Josh Newby
College Access Coach – Austin
Hometown: Memphis, TN
College: University of Arkansas
Fun Fact #1: While camping in Big Sur, Josh had a run-in with a mountain lion — the animal circled around his (thin!) tent and roared, making it nearly impossible for Josh to fall asleep for the night. We’re glad you’re okay, Josh!
Fun Fact #2: Josh once gave a program update at an all-staff meeting while HULA-HOOPING the entire time.
Josh’s Impact: Josh is an incredible Coach who constantly looks to grow in his position at College Forward. It is obvious how much his students enjoy his leadership, guidance, and friendship–when you visit his class, you’ll see that his students are constantly laughing and having fun…while still completing all of their college, FAFSA/TASFA, and scholarship applications. Josh is just as involved around the CoFo office, participating in 5 different office workgroups; his efforts ensure that College Forward programs stay strong, efficient, and serve our students effectively!
“[My students] are all such amazing and inspirational young adults. Being able to work with students at such a personal experience continues to be a truly rewarding experience. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of their lives. Some of my favorite student stories have been of first-generation students returning to class from winter break, and telling me how great it was to tell their whole families that they were accepted into college.”
It’s not only our coaches who continue to impress us — our mentors are amazing too!
This month we would like to honor Melissa Escobar for her outstanding work with her mentees at the University of Texas – San Antonio.
Melissa takes an extraordinary amount of care and thoughtfulness with her mentees, creating meaningful relationships with each one. She has made plans with each of her students to ensure they are completing their FAFSAs, up to date on assignments and improving on exams. Thank you, Melissa, for your enthusiasm and dedication to being a compassionate and creative mentor!
