A Conversation with Our 2025 Excellence In College Counseling Winners

For the past decade, Reach Higher has empowered students to own their futures and choose their paths after high school. After transitioning from the Obama White House to joining forces with Common App in 2019, we’ve seen the immense impact of school counselors who work tirelessly to guide and support students on this journey. That’s why we created the Excellence in College Counseling Award to recognize the outstanding work of high school counselors dedicated to increasing college access for their students.

In conjunction with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers celebration, our Excellence in College Counseling (EICC) Award is given each year to a counseling team at a high school that supports a high percentage of students from low-income families and is located within the host state of the College Football Playoff National Championship game. We are excited to announce the KIPP Forward Team at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School in Atlanta, Georgia, as our 2025 EICC recipient!

We asked a few key members of this all-star team to share their reflections on their time at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School (KAC). Meet:

• Melanie Harper – College Match Counselor
• Jodeci Acosta Gorman – Director of HS Transition
• Atua Emu – Director of College Match
• Authur Washington – Principal
• Irving Williams – Managing Director of KIPP Forward

It is evident that you care about each student you work with. What fuels your passion for helping students?

Atua Emu: I believe that all scholars have limitless potential and deserve access to high-quality college counseling and support. Whether it’s celebrating their Career Interest Survey completion with a pizza party or ringing the bell when a scholar earns a qualifying ASVAB score or receives a scholarship, these moments of joy are what keep me motivated every day. Access to counseling and advising is crucial, and I’m proud to lead a team that is committed to providing support. Some of the most rewarding moments are when scholars stop me during check-ins or hall duty to share their achievements. Their growth and progress inspire me. 

How did you choose the college counseling path?

Melanie Harper: When I was in high school, I often felt overlooked and misunderstood by my own counselor. Those feelings of invisibility shaped my commitment to become a college counselor. I wanted to create a space where every scholar feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances. As someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I didn’t have role models in school who I could look to for understanding or support. That experience solidified my commitment to being an ally and an example for my scholars. I strive to be someone who not only listens but truly understands what it’s like to navigate challenges and still strive for greatness. I chose this path because I believe that every student—no matter where they come from—deserves the best opportunities, and it is my responsibility to ensure that they have access to those opportunities.

When you reflect on your role as a counselor over the years, what is an accomplishment you are particularly proud of?

Jodeci Acosta-Gorman: One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is building a comprehensive support system that ensures every scholar feels seen, supported, and equipped to navigate their post-secondary journey. A highlight has been achieving consistently high FAFSA completion rates, which directly impacts scholars’ ability to access financial aid and attend college. Seeing students take ownership of their futures — whether through college, technical programs, or other pathways — reinforces the importance of the work we do and the lasting impact it has on their lives.

What about your role brings you the most joy?

Melanie Harper: The greatest joy in my work comes from knowing that I’m not just impacting one student’s life but changing the trajectory of entire families and communities. Seeing my scholars, who are often underestimated or overlooked, step into spaces where they can thrive alongside peers with vastly different privileges is powerful. These are students with untapped leadership potential, and I am energized by the chance to help them see what I see in them. It’s about empowering them to dream bigger, invest in themselves, and pave the way for their siblings, families, and communities. It’s a form of community building, where each scholar’s success represents a step forward for everyone connected to them. For me, there is no greater joy than knowing that the time, care, and knowledge I’ve shared will enable them to build lives of purpose, stability, and fulfillment.

Can you talk about the KIPP Forward Team dynamic?

Atua Emu: While we have four teams who may work with different groups of scholars and alumni, we all share a commitment to supporting their success at every stage of their journey. Whether scholars are participating in Career Days at one of our five middle schools, receiving college and career readiness seminars at KAC, getting assistance with college applications and FAFSA, ASVAB preparation, job placement assistance, or monthly wellness and academic check-ins with alumni, we are dedicated to providing holistic support. We believe in the power of building strong relationships with our scholars and alumni, and we show up every day to support them. We like to say, KIPP Forward is with you for life!

How does the KIPP Forward Team collaborate with teachers and other staff at KAC to encourage students to pursue post-secondary opportunities?

Jodeci Acosta-Gorman: At KAC, the KIPP Forward Team works hand in hand with teachers and staff to support scholars as they explore and pursue the futures they dream of. Through our graded seminar courses, we guide sophomores, juniors, and seniors in discovering pathways like college, military service, career and technical education, workforce, inclusive education, and more. For freshmen, our High School Transition course — led by a teacher who also serves as a dedicated KIPP Forward Match Instructor — provides a strong foundation, helping them navigate the shift to high school while encouraging them to take advantage of opportunities that will shape their long-term success. This partnership reflects the heart of what we do: working together to empower scholars to believe in and actively pursue the rewarding futures they deserve.

One of our favorite events we’ve helped champion is College Signing Day. You host a huge post-secondary celebration event for your students called “Reveal the Shield.” How did this event come to be, and what does it mean for you and your students?

Authur “Baba” Washington: Reveal the Shield grew from a need to shift from the College Signing Day tradition. While College Signing Day was an amazing event that celebrated our seniors, we realized that not all of our scholars were heading to college. For seniors who chose other paths like career technical education, trades,  the military, or the workforce, it wasn’t inclusive. Some scholars felt left out or discouraged. When I became Principal in 2021, we made a change. By partnering with the KIPP Forward team, we created Reveal the Shield. Instead of just focusing on college, we celebrate every scholar’s plans—whether that’s a four-year or two-year college, military, trade school, or entering the workforce. Our scholars reveal their plans on their warrior shields showing their pride as a KAC Warrior. This shift has made a huge impact. Scholars feel celebrated, no matter what path they choose. As we approach our fourth year of Reveal the Shield, it’s become a powerful tradition that unites our entire community to support every student’s journey. 

What does excellence in college counseling mean to you?

Irving Williams: It begins with an unwavering commitment to understanding the scholar as an individual. We can better support scholars as they navigate the pathway of their choosing, ensuring their journey aligns with their aspirations and long-term goals. And it goes beyond academic advising; it’s about fostering confidence and self-awareness. We must help scholars take stock of their strengths while thoughtfully acknowledging areas for growth. True freedom of choice arises when scholars fully understand their potential — the magnitude of their talents, the depth of their capabilities, and the vast opportunities available. It is our job to highlight and provide the guidance needed for them to seize them. Excellence in college counseling means being present, patient, and persistent. At its core, it’s about ensuring that each scholar knows they are not just prepared for college but prepared to thrive in life.

The KIPP Forward team at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School exemplifies the transformative power of counseling. Their steadfast commitment to nurturing a college-going culture, offering comprehensive support, and celebrating each student’s post-secondary journey sets a remarkable example for educators.