NBA Foundation grant propels dozens of minority teens in Baton Rouge to college

May 1 kicked off a week-long celebration for BRYC’s Senior Fellows, who officially committed to their school of choice on national “College Signing Day.”

By Perry Robinson | Published May 1, 2023 | WAFB.com

Just a few of the Class of 2023’s achievements to date. In addition to nearly 500 acceptances, BRYC’s Senior Fellows have also been awarded over $3.5 million in non-Pell Grant gift aid.

Senior Fellow Lindsay McKinney never thought this moment would come. “I thought it was going to take forever, but time flew by,” said McKinney. Lindsay is a part of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC), a non-profit that helps minority and disadvantaged students get into and graduate college. McKinney was one of 40 seniors from the group to announce their collegiate plans to attend LSU or Southern University at a special Signing Day event Monday, May 1.

According to organizers, part of their admission was paid for thanks to a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA).

”One of the things that we’ve noticed is the access, the access to higher education has been limited to some of our students and even just knowing what’s out there,” said Monica Baker, Direction of College Counseling for BRYC.

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Sign up to be a BRYC VIP!

Step 1: Create Your Galaxy Digital Account

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.

Create Your Galaxy Digital Account
Step 2: Choose Your VIP Role

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.

Choose Your VIP Role
Step 3: Background Check

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.

Complete Your Background Check
Questions?

Please contact Rachel Stevens at [email protected].

> BRYC’s Intake Process Step-by-Step Guide

In-Person Volunteer Training: Saturday, August 27

Virtual Make-Up Session: Thursday, September 8

FAQs
I'm a returning volunteer. Do I need to do this, too?

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.

I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit yet. What should I do?

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. 

What's the deadline to sign up to volunteer?

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. 

Can I create my Galaxy Digital account now and choose my VIP role later?

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.

How will BRYC use the information I share during the sign-up process?

Your privacy and safety are both extremely important to us, as is the safety of the BRYC Community. We use this information to:

  • Run a background check on every volunteer prior to the school year.
  • Design a volunteer schedule that’s convenient for you.
  • Create mutually agreeable Fellow-mentor pairs or groups.
  • Send you gifts, thank you notes, or program materials. 
Forrest Middlebrook Jr.

Forrest Middlebrook, Jr. (he/him)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT

[email protected]

Forrest joined the BRYC team as a recruitment manager in January 2022 and was promoted to associate director in January 2024. In this role, he is often the first BRYC team member prospective Fellows and families meet. Forrest drives all recruitment efforts, including working with school and community leaders to identify strong Fellow candidates and guiding families through the application and matriculation process. 

A Lake Providence, La., native, Forrest attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana, earning a bachelor’s of science in business administration. While a student, he served as a Presidential Ambassador, performing so excellently in the role that he was later hired by his alma mater as a student recruiter. A year after graduating, he was promoted to assistant director of university recruiting for the Louisiana Scholars’ College. Forrest is an avid car fan (he can name every car ever made), and he also owns a baking company, Major’s Cakes and Bakes.

Persistence Program

FINISH COLLEGE, STAY CONNECTED

Persistence Program

College Fellows & Alumni

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.

Ms. Cat and Malayasia Moses

“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

Purple Bug

Get in Touch

Catherine Molleno, Director of Persistence
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752
thebryc.org/alumni

College Access Programs

ENTER BEST-FIT COLLEGES AFFORDABLY

College Access Program

12th Grade

The college admissions process can be confusing, overwhelming, and expensive. It’s easy to lose sight of what matters: determining which school offers the greatest potential for long-term success. In BRYC’s College Access Program, seniors research the academics, campus culture, and cost (among many other factors) of colleges that interest them, then submit compelling applications.

Senior College Workshop: Work with a trained College Mentor to research schools, write essays and scholarships applications, and select an affordable, best-fit college.

ACT Prep: Work with BRYC’s five-star instructors to master key ACT concepts and test-taking strategies.

College 101: Transition smoothly to college life through a semester-long preparation program.

Patrick Saidu and John Belmontez

“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

Teal Bug

Get in Touch

Rachel Stevens, Director of Writing
[email protected]  | (225) 456-5752

ACT Programs

STRENGTHEN ACT SKILLS

ACT Preparation Program

11th Grade

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.

Upperclassmen Learning 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.

