Candace Hutson - Academic Coach & Mentor

8-4-2011 We still remember and celebrate you mommy 🥹

God taught me what redemption look like in my dad’s life and what faith looked like in my mom’s life.

Today I spoke at my home church to encourage the college students heading to campus.

Two of them were my son and niece.

The prayers of a praying mother are still manifesting today.

I thank God my mom was here to see me graduate from college. She saw the promise from God come to fruition.

Today she has not one graduate, but 3! And 2 more grandchildren starting!

Till this day I don’t know how she managed all that she did with little to no resources. I HEARD her speak to the Lord and then I SAW Him respond.

My mom taught me you CAN have faith in the face on seemingly impossible circumstances…you can still BELIEVE.

Today choose to BELIEVE God’s best for you anyway!

Today choose to BELIEVE the days will get better and better!

Today choose to BELIEVE you’re the apple of God’s eye!

Today choose to BELIEVE that God will do EXACTLY what He said!

Today choose to BELIEVE in YOU!

May Heaven respond to your faith with speed, redeem any time lost and restore EVERYTHING to you leaving no crumbs!

I love you mommy ❤️

Love baby girl 🥰

Let’s talk about why North Carolina A&T is one of my FAVORITE HBCU’s!

And not just because my son graduated from there 😌

It’s how they obtain, manage and DISTRIBUTE the school funding.

GENEROSITY

For 4 years I personally watched A&T receive funds and put those funds to work on the campus and on the students accounts.

They put TIME, EFFORT and MONEY into their campus. It is one of the most beautiful HBCU campuses.

They use the funds donated to create new programs for the students.

My son was fortunate to receive funding (without asking) for summer school for 3 years.

They are also apart of the UNC System. This system serves the North Carolina community first. BUT my son as an out of state student was a beneficiary of scholarships from UNC.

They are a LAND GRANT university. Again, I watched those funds come in to support STEAM and STEM initiatives and watched the result of it being put in place.

Did A&T have issues? Of course, but that’s not today’s discussion.

I teach my students to FOLLOW the money trail.

1. Pay attention to how the institution you are interested in shows up in the news.

2. Google how much is in the school’s endowment and what percentage goes to scholarships.

3. How well is YOUR interest/major funded?

4. What is the percentage of need met for students?

5. When the school receives funding how are those funds implemented?

You can tell a lot about institution by the way they distribute their funds.

I’m ecstatic to NCAT achieve the largest endowment of the HBCUs currently.

They can be trusted to use the funds to enhance the experience of the campus and students.

College is a BUSINESS and an EXPERIENCE.

Understand the business and you will have a better experience.

Be Encouraged.

P.S. The next cycle of the Get Ready For College Program starts August 25! We are almost at capacity.

If you are interested email [email protected] for details.

My princess turns 12 today! She’s my RICH best friend ❤️

Jasi finished her first year of middle school. As far as she was concerned it would be just like a Disney show.

Lockers, musicals, clubs and solving an occasional mystery 🥴

My Pooh was on Student Council, The Falcon Crest Newsletter, Orchestra, she was in a play and musical, and played Rec Basketball. (I told her if she join ONE more thing it’s gonna be me and her!)

She’s an artist and during the school year she sold her artwork to her classmates.

She also decided to have a dog walking business this summer in our neighborhood. She’s made up her own flyer and put it in the neighbors mailboxes ☺️

And she’s a straight A student and received High Honors this year.

She’s my mini me with better resources 😂

And as you can see, this is exactly why I’m tired 😩

And we’re having the best time ever ☺️❤️

Happy Birthday to my Jasipooh 🥳🥳🥳

Show Jasi some love y’all! She stalks my page in her free time so she’ll see it 😂

And we are still celebrating the Class of 2024 and student of Be Encouraged!

Today I want you all to meet my niece Ms. Amaya Williams!

This fall Amaya will be attending Virginia State University majoring in Marketing!

