Urban Arts is celebrating our Director of Post-secondary Success Joelle Blackstock being included in Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40.
Per Crain’s: “New York is a city powered by ambition, and this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees are a driving force behind its momentum. These rising stars are tackling some of the city’s most pressing challenges, from guiding young people to college to advancing affordable housing solutions.”
Joelle is a powerhouse in post-secondary success, transforming the futures of countless young people at Urban Arts. Joelle has led the organization to an astounding 100% college matriculation rate, with students earning a staggering $46 Million in scholarships since just 2017. Through her efforts, Joelle ensures that financial barriers never stand in the way of ambition, giving students the resources, confidence and support to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Many of the students Joelle serves attend schools that lack dedicated college counselors, making her work all the more vital. Her creative and effective initiatives include one-on-one college counseling, dedicated access courses for families, essay and application support, and financial aid guidance, all designed to maximize experience and minimize student debt.
Beyond admissions, Joelle has cultivated mentorships and internships with powerful corporate partners, positioning students for early career success. Through personalized guidance, she helps students craft resumes and robust digital portfolios, strengthening their applications and making them stand out to both colleges and employers.
Joelle is shaping a new talent pipeline, ensuring that the next generation of leaders emerges from Urban Arts to define their own futures. In a world where equitable college and career access remain an urgent challenge, Joelle is a beacon of opportunity.
Interested in our college access program? Connect here collegeaccess@urbanarts.org
