Atlantic High senior Lorendie Exavier, who plans to attend FAU, credits Carmen Spangaro, a mentor with the Scholar Career Coaching program available at Atlantic. Photo provided
By Faran Fagen
A senior leader for the Scholar Career Coaching club at Atlantic High School has received 10 college acceptance letters. Two twin scholars, standout stars in the program, have each been accepted into eight different colleges.
These are just some of the achievements for Scholar Career Coaching, an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mentorship, college readiness and career development programs to high school students.
To date, the organization has served more than 1,000 students and awarded $80,000 in scholarships.
It serves students at Atlantic, Boynton Beach and Santaluces high schools. Students at these schools participate in the College and Career Readiness Club, an after-school mentorship program designed to provide academic guidance, career coaching, financial literacy and scholarship support.
Scholar CC, started in 2012, primarily serves first-generation college students and English-language learners, ensuring they have tools and resources needed to succeed beyond high school.
“Being in Scholar CC has connected me to a vast network and opportunities that have shaped my academic and personal growth,” Lorendie Exavier said.
Exavier is a senior from eastern Delray Beach who’s been in the Atlantic CCR club since her junior year. She plans to attend Florida Atlantic University.
“As a minority and first-generation college student, Scholar Career Coaching has provided me with important resources to be successful in high school,” Exavier said. “I’ve learned about colleges and scholarships and attended summer programs.”
Like all students involved in the program, she had a mentor who guided her and helped her develop professional skills. Also, through Scholar CC’s standardized test tutoring, she was able to significantly improve her test scores.
Some of the organization’s services include college and career exploration such as guidance on applications, financial aid, and career pathways.
Industry professionals share career insights and advice. Résumé building, interview prep, scholarship and leadership development, budgeting, credit management, student loan awareness, and self-advocacy training round out the education.
“Watching our scholars grow and thrive fills me with immense pride,” said Lynne Gassant, founder and executive director. “We believe in unlocking potential through mentorship, and nothing is more rewarding than witnessing student success.”
Through mentorship, test prep and hands-on workshops, the program equips students with real-world skills essential for college and the workforce.
Scholar CC awards nonrenewable scholarships to high-achieving seniors, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent them from pursuing higher education. Scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership and financial need. Additionally, recipients receive new laptops to support their college transition.
The organization collaborates with school administrators, teachers and advisers to implement these programs. Schools provide meeting space, student recruitment support and program coordination, ensuring students receive consistent, year-round guidance.
“Our partnership with the Palm Beach County School District reinforces our commitment to advancing educational and career development opportunities,” Gassant said.
Exavier plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a minor in hospitality and tourism and tourism management at FAU. She plans to continue her studies in the doctor of nursing practice program, ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner.
“Being in Scholar CC is an experience I will always be grateful for,” Exavier said. “This program has shaped me into a curious and resourceful student, ready to embrace every opportunity.”
Gassant is looking for community partners who want to make an impact by supporting scholarships. She also welcomes mentors and corporate partners.
“This is an opportunity to directly change lives by providing mentorship, financial assistance and career guidance,” Gassant said. “We encourage businesses, professionals, and individuals passionate about educational equity and workforce development to get involved and support our mission.”
For more information and to get involved, visit https://scholarcc.org/.
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