Amaya is our real life princess. Since she was a child Amaya has not only competed in pageants (NY & GA), but she has also been crowned! Most recently the 2022-2023 International United Miss Georgia Teen.

She is also a member of the Campus Magnet Majorette Dance Team.

And for the last 10 years, Amaya and her pageant sisters have volunteered at Shonda’s Prom Closet. Donating their gowns and assisting our prom princesses. Students light up when they see them ❤️

Amaya, auntie is extremely proud of you! Sweetheart you have a special gift may you always SHINE like the gem you are.

Love you ❤️

Y’all having my family in the program has me emotional ok?!

Celebrate my girl in the comments!

Be Encouraged 💫

Today we are celebrating Ms. NIA!!!

This one will encourage you!

Nia will be heading to The Morgan State University in the fall studying strategic communications!

Nia had her heart SET on Morgan from the beginning. And she did the work!

Nia was awarded a honors associate partial scholarship in the honors college ☺️

I spoke with her parents on a Monday, they were set to appeal and ask for more funds. I told them it’s the time where schools are redistributing funds…

Someone will get those funds whether we ask or not.

The Friday of the SAME week, before the family could even ask for more…Morgan reached out to Nia.

They revised her award. She was UPGRADED and is now a Martin D. Jenkins Scholar, in the Clara Barton Honors College…she is now on a FULL RIDE! Tuition, room, board and fees COVERED!

Nia has been CONSISTENT and I’m extremely excited for what she is about to embark on.

Her mom, .willie is incredible. We had a whole praise and worship session while I was driving when I found out because greater is HE!

Do me a favor and congratulate Nia in the comments!

Meet our next senior, Daniel!

He will be attending the University of Pittsburgh this fall, with interest in Computer Science.

I started working with Daniel in his junior year of HS.

Daniel came into the program super attentive and eager to learn the college process right.

Even over the summer he used his downtime well and continued to work on his essays and college list.

Daniel truly became a leader in the program. I’ve used him as an example, with his permission ☺️ to teach on certain topics.

Daniel, you are such a gentleman and it has been a pleasure to be your coach.

Mom and dad you are so supportive and thank you for showing up to the classes and encouraging the other parents!

Congratulations Daniel!

This parent has been contacting the school her son wanted to commit to for a couple of months (we started early).

She followed the procedures I shared which may not seem logical but they have worked. I don’t guarantee anything but we will put in work and try.

She’s finally seeing the fruit of her efforts.

Parents and students you can appeal your financial aid award packages.

If you are seeking additional funds from an institution here some encouragement.

1. Be patient.

Some things happen quick, and some things don’t. That doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t working. Be patient and allow process.

2. Be Consistent.

I EQUIP students and parents. Which means this process requires your consistent participation. I can’t do it all for you. And if you can get this done you can do it again. And then you can multiply the next time. It is more powerful for you to accomplish this on your own. I’m glad to be a resource, support and guide.

3. Apply Pressure.

Be prepared to hear “No, there aren’t any funds.” Consider you may have spoken to the wrong person…then TRY AGAIN. Don’t give up too easily.

I’ve been doing a long time. My methods aren’t like others. Trust that when you commit to the process you can bring about results.

Be Encouraged.

Meet Noah!

Noah is proudly taking his talents to BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC in the Fall to study music and music business!

Noah is a student, artist, change maker and entrepreneur.

Noah’s first official single called “Silver Springs” is available on all digital platforms.

Noah is the COO of True Eden Beauty, a kid owned clean skin and hair care business owned and run by Noah and his 4 siblings.

As a Youth Ambassador for In A Perfect World (IAPW), Noah has traveled to Guatemala to assist in constructing schools in indigenous communities. He also curated and implemented an annual campaign called “BabyLove,” to raise awareness and funds for new mothers in the DMV area affected by poverty to provide diapers and menstrual hygiene products.

Noah, let me just say that your heart led you to this moment. You’re an amazing young man. And Berkelee is blessed to have you.

Now let me shout out his mama ! She is my HU sister!

We met late January and she was READY to work!

