about.

The Readiness Foundation

The Readiness Foundation is a pioneering 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the critical needs of students who are underprepared for college and career readiness at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. We offer a true college and career readiness program for every student, regardless of socioeconomic background. Low-income students and students of color often face significant barriers in accessing essential college and career readiness resources and support systems, which are crucial for successfully navigating the complexities of higher education and career pathways.

Supported by a team of professional educators across various disciplines of college and career readiness, The Readiness Foundation has developed the first-of-its-kind AI-driven PreK through 20 college and career readiness platforms. This innovative platform empowers school districts, colleges, universities, and employers to track student progress while recruiting those students for post-secondary education or workforce opportunities within their communities.

In its first year, The Readiness Foundation helped its inaugural graduating class secure over 200 million dollars in financial aid, scholarships, and savings, with a 100 percent FAFSA completion rate. As a result, students were able to attend affordable colleges, universities, or career schools and receive the guidance needed to enter the workforce, join the military, or become the entrepreneurs of their dreams.

Every year, billions of dollars in federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships go unclaimed. At The Readiness Foundation, we are committed to empowering students and their families by providing education on the financial aid process. By demystifying the often-confusing steps involved in completing the FAFSA and state applications, we ensure that students are well-prepared to secure the funding necessary to attend college, university, or career school with full financial support.

Problems

  • Lack of Access to Resources: Many low-income students and students of color do not have access to comprehensive college and career readiness programs, which limits their ability to prepare adequately for higher education and career opportunities.
  • Insufficient Guidance and Support: There is a lack of guidance and support for students and parents to navigate the complex processes involved in college admissions and financial aid applications. Without proper support, these processes can be overwhelming and confusing.
  • Educational Inequities: Systemic inequities in the education system result in disparities in the quality of education and resources available to different groups of students, exacerbating the readiness gap.
  • Awareness and Information Gaps: Many students and parents are not fully aware of the financial aid options available to them, including federal, state, and institutional aid, as well as scholarships. This lack of awareness leads to billions of dollars in unclaimed aid each year.
  • Complexity of Financial Aid Applications: The FAFSA and state financial aid applications are often seen as complicated and difficult to complete, deterring students and parents from applying for the aid they need.

By addressing these issues, The Readiness Foundation aims to provide the necessary resources, support, and education to help students and parents successfully navigate the college and career readiness landscape.

Key Initiatives

The Readiness Foundation can help address educational problems through several key initiatives:
  1. Comprehensive Curriculum: We provide a robust college and career readiness curriculum that spans from PreK through grade 20, ensuring students receive consistent, grade-level appropriate guidance throughout their educational journey.
  2. Online AI-Driven Platform: Our platform offers personalized support, including grade-level college and career readiness videos, PDF worksheets, weekly assessments, and interactive AI advisors to answer questions and provide guidance.
  3. Financial Aid Education: We offer a year-long financial aid program for high school juniors and seniors, educating them on the various forms of financial aid and guiding them through the FAFSA and state application processes to maximize their financial aid opportunities.
  4. Professional Development for Counselors: We provide professional development sessions for school counselors, both in-person and online, to enhance their knowledge and skills in college and career readiness and financial aid completion.
  5. Grade-Level Seminars: For school districts, we offer seminar classes with over 1,500 lessons from 6th through 12th grade, focusing on college and career readiness and financial aid, ensuring students are well-prepared at every stage.
  6. Customized Platforms: We can build customized college and career readiness platforms for schools, colleges, universities, career schools, and businesses, tailored to their specific needs and helping them stay current with the evolving educational landscape.
  7. Community Support: We create a supportive environment where students and parents can ask questions, seek advice, and receive personalized consultations, ensuring they feel confident and informed throughout the college and career planning process.

Meet the team

Cass Wright

Cass Wright

Chief Executive Officer / Founder

Cass C. Wright is an accomplished education professional with extensive experience in student-centered counseling and advising. With a strong commitment to enhancing college and career readiness, Cass has held pivotal roles in various educational institutions and programs, demonstrating a remarkable ability to improve student outcomes and foster positive educational environments.

Tchad Blair

Tchad Blair

Chief Technology Officer

Tchad Blair is a problem solving web architect with proven success leading teams in building creative and effective digital experiences from concept to function. Tchad has developed a profound understanding that software is far more than a mere tool; it’s a gateway to infinite possibilities. Today, his expertise lies in not just using these technologies but in dissecting them, identifying their core functionalities and potential pitfalls.

Marlena Harris

Director of Schools

Marlena Harris serves as the Director of Schools for the Readiness Foundation, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. With a robust background in educational leadership and a passion for fostering student success, she plays a pivotal role in guiding our programs to empower students at every stage of their academic journey. Under her leadership, the Readiness Foundation thrives, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources necessary to achieve their full potential.