TeenSHARP is a college access and leadership development organization preparing high-achieving Black, Latino, low-income, and first-generation students to thrive at top colleges with minimal or no debt. By expanding educational opportunity for families nationwide, TeenSHARP is helping shape a future where the next generation of leaders reflects the full brilliance and diversity of our communities.
Gain the college readiness guidance, mentorship, and leadership development to access top colleges and premier pre-college programs
Navigate the college admissions and financial aid process with expert support, trusted resources, and a community invested in your student’s success
Partner with TeenSHARP to expand college access, strengthen student outcomes, and connect students to transformative opportunities
Invest in a proven model that expands educational opportunity, strengthens economic mobility, and develops the next generation of leaders and changemakers
Too many high-achieving Black, Latino, low-income, and first-generation students are underestimated or lack access to the guidance and opportunities needed to reach the nation’s top colleges. Yet those institutions often provide the strongest pathways to social mobility, powerful networks, and long-term opportunity.
TeenSHARP’s programs, courses, and resources are increasing college access, college affordability, and alumni success.
Academic success alone is not enough to prepare students for the future. Young people also need the confidence, leadership skills, and sense of purpose to navigate college, careers, and their communities.
TeenSHARP helps students develop the voice, resilience, and leadership capacity to lead meaningful change. Through mentorship, community, and high expectations, students grow into leaders who are prepared to make an impact wherever they go.
TeenSHARP connects students to a powerful network rooted in excellence, ambition, and shared success. Through long-term mentorship, meaningful relationships, and a strong community of scholars and alumni, students gain the confidence, connections, and support needed to thrive in college, careers, and leadership for years to come.
Over the last 16 years, TeenSHARP has been able to reach beyond large urban areas and school districts to support talent in small towns, cities, and rural communities
alumni and 150 scholars currently enrolled
students currently served nationwide
of alumni graduate college within four years, and 100% within six
of scholars graduate from high school and gain admission to a four
Short, practical lessons and student stories that help families navigate school, college admissions, leadership, scholarships, and long-term success.
The College Prep Blueprint is a bi-monthly newsletter designed to help educators, school system leaders, youth-serving professionals, and parents guide students in accessing top colleges.
As Selective College Acceptance Rates Hit Historic Lows, TeenSHARP Students
The Quiet Erosion Undermining College Readiness and Leadership Last week,
The College Readiness Assessment helps students understand how their academic choices, extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and summer activities align with the expectations of selective colleges. By identifying strengths and areas for growth early, students can make more informed decisions and build stronger, more competitive applications over time.
Caelin Foley, CA
School
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Caelin Foley, STATE
School
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Caelin Foley, STATE
School
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Deborah leads TeenSHARP’s parent empowerment work with love, conviction, and credibility. She grew up in one of America’s poorest cities (Camden, NJ), has served as an elected school board member, raised two sons who have accessed higher education successfully (one is a TeenSHARP alumnus and McCabe Scholar at Swarthmore) along with her husband, and has helped many more families prepare their children for college.
Alina de Zoysa is a proud product of the TeenSHARP Striver Program, as her journey with the organization began when she was in the 7th grade, spending 6 years of her life as a TeenSHARPie. With the support of TeenSHARP, Alina attended Washington and Lee University as a Johnson Scholar. Throughout her college experience, she uncovered a true passion for working with her students and supporting their journeys to success, just as TeenSHARP once did for her. After being named as an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, alongside two of her incredibly bright TeenSHARP peers, she engaged in shaping equity-centered education policy at the U.S. Department of Education while completing her Summer Voyage. She was grateful to return to the TeenSHARP team in January 2025, serving as our Lead Underclassmen Advisor. As our Pre-College Programs Coordinator, she is inspired to continue growing with TeenSHARP. Specifically, Alina is focused on collaborating with underrepresented communities to promote inclusive access to innovative and effective resources that help dismantle systemic barriers.
Sara Petty is TeenSHARP’s powerhouse Director of Pre-College Success, orchestrating a nationwide expansion to ensure that talented Black, Latino, and low-income students have a direct path to elite colleges. With a proven track record from her days scaling a college access program in Houston, Sara has a knack for turning educational challenges into triumphs. She thrives on transforming obstacles into opportunities and is known for her relentless drive and innovative solutions. When she’s not making waves in the world of education, you can find her brainstorming the next big idea over a cup of coffee or diving into a new book that sparks her curiosity. Sara’s mission? To make sure every student has the chance to unlock their full potential and claim their spot in the future’s top colleges.
For over 18 years, Tamara has been a passionate advocate for educational equity, inclusion, and the overall improvement of support structures to build a solid foundation for the journey of learning. Driven by a desire to see all students and families thrive, she has successfully led major projects of varying budget sizes, while also co-creating and implementing innovative strategies at mission-driven organizations across various operational areas, from technology and project management to legal and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIB) initiatives.
Her journey began in a large urban school district, where she spent a significant portion of her career leading the development of critical strategies that served over 86,000 students. This experience allowed her to work closely with a diverse team of over 10,000 employees, understanding and addressing needs across all levels of the organization. Her collaborative spirit extended beyond the school district, fostering strong partnerships with parent groups, community organizations, and government entities.
Tamara’s dedication to education stems from a deeply personal place. As a mother to two inspiring children, Harmony and Hudson, she sees firsthand the potential and power of having access to opportunities, caring adults, and belief in that which is greater than yourself. This unwavering belief in the power of serving others, access, equity, and education to empower and transform lives fuels her commitment to continuous learning and creating equitable opportunities for all.
Our “force of nature” founder came to New Jersey from Ukraine for graduate school over a decade ago and immediately put her hands to the work of community empowerment and expanding educational opportunity. She has experience managing youth programs for the UN in Ukraine (at the age of 19!), teaching at Temple University, building/managing nonprofit organizations, and supporting students to and through college. She is also a mother to three lovely kids (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), plays guitar and piano, and makes amazing soups!
As TeenSHARP’s resident historian, Atnre is quick to share stories of the organization’s humble church basement beginnings, its growing pains, and many milestones. With his background in research and evaluation, policy and advocacy, communications, technology, and instruction, he has the type of Swiss Army knife skills that are critical in a fast-paced social impact organization. He has three lovely children (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), an amazing wife (TeenSHARP’s Co-Founder), and he plays bass guitar and blogs when he finds the time.