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Keondra Doyle Hampton has a lot to say about ��ɫֱ��Achieves.

The pioneering program, which started in 2007, has become a nationally recognized model being replicated at other colleges across the country.

Representing more than 17,000 students who attended TCC as ��ɫֱ��Achieves students, Hampton introduced TCC President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson at the 2017 Vision Dinner, an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding leadership at TCC.

The evening celebrated a decade of ��ɫֱ��Achieves which has provided college access to every high school graduate living in ��ɫֱ��County.

"As a first-generation college graduate, this program served as a financial blessing," Hampton said that night.

Keondra turned down a partial scholarship at another institution to attend TCC in 2007, the first year of ��ɫֱ��Achieves. She describes herself as an average student coming out of high school.

“I was conflicted about college and questioned if it was a good fit for me. TCC and ��ɫֱ��Achieves gave me hope and the tools I needed to succeed in college,” she said.

Keondra earned her associate degree without going into debt and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Now, she’s applied for a doctorate program.

She credits ��ɫֱ��Achieves with providing her the opportunity to develop academically and develop socially by engaging in her community through the required service hours for ��ɫֱ��Achieves students.

Anytime she’s asked to share her experience, she jumps at the opportunity. It is one way she can express her gratitude for how ��ɫֱ��Achieves shaped her life.

“My own journey through ��ɫֱ��Achieves built the foundation for my professional career. Ten years later, I stand with TCC and continue to encourage those seeking college to consider ��ɫֱ��Achieves. For, it has been a tremendous benefit for me,” Hampton said.