The BRYC Community is always making headlines.
In early March 2020, a few then-sophomore Fellows already had their bags packed for a Tennessee college tour with a planned departure date of March 13 when they got devastating news: the trip was cancelled, school would be virtual for the foreseeable future, and Baton Rouge was going into lockdown.
BRYC is the #1 best place to work in Baton Rouge. This marks the third consecutive year BRYC made Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s “Best Places to Work” list. From #11 in 2020 and #3 in 2021, BRYC took home the top prize in the small business category and overall. “The hallmark of
BRYC welcomes its largest High School Fellow cohort to date. Nearly all 300+ Fellows (who span 44 schools) joining BRYC for the 2022-2023 school year are attending in person – a first since March 2020. They were met by a few new faces at BRYC, including Director of College Counseling Monica Baker,
College Fellow Lauren Dukes (Liberty ’22, Southern University ’26) selected for Top Jags Program. Top Jags must maintain 3.0+ GPAs and have a minimum 21 ACT composite score. Lauren, a Class of 2022 “Outstanding Senior,” increased her ACT seven points while at BRYC. “Top Jags has aided me in going to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AskAu0bZx8A On August 25, 2022, Executive Director Lucas Spielfogel spoke at a forum on pandemic learning loss hosted by Methodists for Social Justice at First United Methodist Church. The event, which focused on how COVID has impacted academic achievement among Baton Rouge’s schoolchildren, included speakers from East Baton Rouge Parish
Executive Director Lucas Spielfogel highlights need for school counselors and holistic admissions process in Louisiana Public Broadcasting Q&A. The panel focused on the educational documentary “Try Harder!” and featured producer/director Lou Nakasako. Replying to host Dr. Robyn Merrick’s query about increasing equity in college admissions, Lucas emphasized deprioritizing traditionally exclusive
BRYC is one of the best places to work — again. For the second year in a row, the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report named BRYC a standout for employee satisfaction. From 11th in 2020, we rose to third overall in 2021! Points of pride included monthly DEI trainings, flexible
BRYC uses the Galaxy Digital platform to manage our volunteer intake, scheduling, and matriculation processes. We ask all volunteers, even those who are returning, to create a Galaxy Digital account ahead of the upcoming school year.
Create your account at bryc.galaxydigital.com. You’ll be prompted to answer some basic questions. The last registration question will ask if you are ready to commit to volunteering or would like someone from BRYC to contact you.
If you are ready to commit to volunteering, go to the “Opportunities” section in Galaxy Digital and select “Choose Your VIP Role.” Complete the questionnaire about your role and scheduling preferences.
Once you’ve completed this step, BRYC will contact you to confirm your schedule and share information about volunteer training.
All BRYC VIPs must pass a background check before working with Fellows. You will begin the background check process on Galaxy Digital, then be automatically directed to our background check provider, Sterling Check.
To start the background check process, go to the “Opportunities” section in Galaxy Digital and select “Complete Your Background Check.” You will be prompted to enter some basic info on Galaxy Digital before creating a Sterling Check account. You will finish the background check process in Sterling Check.
Yes, please! As in previous years when we asked returning volunteers to submit a new intake form, we ask you now to please complete Steps 1 & 2 above to confirm your plans to return and let us know your role and schedule preferences.
Please contact Rachel Stevens, BRYC’s volunteer coordinator, at [email protected] to let her know you are interested and would like more information.
You can also complete Step 1 of the intake process (creating your Galaxy Digital account). When prompted, let us know you would like someone from BRYC to contact you to discuss your questions or concerns. If you ultimately choose not to volunteer, BRYC will delete your Galaxy Digital account.
Please complete Steps 1 & 2 as soon as you know you are ready to commit to volunteering. We aim to have all volunteers in the database and ready for training on August 27. But! You can still sign up after this date and attend the make-up training session on September 8.
