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Precious McKoy, the Executive Director of the SHIELD Mentor Program (SHIELD), recently experienced a full-circle moment that reaffirmed her life’s work and her deep commitment to empowering young leaders. As a nonprofit leader and educator, Precious has dedicated her career to nurturing the next generation, but never did she imagine that her path would lead her to the White House. This week, she found herself in Washington, D.C., attending the National Partnership for Student Success Summit, a pivotal event celebrating the 320,000 volunteers who have stepped up to support students in schools across the country.
Reflecting on this milestone, McKoy shared how this experience reignited her “Why”—the core reason she entered the nonprofit and education sectors. "I see myself as that little girl who grew up with just enough resources to realize I needed to act if I wanted to see other young people like me thrive," she said. "I am a success story because of the people who stood behind me, and now I’m uplifting others."
A Visit to the White House
Attending the summit was more than just a prestigious opportunity for Precious—it was a serendipitous moment that brought her journey full circle. As she sat in the White House, surrounded by other nonprofit leaders, she was reminded of the unfinished business that continues to fuel her passion. Her life's mission to better her community by providing mentorship and leadership development for young people had taken her from local classrooms to the halls of power.
The National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS), spearheaded by the Biden-Harris Administration, is an initiative aimed at bringing caring adults into schools to offer mentorship, tutoring, and wrap-around services to students. During the summit, Precious had the chance to hear from esteemed speakers like Cindy Marten, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, Neera Tanden, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps and Jermaine Myrie of MENTOR and so many more. Each speaker emphasized the importance of building stronger support systems for students, especially in under-resourced schools.
One message that resonated deeply with McKoy came from Cindy Marten, who reminded attendees that "there’s always a nonprofit that has figured out how to address students’ needs and maintain the best quality standards." Marten encouraged superintendents and school leaders to look beyond the walls of their institutions and partner with organizations that are equipped to provide much-needed support. She also emphasized that nonprofits, like SHIELD, can talk directly to teachers to truly understand what’s happening on the ground and align resources accordingly.
Nonprofit-School Partnerships: A Catalyst for Success
For Precious, this message reaffirmed the core of what the SHIELD Mentor Program stands for—creating collaborative partnerships that empower students and educators alike. Under her leadership, SHIELD has become a vital resource for schools, offering mentorship programs designed to foster leadership skills, personal development, and academic success. McKoy believes deeply in the power of partnership, especially when it comes to bridging the gap between schools and outside organizations.
At the summit, the NPSS Support Hub was highlighted as a key tool in this collaborative effort. The Hub will continue to create resources that nonprofit leaders like Precious can utilize to further enhance the impact of their work. With new tools and support on the horizon, McKoy is excited about the possibilities ahead for SHIELD and the broader community of nonprofits dedicated to student success.
A Renewed Commitment to Student Success
As Precious McKoy reflects on this momentous occasion, she feels an even deeper commitment to the work ahead. The summit not only provided her with the opportunity to celebrate the impact of the National Partnership for Student Success but also to connect with other nonprofit leaders who share her vision of placing more college students in high-impact mentoring roles. Through these partnerships, McKoy and her colleagues are determined to continue supporting young people in their academic and personal growth.
“Attending the White House Summit was a humbling reminder of why I do this work,” Precious shared. “It’s about building a brighter future for our young people, and I remain dedicated to strengthening my community as we move forward together.”
McKoy’s journey—from her early days growing up with limited resources to becoming a leader in the nonprofit world—stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and community support. Her full-circle moment at the White House serves as both a culmination of her work thus far and a new beginning for what is still to come.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Student Success
As the Executive Director of SHIELD, Precious McKoy is not slowing down. She continues to be a driving force in her community, creating opportunities for students to thrive through mentorship and leadership training. The summit solidified her belief that with the right support, every child can succeed—and nonprofits like SHIELD are the key to making that happen.
As Precious McKoy's journey illustrates, the fusion of mentorship, nonprofit-school partnerships, and effective leadership is a powerful formula for nurturing student success. Beyond academic achievements, these initiatives instill in students a sense of purpose, resilience, and a belief in their own potential. The collaborative efforts of nonprofits and educational institutions create a supportive ecosystem where students can flourish and realize their dreams.
In her own words, “I never expected that my pursuits would land me here, but it is serendipitous. I’m honored to be part of this movement, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.”
Let us all join hands in championing our students to collectively shape a brighter tomorrow filled with endless possibilities and boundless opportunities for growth and success.
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