Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Collins
Hi Sara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sara Collins, the co-founder of Ready, Set, Success!, has made a profound impact on underserved communities through transformative programming in Detroit, MI, and Atlanta, GA. Her dedication to fostering equity, education, and empowerment is evident in the organization’s initiatives.
The idea for Ready, Set, Success! was born during the summer of 2023, when Sara served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with The Lawn Academy in Detroit. While working closely with youth in her community, she recognized the lack of role models to guide students in exploring their futures. Tasked with bridging this gap, Sara and her co-founder organized Ready, Set, College, initially a one-time event to connect students with resources and inspiration for academic success. The overwhelmingly positive response inspired them to establish Ready, Set, Success! officially in November 2023.
Since its founding, Ready, Set, Success! has hosted numerous impactful events. These include professional branding workshops with business leaders, a LinkedIn webinar to enhance students’ online professional presence, and donation drives providing over 700 holiday gifts to Detroit Public Schools across two years. Sara and her team have also visited local high schools to host student success panels, sharing college experiences and advice. Additionally, the organization’s annual New Year’s event at COTS Women and Children’s Shelter has provided meals for over 200 families, spreading love and community care during the holiday season over two years.
In Atlanta, Sara has further expanded Ready, Set, Success! by building a network of 21 committed college ambassadors from institutions such as Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia State University. These ambassadors play a key role in executing programming and advancing the mission to create a clear pipeline to success for youth. This semester, Sara plans to onboard even more passionate individuals eager to serve their communities.
One of the organization’s most notable efforts in Atlanta was its Sandwich Run in partnership with Spelman College LOV (lifting our voices), where Sara and her team packed and delivered 1,000 bagged lunches to the city’s homeless population. Additionally, ambassadors have engaged in local elementary schools, spending time with students and reading to classrooms, further cementing Sara’s commitment to community service.
At the heart of Ready, Set, Success! is Ready, Set, College, the organization’s flagship event. This annual program features a college success panel, Greek life presentation, raffle prizes, mentor pairing, networking opportunities, and scholarship resources. It equips high school students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate their educational journey and beyond.
Sara’s work reflects her passion for creating tangible change and inspiring others to make a difference. Through her leadership, Ready, Set, Success! continues to empower youth, strengthen communities, and build a legacy of service and opportunity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
An issue I’ve faced with Ready, Set, Success! is navigating funding to execute the impactful work I envision. While we’ve secured support in Detroit, expanding to Atlanta has been challenging due to the lack of local sponsors. However, I refuse to let this deter our mission.
As a junior at Spelman College, I’ve spent most of the past three years in Atlanta and saw an opportunity to address similar educational inequalities faced by youth in the metro Atlanta area. Despite funding obstacles, my team and I remain committed to making a difference and finding creative ways to be impactful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ready, Set, Success! is a nonprofit organization that specializes in servicing the community and specifically youth. We are different from others because we reach the youth and young adults by being their peers and hosting peer to peer relationships. We value having panelists of similar age groups and background so students can envision themselves being able to reach a goal that may seen unattainable in their current environment.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I believe something surprising about myself is I still have trouble navigating my life although I care more so about helping others
Pricing:
- any donations to ready, set, success’ work is accepted
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readyset.success?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ready-set-success/?viewAsMember=true
