PASSPORT TO COLLEGE
Matching Attitude with Opportunities
WHO ARE WE?
PTC is a non-profit (501c) organization that exists to identify high school students from developing countries who have a passion for one or more STEM disciplines, strong grades, and work ethics but lack the financial resources needed to pursue tertiary education. PTC assists its students in gaining admission to Historically Black Colleges or Universities. PTC provides all necessary support to high school seniors/graduates seeking admission to college/university, including:
- Preparation for college admission examinations
- Researching universities that are the best match
- Securing full scholarships covering tuition, room, and board
- Ongoing mentoring throughout undergraduate and graduate studies
- Providing school supplies (clothing, travel expenses, books, visa preparedness)
- Sponsorship as required by universities/US immigration for the awarding of a school visa.
PTC does not charge colleges/universities, parents, or students for its services. We are owned and operated by the very students we serve and by "villagers/volunteers" who choose to support our cause.
WHAT WE DO?
We are an exceptional non-profit for several reasons. One such reason is that we are run by the very students that we serve. There are no paid staff. Scholars hold voluntary positions of service for their entire undergraduate years of study; some even into their graduate and professional careers. We provide many different forms of support to our students, some of which include:
Provide School Supplies
Upon acceptance and enrollment in a university through Passport to College, students are provided with the relevant tools needed. These include laptops, books and stationery.
Coach Students
Passport to College coaches its students to function effectively in the school and work environment.
Match Students with Universities
We work with colleges and students to find the perfect match.
Provide career advice
Passport to College coaches its students to function effectively in the school and work environment.
Grant access to our
network
We work with colleges and students to find the perfect match.
Collaborate with high schools
We collaborate with high schools to find their best and brightest students whose futures may be hampered because of finances.
How We Work
Passport to College believes in the principle of Ubuntu; I am because we are. In keeping with this mantra, students demonstrate a deep sense of commitment to each other, students awaiting the same opportunities and the organization. Our villagers are a vital part of our organization. A villager is anyone who believes in and supports our cause. They contribute their time, resources, finances, mentorship, and anything that helps our students succeed.
We are committed to promoting and supporting academic excellence in students. This drives all our decisions and has proven successful in our many student success stories. We are also eager to partner with individuals and institutions which share this value.
Our Founder
Hi! I am Jean Harris.
Jean Harris is the founder and president of the Passport to College Organization. She began her career as an educator and has spent over two decades in corporate human resources and employee relations. Passionate about education, she has mentored many students, including her three children, through the college admissions process. Having grown up in a country with limited opportunities for talented youth, she is driven to connect students with life-changing educational opportunities. Jean holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Communication Studies, and she believes her purpose is to impact young lives positively. Supported by her husband Norman, Jean is committed to helping students access higher education and create opportunities for others.