Jun 17, 2025 | Career, College, Programs, Student Engagement, Students
For years, “college-bound” has been the default label for high-achieving students. But with rising tuition cost, growing student debt, and evolving industries more students are asking: Are there other paths to success? As educators, we have the power to validate and...
by MJ Bridges | May 14, 2025 | Career, College, Programming, Students
Money decisions made early in life can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future. Yet, financial lessons are often overlooked in high schools, leaving students unprepared for real-world financial responsibilities. As a former high school math teacher and...
by Juan Cangas | May 14, 2025 | Career, College, ELL, Family Engagement, Programming, Student Engagement
At CoolSpeak, we believe in college readiness for every student because they deserve a clear path to their future, especially those whose journeys begin with sacrifice, mobility, and resilience. Migrant students are among the most determined young people in our...
by Lilyan Prado Carrillo | Feb 17, 2025 | Career, College, ELL, Student Leadership
Celebrating National TRIO Day resonates deeply with the CoolSpeak team as a time to celebrate the transformative impact of TRIO programs on the lives of students across the country… including two of our own. CoolSpeak Founder and CEO Carlos Ojeda Jr. and CoolSpeaker...
by Carlos Ojeda Jr. | Feb 11, 2025 | Career, College, Programming
Celebrating National TRIO Day resonates deeply with the CoolSpeak team as a time to celebrate the transformative impact of federally funded college access programs on the lives of students across the country… including two of our own. CoolSpeak Founder and CEO Carlos...
