Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: Empowering Students Through Education

Host: Dr. Rob Harder
Guest: Yoon Choi, CEO of College Spring
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harder welcomes Yoon Choi, the CEO of College Spring, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational access for underrepresented youth affected by poverty. With over two decades of leadership experience, Yoon shares insights into her organization's mission, the evolving landscape of college admissions, and strategies for sustaining impactful nonprofit work.

Motivation and Challenges in Educational Access

Key Discussion: Yoon Choi delves into the motivations behind founding College Spring and the significant challenges faced in enhancing educational opportunities for students impacted by poverty.

Notable Quote:

"Tests are not the only thing that matters. But having a solid test score in hand is a tool. It's a competitive advantage that communities with access to more information and wealth have certainly been able to leverage."
— Yoon Choi [02:04]

Insights:

• Importance of Standardized Testing: Despite common aversions, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT remain critical in educational and professional advancement.
• Perception Barriers: Misconceptions about test-optional policies can disadvantage students who choose to submit scores.
• Equity in Education: College Spring aims to level the playing field by providing accessible test preparation, thereby reinforcing core academic skills and building student confidence.

Building Life Skills: Beyond Test Preparation

Key Discussion: The conversation shifts to how College Spring emphasizes life skills such as goal setting and resilience, which are crucial for students' long-term success.

Notable Quote:

"The student in the College Spring program who has achieved 100 points higher on the SAT score isn't simply thinking, you know, wow, I'm a great test taker now. They're thinking, you know, I know what to do to reach my goals. I can overcome obstacles."
— Yoon Choi [04:53]

Insights:

• Confidence Building: Achievements in test scores translate to increased self-esteem and broader aspirations.
• Real-Life Impact: Success stories like Giselle and Stephanie illustrate how enhanced test preparation opens up diverse career paths and educational opportunities.
• Holistic Development: College Spring's approach fosters essential skills that benefit students beyond academic achievements.

The American Dream and Educational Aspirations

Key Discussion: Yoon explores the concept of the American Dream and how College Spring helps students carve their unique paths to success through education.

Notable Quote:

"The American dream is the dream that in this country, no matter your origins, anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work."
— Yoon Choi [07:03]

Insights:

• Opportunity for All: College Spring embodies the American Dream by enabling students from diverse backgrounds to unlock new opportunities.
• Long-Term Success: Early academic preparation builds a foundation for sustained achievement and career growth.
• Cultural Impact: By embedding their programs in schools, College Spring influences the educational culture, promoting ambition and resilience.

Mergers and Acquisitions in the Nonprofit Sector

Key Discussion: Dr. Harder introduces the topic of mergers and acquisitions within nonprofits, a subject not frequently discussed, highlighting its growing relevance post-COVID.

Notable Quote:

"Partnerships are great, but more formal mergers, in my opinion, should be actively pursued and supported in our space."
— Yoon Choi [08:46]

Insights:

• Scaling Challenges: Nonprofits face barriers like limited funding and redundancy in efforts, which hinder scalability.
• Collaborative Solutions: Forming strategic partnerships can streamline resources, reduce redundancy, and amplify impact.
• Sector Evolution: There is a need for more formal mergers in the nonprofit sector to enhance efficiency and sustainability, though cultural shifts are necessary to embrace transactional collaborations.

Evolution of College Admissions and Standardized Testing

Key Discussion: The episode examines how college admissions have transformed, especially concerning the role of standardized testing.

Notable Quote:

"The changes to standardized testing are linked to that [the decreasing importance of college]. Schools that require tests or maybe make them optional are still the more competitive ones to get into."
— Yoon Choi [14:54]

Insights:

• Debate on College Value: Rising costs and competitive admission processes are leading some to question the traditional value of a college degree.
• Selective Advantages: Students with strong test scores and resources continue to access more competitive institutions, potentially widening educational disparities.
• Central Role of Testing: College Spring remains committed to robust test preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to navigate the evolving admissions landscape.

Adapting College Spring’s Approach Amidst Changes

Key Discussion: Yoon discusses how College Spring is adapting its strategies to maintain student competitiveness despite shifts in standardized testing policies.

Notable Quote:

"By preparing kids for these exams, guess what? They're all being tested on reading, math, these core subjects. We're ensuring that they're competitive for whatever path they choose after high school."
— Yoon Choi [16:59]

Insights:

• Early Engagement: College Spring now partners with schools to work with students starting as early as ninth grade, integrating test preparation into the standard curriculum.
• Comprehensive Partnerships: Collaborations with large school districts and national organizations like College Track enhance reach and effectiveness.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Emphasizing core academic skills ensures students are prepared for various post-secondary pathways, whether academic or vocational.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability through Fundraising

Key Discussion: The conversation turns to strategies for maintaining long-term sustainability for mission-driven nonprofits, with a focus on fundraising.

Notable Quote:

"We have a goal to raise earned revenue. So when partnering with a district or school or school, we ask for a fee and when they are not able to provide it, philanthropy comes in and covers it."
— Yoon Choi [18:31]

Insights:

• Dual Revenue Streams: Combining earned revenue from school partnerships with philanthropic funding ensures financial stability.
• Inclusive Access: Targeting high-poverty districts guarantees that services remain accessible to those who need them most.
• Embedded Programs: Integrating College Spring’s curriculum into regular classes fosters enduring institutional support and reduces dependency on external funding.

Balancing Academic Rigor with Inclusivity

Key Discussion: Yoon explains how College Spring maintains academic excellence while ensuring accessibility for financially disadvantaged students.

Notable Quote:

"We're ensuring that they're competitive for whatever path they choose after high school."
— Yoon Choi [16:59]

Insights:

• No Cost to Students: Programs are offered free of charge, eliminating financial barriers and promoting widespread participation.
• Scalable Impact: Successful pilot programs in diverse regions aim to validate and expand College Spring’s model nationwide.
• Educational Equity: By focusing on core skills and comprehensive preparation, College Spring upholds high academic standards while remaining inclusive.

Advice for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

Key Discussion: Yoon shares valuable advice for young professionals aspiring to lead and make a meaningful impact within the nonprofit sector.

Notable Quote:

"Be as curious and proactive in your own learning as possible. Expose yourself to all different departments and activities that drive the work that nonprofits do."
— Yoon Choi [21:30]

Insights:

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Engaging with various departments fosters a holistic understanding of nonprofit operations and enhances leadership skills.
• Proactive Learning: Taking initiative in personal development and seeking diverse experiences prepares individuals for effective leadership roles.
• Intrinsic Motivation: A passion for social change and a commitment to making a tangible impact are key drivers for sustained success in the nonprofit realm.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Rob Harder wraps up the conversation by highlighting Yoon Choi’s impactful work with College Spring and encourages listeners to connect with her organization for further involvement.

Notable Quote:

"Thanks for all you're doing to really provide access for college students, particularly those who are underserved and maybe wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise."
— Dr. Rob Harder [24:24]

Resources:

• College Spring Website: collegespring.org
• LinkedIn: Yoon Choi (@yunschoi)
• Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Community: Accessible via robharter.com

Conclusion

This episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of expanding educational access through nonprofit initiatives. Yoon Choi’s dedication to empowering underrepresented youth demonstrates the profound impact that strategic leadership and committed partnerships can have on shaping the future of education and, by extension, society.