FROM BOOKS TO COLLEGE
Mission STATEMENT
Khadyajah believes no child should have to imagine what's possible from an empty shelf. Her work has put 7,000+ free books into Houston hands and carried 600+ students to a 100% college acceptance rate.
“AFTER THE ACCEPTANCE” MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Nationally, 10 to 20% of college-intending students never make it to campus in the fall, and melt rates run significantly higher among low-income students. After the Acceptance pairs high school seniors with industry professionals through senior year, the summer, and freshman year — the exact window where support disappears. Students who don't enroll that first fall are far less likely to ever re-enroll.
Source: EdResearch for Action, Annenberg Institute at Brown University, via the National College Attainment Network (2026).
What to Expect
Every mentor and student receives a monthly newsletter with what to focus on in conversation — no guessing, no awkward first calls. Through senior year, that structure builds the relationship. After graduation, pairs set their own schedule, because by then the rapport is real.
Matched by Field
Paired with a professional already working in the industry they're headed toward
Senior Year To Sophomore Year
18 months of support: senior year, the summer, and all of freshman year
One to One
Every student has a name, a match, and a person who notices when they go quiet
Built on Evidence
Designed around what research shows actually keeps students enrolled
mentor interest form
Past Projects
Books in schools. Books in shelters. Books in the hands of 7,000+ Houstonians. From hand-to-hand distribution in Sunnyside to a citywide book fair and sponsorships with the University of Houston and Project Row Houses, this is the work so far.
