How to know you’re ready to start a school

Our three-part series features interviews with three incredible school founders. In part one, they share their journey, starting with their own childhood experiences that stuck with them to the moment they realized they were ready to start their own school.

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Miami-Dade: 4th largest school district, 92% students of color. Why aren't more people talking about it?

"In 2017, I did 1:1s with over 400 people in Miami. Parents, teachers, community members -- everyone is on the same page: we all agree the system here is broken." Yannell Selman reflects on her identity as a Latinx entrepreneur, teacher, and community organizer and her path to the Camelback Fellowship. 

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The system was not made to support students of color. So I made a school that did

Jonathan Johnson began his journey to founding a school when one of his students died tragically in a drug deal. He resolved to create an innovative school that provides pathways to financial freedom. The school opened its doors in August to its first class of 9th-graders, mostly of color. After their first semester, Jonathan shares Rooted's early successes, the most inspiring moment of his career so far, and advice for aspiring school founders. 

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I gave a student his third suspension; what he said next changed my life

Tyler Brewster was the Dean of Discipline for a school in her childhood neighborhood. After 10 years in education, she thought she knew what her role was in education. One day, she met with a student who had already received a few suspensions. The conversation they had changed her life forever. 

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Making the A$k: A 3 Step Guide for Pitches

Many for-profit leaders seem unafraid to ask for the money they need to start up; but I continue to see non-profit leaders struggle to make the ask...Because most funders speak finance, it is key that you can not only tell them why your business is important, but explain to them how they can support you in achieving your goals.

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resourceMorgan Ripski
Finding My Tribe

James Kim, 2017 Camelback Fellow, shares his perspective on the first Summit: "It's Day 1 of the Camelback Summit — I marveled at where I was, who I was with, and how I came to be here. What emerged for me was a profound recognition of how immensely varied our journeys have been."

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