ABOUT
ELITE SCHOLARS
WITH A PURPOSE

ABOUT
ELITE SCHOLARS
WITH A PURPOSE

ELITE SCHOLARS
WITH A PURPOSE

ELITE SCHOLARS WITH A PURPOSE

Our aim is to educate others and create partnerships to sustain this necessary work of supporting African American and Hispanic males as they proceed throughout their college journey. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement and growth of our mission and vision.


MISSION

At Elite Scholars With a Purpose we believe leadership begins with learning. That is why we focus on empowering minority foster youths to invest in their futures.


VISION

Empowerment through education, for generations.

Our aim is to educate others and create partnerships to sustain this necessary work of supporting African American and Hispanic males as they proceed throughout their college journey. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement and growth of our mission and vision.


MISSION

At Elite Scholars With a Purpose we believe leadership begins with learning. That is why we focus on empowering minority foster youths to invest in their futures.


VISION

Empowerment through education, for generations.

Our aim is to educate others and create partnerships to sustain this necessary work of supporting African American and Hispanic males as they proceed throughout their college journey. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement and growth of our mission and vision.


MISSION

At Elite Scholars With a Purpose we believe leadership begins with learning. That is why we focus on empowering minority foster youths to invest in their futures.


VISION

Empowerment through education, for generations.


Our aim is to educate others and create partnerships to sustain this necessary work of supporting African American and Hispanic males as they proceed throughout their college journey. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement and growth of our mission and vision.


MISSION

At Elite Scholars With a Purpose we believe leadership begins with learning. That is why we focus on empowering minority foster youths to invest in their futures.


VISION

Empowerment through education, for generations.

We hope to empower foster African American and Hispanic males aging out of the foster system to further their education and address the variables that hinder foster youth, specifically males of color, that have aged out of foster care from attending higher education.

We hope to empower foster African American and Hispanic males aging out of the foster system to further their education and address the variables that hinder foster youth, specifically males of color, that have aged out of foster care from attending higher education.

We hope to empower foster African American and Hispanic males aging out of the foster system to further their education and address the variables that hinder foster youth, specifically males of color, that have aged out of foster care from attending higher education.

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Somé McCowan

President,

Chief Executive Officer

President,

Chief Executive Officer

Shaun Ratcliff

Vice President,

Chief Development Officer

Vice President,

Chief Development Officer

M.T.  Tyeskie

Board Member


President

Chief Executive Officer

President

Chief Executive Officer

Somé McCowan

Somé McCowan

Somé McCowan

Shaun Ratcliff

Shaun Ratcliff

Shaun Ratcliff

Vice President

Chief Development Officer

Vice President

Chief Development Officer

Dr. Dessynie Edwards

Board Member

Dr. Shannon Taylor

Board Member

Dr. Shannon Taylor

Board Member

David Trevino

Board Member

Dr. Dessynie Edwards

Board Member

David Trevino

Board Member

Dr. Dessynie Edwards

Board Member

Dr. Chris Ratcliff

Board Member

Dr. Chris Ratcliff

Board Member

About the Founders

About the Founders

About the Founders

Shaun and Somé started Elite Scholars With A Purpose in October of 2023. It was after Somé watched a Lifetime movie about the foster care system and learned the alarming statistics for youth that age out of the foster care system that a seed was planted to create ESWP in order to bring influence and impact to this social group.


Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Shaun and Somé started Elite Scholars With A Purpose in October of 2023. It was after Somé watched a Lifetime movie about the foster care system and learned the alarming statistics for youth that age out of the foster care system that a seed was planted to create ESWP in order to bring influence and impact to this social group.


Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Shaun and Somé started Elite Scholars With A Purpose in October of 2023. It was after Somé watched a Lifetime movie about the foster care system and learned the alarming statistics for youth that age out of the foster care system that a seed was planted to create ESWP in order to bring influence and impact to this social group.


Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Our Board

Our Board

Our Board

We are blessed to have a powerful and effective board of directors. Our board members bring years of experience from various backgrounds to their oversight of ESWP.
We've asked each of our members:

We are blessed to have a powerful and effective board of directors. Our board members bring years of experience from various backgrounds to their oversight of Elite Scholars With a Purpose.

We are blessed to have a powerful and effective board of directors. Our board members bring years of experience from various backgrounds to their oversight of Elite Scholars With a Purpose.