Camp S’More Points: Rising seniors attend Camp S’More Points, BRYC’s ACT “bootcamp,” in the summer between junior and senior year.

Khloe Jordan

“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!

Orange Bug

Get in Touch

Aareena Dhillon, Director of Upperclassmen Learning
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752

Underclassment Program

START HIGH SCHOOL STRONG

Underclassmen Transition Program

8th, 9th & 10th Grade

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.

Fellows working together

“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

Gold Bug

Get in Touch

Allie Diefendorf, Chief of Programs
[email protected] | (225) 456-5752

Myeisha Anderson

Myeisha Anderson (she/her)

OPERATIONS MANAGER

[email protected]

Myeisha joined the BRYC team in summer 2021 as an admissions counselor, and she was chosen to stay on as a tech assistant at the beginning of fall semester. She became a full-time team member in January 2022, serving as operations coordinator. In January 2023, she was promoted to operations manager. Myeisha is behind many of the day-to-day actions and long-term initiatives that make BRYC’s campus safe and welcoming and our programs efficient and effective. She’s also a proud BRYC alum, drawing on her valuable Fellow experience to support our current cohort. 

Myeisha received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oglethorpe University, then worked as a social services analyst with the Louisiana Department of Children & Families. A major anime fan, she previously served as secretary for Anime Anonymous. Outside of BRYC, Myeisha loves cuddling with her dachshund Roxie and collecting earrings.

Rachel Stevens

Rachel Stevens (she/her)

DIRECTOR OF WRITING

[email protected]

Rachel joined the BRYC team in 2020 and has served as a learning manager and associate director. In January 2024, she was promoted to director of writing. In this role, Rachel oversees all Senior College Workshop writing curriculum, summer writing camps, team writing instruction coaching, and initiatives that prepare 8th-11th-grade Fellows for college admissions essay composition. 

Originally from New Jersey, Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in English and American literature from New York University and worked as a publishing assistant and marketing specialist with Simon & Schuster before relocating to Flagstaff, Arizona. In Flagstaff she tutored English, interned with Northern Arizona University’s Interdisciplinary Writing Program, and taught with the Upward Bound Summer Academy while earning her master’s in rhetoric and writing instruction and a master’s certification in teaching English as a second language (TESL) from NAU. She moved to Baton Rouge in 2015 to teach at LSU, where she was an award-winning instructor and tutor, specializing in teaching young adult literature and service-learning composition courses focused on American food insecurity. When not at BRYC, Rachel is most likely baking; exercising; or going on adventures with her husband, their two dogs, and their son, Nathaniel Robin.

Ashonte Johnson

A’Shonte Johnson (she/her)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

[email protected]

A’Shonte (“Taee”) joined the BRYC team in June 2018 as a member of the AmeriCorps program Serve Louisiana. That school year, she supported the BRYC College Team and was so effective that she transitioned to a full-salaried role as soon as her service term ended in summer 2019. In July 2022, Taee was promoted to associate director of operations.

In this crucial role, Taee oversees the day-to-day functioning of BRYC’s grounds and facilities, food and transportation services, and IT infrastructure. She also plays a key role managing BRYC’s finances. Above all, Taee drives all after-school programming operations and implements systems to help physical and virtual programs run smoothly and safely. Taee’s is one of the last faces our Fellows and their parents/guardians see when they leave in the evening—a quintessential symbol of the care BRYC takes of its students. Taee earned her bachelor’s in general studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A proud Ragin’ Cajun, her passions include dance, music, family, and elementary education.

Josh Howard

Josh Howard (he/him)

CHIEF OF STAFF

[email protected]

Josh joined BRYC in spring 2017, when he was instrumental in launching BRYC’s persistence (College Fellow) services. As BRYC’s previous director of community, he oversaw BRYC’s Individualized Fellow Support model, cross-grade “community” cohorts, events, and communications. In fall 2021, Josh transitioned to chief of staff, driving BRYC’s day-to-day success strategies and long-term growth initiatives. 

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Josh graduated with a bachelor’s in mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish from Louisiana State University. While at LSU, Josh was also the manager of LSU’s 2006 Final Four basketball team. Before joining BRYC, Josh was a serial entrepreneur. He launched two companies—2BRokeGuys, a lifestyle agency that supported nonprofits, and JWH LLC, a communications consulting group he still operates. In 2016 Josh was named one of the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s Top Forty Under 40, and in 2021, Josh was recognized by the American Advertising Federation as a Mosaic Champion for his work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in advertising. He is an adjunct professor of Social Media and Digital Branding at his alma mater and enjoys working out, spending time with family, and drinking coffee.

Connor Gonzales

Connor Gonzales (he/him)

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY

[email protected]

Connor joined the BRYC team in June 2019 as a college counseling manager, then transitioned to associate director of college counseling in July 2021. In July 2022, he took on the role of BRYC’s director of community. In this role, Connor oversees BRYC’s Individualized Fellow Support (IFS) model, manages our cross-grade “community” cohorts, and leads our culture-building initiatives, including BRYC-wide and team events.

A native of Plattenville, La., Connor earned a bachelor’s degree in both history and government from Nicholls State University before securing his master’s in higher education administration and student affairs from Louisiana State University, where he served as an Office of Orientation graduate assistant. After graduate school, Connor stayed at LSU to supervise Orientation and Parent Orientation Leaders and advise LSU Ambassadors. Outside of work, Connor enjoys playing tennis and spending time with friends, family, and his two cats Elphaba and Glinda.

Brei Gage-Batiste

Brei Gage-Batiste (she/her)

RECRUITMENT MANAGER

[email protected]

Brei rejoined BRYC full time in January 2024 as a member of the recruitment team. In this role, she supports Fellow recruitment initiatives across BRYC’s three sites in East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes. In her previous role as BRYC’s associate director of underclassmen learning, Brei drove instructional coaching initiatives, helping her colleagues become more effective educators, while also leading the underclassmen program managers, designing socioemotional learning (SEL) curriculum, and advising on BRYC’s parent/guardian communications. We are delighted to welcome Brei back after a stint of classroom teaching.

A native of Port Allen, La., Brei earned her bachelor’s of science from Southeastern Louisiana University in family studies and human development in 2018. It was during undergrad that Brei developed her calling for using education as a tool to support students and families holistically — which is to say, not only helping her students succeed academically, but also supporting her students and their parents to excel relationally and socioemotionally. After graduating, Brei became a teacher-in-residence of the Relay Graduate School of Education, obtaining her master’s in teaching and special education in 2020. Brei was also a member of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Student’s 2022-2023 class of CHANGEMAKERS. Outside of school and BRYC, Brei loves spending time with family and her dog Bentley.

Allie Diefendorf

Allie Diefendorf (she/her)

CHIEF OF PROGRAMS

[email protected]

Allie joined BRYC part-time in fall 2019 and transitioned to the full-time role of director of underclassmen programs in summer 2020. In July 2022, Allie was promoted to the role of  BRYC’s chief of programs, overseeing the day-to-day success and long-term growth of our high school programming. An expert in SRL (self-regulated learning) curriculum, Allie is instrumental in developing BRYC’s statewide district partnership model. She also co-leads our VIP recruitment, matriculation, and appreciation initiatives.

Allie is a native of Albany, N.Y., and a 2014 graduate of the University of Vermont. Upon graduation, she moved to Philadelphia, Penn., where she served as an AmeriCorps member with Communities in Schools (’14-’15) and City Year Philadelphia (’15-’17). Inspired by her students in Philadelphia, Allie joined Teach For America-South Louisiana, teaching fifth grade math and science at Greenbrier Elementary School (’17-’19). After teaching, and before joining BRYC, Allie returned to work with City Year as an impact manager at IDEA Bridge Academy and College Prep. She was recently selected for the Leadership Baton Rouge Class of 2023. Outside of BRYC, Allie enjoys spending time with her dog Chicken, waking up early, reading on the porch, and being outside.

Aareena Dhillon

Aareena Dhillon Latona (she/her)

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING

[email protected]

Aareena joined BRYC as a part-time ACT learning associate in summer 2020 and transitioned to the full-time role of associate director of upperclassmen learning in summer 2021. In July 2022, she was promoted to director of upperclassmen learning (now director of learning). In this role, Aareena leads the 8-11th grade learning team; drives BRYC’s suite of ACT preparation and academic enrichment initiatives; and oversees Camp S’More Points, our bootcamp-style ACT summer course.

Aareena received her master’s in solid state physics from the University of Mumbai, India, and holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and education. Prior to coming to the United States, Aareena taught in an international school in China. Aareena’s experience includes teaching the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) in addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Prior to joining BRYC, Aareena taught at the Baton Rouge International School. Her passions include traveling, meeting new people, and trying new cuisines. In January 2022, Aareena and her husband joyfully welcomed son Baizhan to their family.

Dr. Christi Brown

Dr. Christi Hunter-Brown (she/her)

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

[email protected]

Christi began her BRYC journey as a volunteer mentor in fall 2017, and she joined the team in 2019 to provide formal counseling services to BRYC Fellows and College Fellows. Christi is a highly effective counselor who has done a great deal at BRYC to eliminate stigmas, making therapy a resource that more and more students and parents/guardians are utilizing. Christi has also helped build systems and contributed to grants to expand BRYC’s mental health services capacity.

Christi received her master’s in mental health counseling from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is not only a licensed professional counselor, but also a licensed professional counselor supervisor, a licensed addictions counselor, a nationally certified counselor, and a doctor of addiction psychology.

Catherine Molleno

Catherine Molleno (she/her)

DIRECTOR OF PERSISTENCE

[email protected]

Catherine joined the BRYC team in summer 2021. As director of persistence, she drives all of BRYC’s efforts to help College Fellows excel in and graduate from college and support Alumni in securing career-track jobs.

Originally from the Philippines, Catherine immigrated to Ohio with her mom at the age of 13. She became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning two bachelor’s of science degrees in anthropology and international studies from Ohio State University. Catherine then earned a master’s in international studies from Oklahoma State University, marking another milestone in her family. After graduate school, she joined the Peace Corps and served as a foreign language teacher in Kazakhstan. Catherine joins BRYC with considerable experience supporting college students— most recently as the director of housing and residence life at Louisiana State University-Eunice. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in higher education administration at LSU. Catherine speaks four languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Russian. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spending time with her husband, and being a dog mom to Greg, Boogie, and Odie.

Elin Hawkinson

Elin Hawkinson (she/her)

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

[email protected]

Elin joined the BRYC team in June 2020 as an ACT learning manager, supporting BRYC’s Junior and Senior Fellows on their journey to an improved ACT score. In summer 2021, she happily transitioned to a permanently remote role as BRYC’s communications manager. In July 2022, she was promoted to associate director of communications and development, then promoted again in July 2023 to director of communications and development. In this role, she drives BRYC’s fundraising efforts, including grants, annual giving, and endowments; and oversees BRYC’s major communication initiatives.

Originally from Minnesota, Elin spent over 10 years in New York City working in educational theatre before earning a bachelor’s in creative writing from The New School. She taught English as a second language in Kobe, Japan, then returned to the U.S. in 2014 to earn a master’s of fine arts in creative writing at Eastern Washington University. There, she served as the student director of the EWU Writers’ Center, a visiting creative writing teacher in the local schools, and co-host of public reading series Voiceover. After leaving Washington in 2016, she worked in communications and development roles at the University at Buffalo and the LSU Foundation while continuing to write and publish fiction. Elin, her husband Sacha, and their cat Charley live in St. Paul, Minn., where they enjoy playing in the snow.

Lucas Spielfogel

Lucas Spielfogel (he/him)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[email protected]

Lucas joined BRYC in July 2012 as executive director designate, and he officially became executive director on January 1, 2013. His primary duties are strategy, leadership, and fundraising. 

Originally from New York City, Lucas graduated with a bachelor’s in history from Yale University in May 2010, earning All-Ivy Academic Honors. He was a varsity rower all four years and captained the team his senior year. Prior to joining BRYC, Lucas taught 7th grade social studies at Baker Middle School and was named Teacher of the Year in each of his two years. He also coached the boys’ basketball team, launched a community service club, and took a group of his students to Washington, D.C. Lucas is the author of The College Playbook, a guide to the college and financial aid application processes. He sits on Emory University’s College Advocate Advisory Board, and is a recipient of the John W. Barton Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award, BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana Foundation’s Angel Award, and The Links’ Louisiana Role Model Award.

Under Lucas’ leadership, BRYC has grown from supporting 50 high school students in 2012-2013 to serving 350 high schoolers and 670 alumni in 2023-2024.

> MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR