Why Opportunity College Is Now Prelude
Today marks a significant milestone in our journey. I am thrilled to announce that Opportunity College will now be known as Prelude. This change represents not just a new name, but a renewed commitment to our mission of accelerating students into purpose-filled lives that lead to economic freedom.
Why Prelude? Just as a prelude in music sets the stage for what's to come, we prepare young people for the symphony of their careers. We are the opening movement in their professional lives, laying the foundation for a future filled with opportunity and success.
As a first-generation college graduate who journeyed from elementary school in the South Bronx to a Princeton Ph.D., I understand the challenges faced by our students in under-resourced communities. At age 17, I had the good fortune of interning at Citibank. I had an amazing boss who mentored me on the unwritten rules and unspoken expectations of the workplace. He also wrote college letters of recommendations on my behalf. Unfortunately, my teen experiences were (and remain) an anomaly for young people who need it most. These opportunities shouldn't be left to chance. That's why we're here—to create intentional pathways to success for every student we serve.
When we launched in 2021, we recognized a need to bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment for youth from lower-income backgrounds. We have used input from each student, school leader, and industry partner we’ve worked with over the past three years to create what is now our flagship program model, our Learn and Earn Internship program.
In this program, we partner with employers and schools to design and deliver high quality work-based learning experiences to more than 80 high school students across five cities. It's not just about placing students in jobs; it's about immersing them in professional environments where they can develop essential skills, build networks, and envision futures they might never have considered possible.
The impact on our students’ skills, confidence, and connections is both profound and measurable.
98% grew to proficiency in at least five professional skills, including crucial abilities like dependability, communication, and problem-solving.
92% reported feeling more capable of achieving their future career goals
100% said they met someone they will stay connected to after their internship.
These outcomes showcase the power of symphony—where employer, school, and community partners come together to create life-changing opportunities for youth in lower-income communities. As we transition to Prelude, we're setting the stage for a new generation of purpose-driven, professionally skilled leaders who will shape our collective future. Please join us, as we strive to eliminate equity gaps and ensure every high school graduate has a clear pathway to both a good job and an aligned postsecondary education experience.
Explore our new website where you can learn about our program model. And, follow us on LinkedIn for the latest success stories of our talented youth, our visionary partners, and the transformative power of our work-based learning programs.
With gratitude and excitement for what's to come,
Dr. Donnell Butler
Founder and President, Prelude