Coates Inc College & Career Strategies — DevoCenter for Service-Learning

Changemaker Spotlight | Coates Inc. College and Career Strategies
The Coates Inc. vision is educational equity for under-served communities so that all students can attain college and career success.

Coates Inc. is dedicated to educational equity for under-served communities so that all students can attain college and career success. Their mission is to deliver programs that provide students with equal educational opportunities, college and career resources, and solid connections to the community. The nonprofit provides early college and career planning for high school students, and organizes college tours, college and career fairs, and volunteer opportunities to provide valuable exposure and learning experiences to youth.

Catisha Toney is Executive Director of Coates Inc. and was accepted into the DevoCenter Changemakers program because of her commitment to community partnerships and volunteer service. She is working to make the dream of postsecondary education a reality for disadvantaged adults in Gary and East Chicago Indiana.

“Working with Charlene at DevoCenter has been great. We’ve been meeting monthly to discuss organizational development and prepare for funding opportunities. She’s helped us articulate our vision and describe our programs with clarity. And, she’s worked with me to develop budgets that are clear and descriptive.”

— Catisha Toney - Executive Director, Coates Inc. College and Career Strategies