What if we could engage, connect, and support every high achieving, low-income student at scale and help set them on a substantially stronger education and leadership trajectory?
We do so in pursuit of a vision that, one day, the diversity of those occupying our nation’s highly-skilled jobs and highest leadership positions will be as rich as the diversity of our population.
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
of alumni complete college in four years, and 100% do so within six years
of scholars graduate from high school and gain admission to a four-year college
Average student loan debt after four years of college is $8,000 among low-income scholars, and $15,000 overall.
We support talented students on their path to top colleges. We do so through the following programs:
Striver Program
Your Decade-Long Partner, Start to Finish
Weekly virtual college readiness workshops, expert one-on-one advising, and strategic support from 9th grade through college graduation. Striver Scholars receive personalized guidance on coursework, extracurriculars, elite pre-college programs, and the admissions process, plus leadership development that prepares them to thrive on campus and beyond.
Conquering College Admissions Partnership
Our virtual Conquering College Admissions Boot Camp is a week-long program for high-achieving high school students (grades 9–11) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to excel in high school, navigate the college admissions process, and secure the best financial aid possible.
For the 2025–2026 program year, we are expanding nationwide and seeking five to seven schools, districts, or states to partner with us in delivering this transformative 10-month support to students and families.
Parent Network
Our Parent Network provides wraparound services that empower families to be confident, informed advocates. Through biweekly workshops and a supportive peer community, parents gain the knowledge and connections they need to guide their students through high school, college applications, and beyond.
“TeenSHARP told me, ‘If it’s not there, then make it yourself.’ My principal said I couldn’t start a Black Student Union at school. So, I co-founded the Delaware Black Student Coalition — for the whole state.”
Tariah, Class of '25
Howard University
“Because of TeenSHARP, I decided to apply Early Decision to my dream school. I submitted my application months ahead of schedule thanks to how much writing and research Ms. Tatiana had us do.”
Josh, Class of '25
Cornell University
“Metal sharpens metal. At TeenSHARP, I’ve met students who inspire me to do more and better. Everyone supports each other, works together, and celebrates each other.”
Hasana, Class of '25
Pomona College
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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.
Hundreds of Delaware Students to Spend Spring Break Preparing for College Through Statewide Bootcamp TeenSHARP and the Delaware Department of Education lead statewide effort to
The Quiet Erosion Undermining College Readiness and Leadership
The Quiet Erosion Undermining College Readiness and Leadership Last week, we hosted a workshop for TeenSHARP families. While the session was designed for parents and
Four TeenSHARP Seniors Earn Full, Four-Year Scholarships to Top Colleges Through QuestBridge
WILMINGTON, DE – December 12, 2025 – As seniors across the country are applying to colleges, four TeenSHARP scholars have secured full, four-year scholarships to
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.
Zoha is driven by a deep passion for education and social justice. With over 8 years of experience in the development sector, she has made significant contributions to various education projects aimed at increasing access and equity. Zoha’s commitment to empowering learners stems from her belief that education is a fundamental right. She honed her expertise at Harvard University, earning a Master’s in Education and Technology, building upon her undergraduate studies in Public Policy.
Based in the Bay Area, Zoha loves exploring the diverse California landscape, especially through hiking. When she’s not championing educational equity, you can find her baking, hitting the trails, or enjoying the outdoor.
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.