"What does it mean to be a part of an organization that supports marginalized groups with opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and resources to support them as they pursue higher education?"
"What does it mean to be a part of an organization that supports marginalized groups with opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and resources to support them as they pursue higher education?"
"What does it mean to be a part of an organization that supports marginalized groups with opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and resources to support them as they pursue higher education?"

M.T.  TYESKIE

"Serving on this board allows me to actively work towards evening the playing field for minority groups and providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have. By supporting initiatives that open doors to education, this organization plays a role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity.


Establishing scholarships can remove obstacles; mentorship offers guidance and assistance. Resources provide the necessary tools for academic and personal achievement. Together, these initiatives can empower individuals to realize their potential, share perspectives, and drive positive transformations within their communities and beyond.


It’s all about creating an environment where everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. Being engaged in such an organization means joining a movement towards fairness and opportunity, and it's both an honor and a duty to contribute to this cause. I will humbly serve in any capacity needed to ensure the success of our future leaders." Read more about M.T. Tyeskie here

M.T.  TYESKIE

"Serving on this board allows me to actively work towards evening the playing field for minority groups and providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have. By supporting initiatives that open doors to education, this organization plays a role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity.


Establishing scholarships can remove obstacles; mentorship offers guidance and assistance. Resources provide the necessary tools for academic and personal achievement. Together, these initiatives can empower individuals to realize their potential, share perspectives, and drive positive transformations within their communities and beyond.


It’s all about creating an environment where everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. Being engaged in such an organization means joining a movement towards fairness and opportunity, and it's both an honor and a duty to contribute to this cause. I will humbly serve in any capacity needed to ensure the success of our future leaders." Read more about M.T. Tyeskie here

M.T.  TYESKIE

"Serving on this board allows me to actively work towards evening the playing field for minority groups and providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have. By supporting initiatives that open doors to education, this organization plays a role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity.


Establishing scholarships can remove obstacles; mentorship offers guidance and assistance. Resources provide the necessary tools for academic and personal achievement. Together, these initiatives can empower individuals to realize their potential, share perspectives, and drive positive transformations within their communities and beyond.


It’s all about creating an environment where everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. Being engaged in such an organization means joining a movement towards fairness and opportunity, and it's both an honor and a duty to contribute to this cause. I will humbly serve in any capacity needed to ensure the success of our future leaders." Read more about M.T. Tyeskie here

DR. SHANNON TAYLOR

"Being apart of ESWP aligns with the core values I hold as a professional dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being among children and adolescents. Access to education is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical determinant of individual and collective success and prosperity. By providing scholarships, mentorships, and resources, we empower marginalized groups to overcome systemic barriers and achieve their full potential academically and personally.


Moreover, as someone who has witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of social inequalities on cognitive development and psychological functioning, I understand the importance of addressing these disparities at their roots. By investing in education and supporting marginalized students, we not only enhance their life chances but also contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society." Read more about Dr. Shannon Taylor here

DR. SHANNON TAYLOR

"Being apart of ESWP aligns with the core values I hold as a professional dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being among children and adolescents. Access to education is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical determinant of individual and collective success and prosperity. By providing scholarships, mentorships, and resources, we empower marginalized groups to overcome systemic barriers and achieve their full potential academically and personally.


Moreover, as someone who has witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of social inequalities on cognitive development and psychological functioning, I understand the importance of addressing these disparities at their roots. By investing in education and supporting marginalized students, we not only enhance their life chances but also contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society." Read more about Dr. Shannon Taylor here

DR. SHANNON TAYLOR

"Being apart of ESWP aligns with the core values I hold as a professional dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being among children and adolescents. Access to education is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical determinant of individual and collective success and prosperity. By providing scholarships, mentorships, and resources, we empower marginalized groups to overcome systemic barriers and achieve their full potential academically and personally.


Moreover, as someone who has witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of social inequalities on cognitive development and psychological functioning, I understand the importance of addressing these disparities at their roots. By investing in education and supporting marginalized students, we not only enhance their life chances but also contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society." Read more about Dr. Shannon Taylor here

DAVID TREVINO

"I support students who are driven to reach their full potential at an institution of higher education. I firmly advocate for first-generation students who need assistance while in college with scholarships, which will release stress from trying to pay their full tuition independently.