If you’re ready to commit, we’d be grateful if you would submit your role and schedule preferences as soon as possible. However, you can create an account and come back to finish Step 2 later if need be.
Your privacy and safety are both extremely important to us, as is the safety of the BRYC Community. We use this information to:
Getting accepted into college is the first in a series of steps to graduation. BRYC’s Persistence Program helps Fellows stay on track at their respective institutions. We do this through direct support, connection to campus resources, scholarships, and career guidance, and by encouraging Fellows to stay tapped into BRYC’s Alumni network.
Financial Assistance: BRYC provides direct financial assistance to College Fellows when there is significant need.
Campus Visits: BRYC’s director of persistence visits in-state campuses – and each year, a selection of out-of-state- schools – to connect College Fellows to resources and provide career services.
Special Events: BRYC hosts special events like crawfish boils and holiday parties just for College Fellows and Alumni.
“BRYC’s Persistence Team truly became a sounding board for my college experience. The periodic check-ins and amplification of different resources helped me not only stay on track, but be exposed to more opportunities as well.”
Brandon V., Class of 2017 Fellow,
Loyola University 2021
Alexis Washington, Persistence Manager
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752
thebryc.org/alumni
Figuring out what to do after high school can be confusing, overwhelming, and expensive. It’s easy to lose sight of what matters: determining which college or credential offers the greatest potential for long-term success. In BRYC’s Postsecondary Access Program, seniors research the academics, campus culture, and cost (among many other factors) of colleges and programs that interest them, then submit compelling applications.
Senior Prep: In planning for life after high school, two things matter: 1) Where you invest your money; and 2) How you invest your time. Understand what this means and apply it to your own planning process with BRYC’s seasoned counselors.
Senior Workshop: Work with a trained Senior Mentor to research schools/programs; write essays/scholarships applications; and select an affordable, best-fit postsecondary path.
Persistence 101: Transition smoothly to life after high school through a spring semester intensive led by BRYC’s Persistence Team.
“Initially, I was intimidated, but it has truly been enjoyable and such a huge help with my college process. So glad that I got to join such a supportive and wonderful family!”
Kylerian K., Fellow
Jakia Steele, Director of Senior Counseling
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752
ACT scores directly impact college admissions and financial aid opportunities, particularly in Louisiana due to the TOPS program. Increasing ACT scores by just one point can mean the difference of thousands of grant dollars, which is why BRYC dedicates all of its junior year programming to conquering this high-stakes test.
ACT Prep: Work with BRYC’s five-star instructors to master key ACT concepts and test-taking strategies. Every Fellow receives personal UWorld account, one of the top-rated ACT practice platforms on the market.
ACT Workshop: Work with a trained ACT Mentor to practice ACT questions and build learning skills that make Fellows more effective when studying on their own.
“I especially love the opportunities to interact with other BRYC Fellows. I’ve built invaluable connections and made great memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”
Laila M., Fellow
Laila received a full scholarship to Spelman!
Aareena Dhillon, Director of ACT
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752
Students transitioning from middle to high school experience major life changes while adjusting to larger school environments, unfamiliar teachers, and more rigorous courses. They — and their families — benefit from support at this critical juncture. BRYC’s underclassmen program is designed to ease the transition while fostering Fellows’ academic, social, and personal growth.
Learning Prep (8th, 9th, 10th): With BRYC’s seasoned Program Managers, become an expert in the SRL (self-regulated learning) method for efficient, effective studying and skill mastery.
Learning Workshop (9th, 10th): Work with a trained Underclassmen Learning Mentor to get homework done, improve personal organization, and become a self-advocate.
Research Workshop (8th): Work with a trained Research Mentor and peers to investigate a social justice issue, then share your findings with the BRYC Community.
“I love how interactive the BRYC team is with their volunteers, Fellows, etc. Y’all give back and reward us — it feels like a family.”
Daisha G., Fellow
Chasity Kelley, Director of Programs
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752
