Community Highlights: Meet Dr. Gretchen Torbert of Educational Advancement Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gretchen Torbert.

Hi Dr. Gretchen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Educational Advancement Group (EAG) was born out of a passion to bridge gaps in education and empower learners, families, and educators through innovative and accessible resources. It began as a small tutoring and support network, helping students strengthen their academic confidence and performance. Over time, the vision expanded, EAG became a platform focused not only on student success but also on uplifting teachers, parents, and communities as partners in learning.

What started as a few after-school sessions has grown into a multifaceted educational organization offering tutoring, curriculum development, wellness programs, professional learning, and community initiatives. Our programs now serve learners of all ages providing literacy development, college readiness support, and educational coaching across the country.

At the heart of EAG’s growth is a simple belief: education is the key to opportunity and transformation. Through partnerships, innovative resources, and a commitment to equity, EAG continues to create spaces where every learner can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has definitely not been without its challenges. Like most meaningful work, building the Educational Advancement Group has required perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to the mission. In the early stages, one of the biggest struggles was access to resources—finding funding, building partnerships, and gaining the visibility needed to grow. There were moments when it felt like the vision was bigger than the support behind it, but those challenges became opportunities to get creative and think strategically.

Balancing community needs with sustainable operations was another learning curve. EAG serves diverse populations, from struggling students to overworked educators and parents seeking guidance. Meeting those needs while maintaining quality and consistency took time, organization, and a lot of teamwork.

Despite the obstacles, each challenge strengthened the foundation of the organization. Every setback taught valuable lessons about leadership, resilience, and purpose. The road hasn’t always been smooth—but every bump along the way has helped shape EAG into the strong, community-centered organization it is today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Educational Advancement Group?
Educational Advancement Group (EAG) is a dynamic educational organization dedicated to advancing learning, leadership, and life skills for students, educators, and families. We specialize in academic enrichment, curriculum design, and professional development, but our true mission goes beyond academics, we aim to create access, equity, and empowerment through education.

EAG offers a wide range of programs, from one-on-one tutoring and literacy development to youth mentorship, teacher training, and community outreach initiatives. We also create innovative educational resources—workbooks, wellness curriculums, digital lessons, and professional materials, that are used by schools, nonprofits, and families nationwide. Our work is grounded in research-based practices, compassion-driven leadership, and a deep belief that every learner deserves excellence.

What truly sets EAG apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just teach skills—we nurture confidence, creativity, and purpose. Our team understands that academic growth is connected to emotional well-being and community support, so we integrate wellness, leadership, and cultural awareness into everything we do.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our impact and authenticity. The EAG name represents quality, care, and commitment. We’ve built a brand that educators trust, families appreciate, and students are inspired by. Our resources and programs reflect diversity, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of educational excellence.

At EAG, we want readers to know that we’re not just an organization, we’re a movement. A movement to educate, elevate, and equip the next generation of leaders through innovation, compassion, and purpose-driven work.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The success of Educational Advancement Group has truly been a collective effort. While the vision was born from my passion for education, it has grown because of the people who believed in it, supported it, and poured their hearts into making it a reality.

First and foremost, I give honor and deepest appreciation to my mother, Evangelist Ellen Jackson Jones. Her faith, strength, and unwavering belief in purpose have shaped everything I do. She taught me the value of perseverance, compassion, and service—principles that are at the very core of EAG. Her encouragement during the toughest seasons reminded me that this work was not just about building a business, but about building a legacy that changes lives.

I’m also deeply grateful for the mentors, educators, and community partners who have stood beside me—sharing wisdom, opening doors, and helping bring our programs to more families and schools. My colleagues, volunteers, and clients have all played a vital role by trusting EAG’s mission and contributing their time, energy, and belief in the vision.

EAG’s success is not mine alone—it’s a reflection of the prayers, dedication, and collaboration of every person who helped us get here. Together, we continue to move forward with the same faith and purpose that started it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.educationaladvancementgroup.com