As a first-generation college student myself, a son of an immigrant family, and a migrant seasonal farmwork child, I can attest that being provided scholarships, mentorship, and resources has brought me to the field of education and serve others so that the, too, can make their dreams become reality. I will continue to support, advocate, and be a member to provide the best educational outcome for students. I am proud to serve the community of the Dallas Fort Worth Area.


Marginalized communities nationwide will receive mentorship from their mentors, which will provide them tips on how to self-advocate for themselves, take the suitable fit class in college, and promote leadership opportunities while in college. The organization will provide students with resources that will significantly assist them in passing their classes and help build a network for future job opportunities." Read more about David Trevino here

DAVID TREVINO

"I support students who are driven to reach their full potential at an institution of higher education. I firmly advocate for first-generation students who need assistance while in college with scholarships, which will release stress from trying to pay their full tuition independently.


As a first-generation college student myself, a son of an immigrant family, and a migrant seasonal farmwork child, I can attest that being provided scholarships, mentorship, and resources has brought me to the field of education and serve others so that the, too, can make their dreams become reality. I will continue to support, advocate, and be a member to provide the best educational outcome for students. I am proud to serve the community of the Dallas Fort Worth Area.


Marginalized communities nationwide will receive mentorship from their mentors, which will provide them tips on how to self-advocate for themselves, take the suitable fit class in college, and promote leadership opportunities while in college. The organization will provide students with resources that will significantly assist them in passing their classes and help build a network for future job opportunities." Read more about David Trevino here

DAVID TREVINO

"I support students who are driven to reach their full potential at an institution of higher education. I firmly advocate for first-generation students who need assistance while in college with scholarships, which will release stress from trying to pay their full tuition independently.


As a first-generation college student myself, a son of an immigrant family, and a migrant seasonal farmwork child, I can attest that being provided scholarships, mentorship, and resources has brought me to the field of education and serve others so that the, too, can make their dreams become reality. I will continue to support, advocate, and be a member to provide the best educational outcome for students. I am proud to serve the community of the Dallas Fort Worth Area.


Marginalized communities nationwide will receive mentorship from their mentors, which will provide them tips on how to self-advocate for themselves, take the suitable fit class in college, and promote leadership opportunities while in college. The organization will provide students with resources that will significantly assist them in passing their classes and help build a network for future job opportunities." Read more about David Trevino here

DR. CHRIS RATCLIFF

"While I am not part of a marginalized group, I have witnessed firsthand how opportunities for higher education can transform the lives of marginalized individuals. Growing up in a marginalized community and working in higher education for the past 25 years, I have seen how these opportunities empower individuals and create life-changing impacts.


The long-term benefits of obtaining a degree are profound and far-reaching. Being part of an organization that supports marginalized groups in their educational pursuits is a commitment to fostering equality, providing opportunities, and making a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole." Read more about Dr. Chris Ratcliff here

DR. CHRIS RATCLIFF

"While I am not part of a marginalized group, I have witnessed firsthand how opportunities for higher education can transform the lives of marginalized individuals. Growing up in a marginalized community and working in higher education for the past 25 years, I have seen how these opportunities empower individuals and create life-changing impacts.


The long-term benefits of obtaining a degree are profound and far-reaching. Being part of an organization that supports marginalized groups in their educational pursuits is a commitment to fostering equality, providing opportunities, and making a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole." Read more about Dr. Chris Ratcliff here

DR. CHRIS RATCLIFF

"While I am not part of a marginalized group, I have witnessed firsthand how opportunities for higher education can transform the lives of marginalized individuals. Growing up in a marginalized community and working in higher education for the past 25 years, I have seen how these opportunities empower individuals and create life-changing impacts.


The long-term benefits of obtaining a degree are profound and far-reaching. Being part of an organization that supports marginalized groups in their educational pursuits is a commitment to fostering equality, providing opportunities, and making a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole." Read more about Dr. Chris Ratcliff here

Elite Scholars with a Purpose is a 501 c (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt Texas corporation. Gifts to Elite Scholars with a Purpose are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Elite Scholars with a Purpose is a 501 c (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt Texas corporation. Gifts to Elite Scholars with a Purpose are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Elite Scholars with a Purpose is a 501 c (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt Texas corporation. Gifts to Elite Scholars with a Purpose are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

© 2024 Elite Scholars With A Purpose. All rights reserved.

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© 2024 Elite Scholars With A Purpose. All rights reserved.

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Privacy Policy

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© 2024 Elite Scholars With A Purpose. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

© 2024 Elite Scholars With A Purpose. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions