Crescent City Schools is a proud partner of Reach University, a nonprofit university that employs job-embedded learning to help communities grow their talents and earn their degrees.
Director of Human Capital Amanda Hollman became aware of Reach University in Summer 2021 and knew immediately that this type of programming would be of interest to CCS.
“One of our top goals as an organization is to support and take care of our staff. We have always had plenty of strong staff members who, for one reason or another, haven’t been able to finish their Bachelor’s degrees. This program is so affordable, and built around working people with families. Additionally, CCS covers the entire tuition for staff members, allowing them to pursue their education at no cost. We knew that it could help our staff reach their own education goals and grow current staff into future teachers,” shared Amanda.
Crescent City Schools began its partnership with Reach University in Fall 2021. Eight staff members are currently enrolled in the program and an additional group of CCS staff members have applied to participate.
One of those current staff members is Derrion Burks, Office Manager, and Dance Team Coach at Dorothy Height Charter School. Derrion is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies.
“I am so grateful to be a part of this program, but if I didn’t say how hard it actually is, I wouldn’t be honest,” Derrion said. “As a full-time employee and a single parent, my schedule is tight. However, I have made it work because I am determined to finish and do well.”
Derrion has excelled in the program and recently made the Dean’s Honor Roll for her academic performance.
Derrion learned about the partnership with Reach University through the school’s newsletter and is grateful for Crescent City Schools’s support.
“If not for CCS, I would not have been able to finish my degree,” she said. “CCS gave me the support I needed.”
In addition to her own professional goals, Derrion has another strong motivation for finishing her degree, “In addition to growing professionally, I would like to finish my degree and be an example for my daughter,” she added.
“The experience has been challenging but I definitely appreciate this program and all that it has to offer,” shared Derrion.