After ONE meeting we knew we both found the right fit ☺️

Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to pour into you all.

Y’all go on and bless Noah in these comments!

Be Encouraged!

Proverbs 31:28-31 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

I don’t know what circumstances you woke up to today.

Maybe it felt like any other day. Today is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Maybe your mom has gone on to glory. May you be comforted today.

Maybe you weren’t celebrated as you would have liked.

Maybe you woke up to overwhelming love.

Motherhood is unpredictable. We don’t always have the answers. A lot of times we need more help, more rest, and more time.

Whether you’re believing for a child or you’re already a mom….

Declare today MY CHILDREN RISE UP AND CALL ME BLESSED!

Mama, you are SEEN. YOU surpass them all 😌

Happy Mother’s Day. Be encouraged you’re doing a great job.

Annnnd let the celebration continue!

Congratulations Jada on committing to Hampton University!

Jada will be studying business at Hampton this fall.

My girl is one of the most committed and determined students. It is reflected in her academics and sports…she’s a baller y’all!

Don’t get it twisted she’s about her 💰 just like her mama! Business is the natural choice 😌

She also was awarded a total $322K in merit scholarships from the schools she was accepted to. Go Jada!

is the daughter of my amazing friend so she’s my niece ☺️

Lindsay and her family are HUGE supporters of the program…HUGE.

And it’s a blessing to have friends who support you and trust you with their own. I truly don’t take it for granted 🙏🏽

Celebrate Jada in the comments!!!!!

P.S. The HU vs HU is going to be FUNNY 😆

Y’all let’s celebrate my nephew TRAVIS!!!

I met YEARS ago when we worked in NY for the same company. Travis was a toddler when we met…he was “Shinka” back then ☺️

And this fall he will attending majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Banking and Finance!

Congratulations Travis! You put in work and I’m so proud of you!

and thank you for trusting me ❤️🥹

Be Encouraged!

Next up is Chloe!!!

Chloe is the daughter of my HU sister . Me and her mama are the class of 2003 at HU!

I started working with Chloe in the 10th grade!

I usually have Chloe come to class and speak about how she matured and evolved throughout the college process.

She mastered how to do successful college visits.

From day 1, Chloe was set on Spelman. She did consider other schools but her #1 was always a top contender.

Chloe was accepted to several schools and was awarded over $70K in merit based scholarships and an outside scholarship.

Although Spelman deferred Chloe to regular decision after applying early action she still continued to show her interest.

As you can see…she got that YES. Delay is not denial. God is truly showing us that.

Chloe we have had some of the BEST laughs and moments. I am so proud of you! Have the best time and experience at Spelman!

P.S. I need y’all to swipe to the left to see my girl in her White Coat! This senior year Chloe completed the Pharmacy Technician program at her school!

She’s going to be the SOLUTION you watch!

Light her up in the comments!

Be Encouraged!

Every year I celebrate where my students have chosen to attend college.

This year we are kicking off National Decision Day with MY BABY BOY!

Johan has committed to playing soccer at Chestnut Hill College in PA!

Johan applied to 12 schools and was awarded merit based scholarships from EVERY SINGLE one totaling $1,008,060!!!

He’s a student athlete and the student comes first!

Johan experienced an ACL tear his junior year. After recovering from that he dislocated his elbow and wasn’t able to finish his HS senior year soccer season. He recovered from that to pay with his club soccer team, Match Fit.

He received blow after blow! It was difficult and discouraging.

But GOD! The testimony gets better!

Despite it all he still sought to be recruited. He did the work! He persevered.

I know academics, but his dad had the soccer journey! He made sure he had a team of people to get him back on the pitch better than ever.

Y’all I’m so proud of my son. He’s so humble and kind. And I’m honored to be his mama 🥹

Do me a favor and light the comments up and help me celebrate my baby boy!

Be Encouraged!

The day is here! free prom wear giveaway!

Can’t wait to see our prom kings this weekend!

You can still donate! We are in need of suits and tuxedos!

Contact [email protected] or DM for more info.

Our 13th Annual Free Prom Wear Giveaway is this Saturday April 6, 2024!

Swipe left to see the flyer.

Head on over to to be sure you stay on top of all the updates!

Do you know a student who is in need of free prom wear?

Would you like to volunteer or donate to the event?

Contact [email protected]

During a 1:1 session with one of my HS seniors he surprised me and let me know he received an outside scholarship!

Y’all see my face I’m so happy for him!

Outside scholarships are monies you do not need to pay back funded from sources outside the college or university.

These scholarships take WORK. People contact me often asking if I can help them find money for school.

If you’ve followed me for some time you know I don’t just find funding for college. I equip students for the experience.

Even if I gave you a list of resources, a book etc you do realize there is work YOU have to do. I can’t do it for you.

Although people can be discouraged by the work it takes, I’m excited when my students engage and follow the strategies we come up with.

And like this student when you’re consistent and diligent you see the rewards of your labor.

Class of 2024 you still have time. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. Somebody is going to get this money.

Let it be you…Be Encouraged.

Presenting at a local high school today for their college fair.

Today’s Topic: The Business and Experience of College

I’ve spoken at a number of schools and organizations this school year and it has been AMAZING!

Let’s shift some minds and perspectives today!

Happy Thursday! Shonda’s Prom Closet is back for its 13th Year giving away FREE prom wear to the Queens community.

If you know of a high school senior who could benefit from our program share this flyer with them!

If you have a middle school student contact me directly at [email protected]

Life is full right now. Imagine working full time, running a business that is SCALING, being a mom, volunteering at my kids schools, a friend, a sister, an auntie, traveling almost every weekend, and planning our annual prom giveaway (we are accepting volunteer and vendor applications!) etc etc

In my morning prayers I ask God for his Grace and Mercy. They are NEW every single day. Ask for it ☺️ Let Him ENDOW you with it.

I don’t like being called superwoman. People will begin identify you as that and EXPECT you to PERFORM to meet their expectations. That’s exhausting….please keep that label.

I understand what God has GRACED me for. Just like you have the grace to accomplish those tasks in front of you right now. Holy Spirit is your HELP. Today ask your helper for what you NEED and WANT.

God has given me help in the realm of the spirit AND in the physical.

I’m also clear that this is a SEASON. It changes. I want you to remember that. You can use your TONGUE to end a season and begin a new one. Read that AGAIN.

Take moments to reflect in full, busy and different seasons.

What did you learn today?

Who or what made you smile?

What did you eat and savor in the moment?

It’s so easy to just be overwhelmed. Evaluate where you are and what you need to progress to your next season.

You may not see me posting too much on this app while I’m present in other areas of my life…BUT…

I’m posting this pic so y’all remember how cute I am 😘

Ok shenanigans done for the day…y’all BE ENCOURAGED!

Happy Birthday to my mommy ❤️

You know what I miss most about my mom’s presence?

When she was around I had ONE job…to be the baby no matter how old I was 🥰

If and Shonda could do it then I didn’t have to lol…the life 😂

Love you mommy and miss you dearly ❤️

I hug him like this daily! I woke up today and said God thank you! Father the way you have answered my prayers concerning my first born is nothing short of a miracle!

Happy Birthday Jermaine! He’s 23 today!

His first birthday home after graduating college and it so good to celebrate him!

My guy is smiling in this pic, usually he’s like 😐 LOL!

Help me celebrate my big baby!

Happy Birthday !

is a proud member of the . Our 13th year of serving the Queens, NY and NYC schools and community is upon us!

How can you help?

1. Volunteer your time. We would LOVE to have you volunteer with us!

2. Consider holding your own prom drive and collect dresses and men’s formal wear for the event.

3. Monetary donations. Your monetary donations support the organization by supplying food to our hard working volunteers, buying hanger, supplies and storage.

4. Share the flyer. You never who needs our help. And trust your students are in great hands! We will provide a safe and fun environment for them to shop for their prom attire.

We appreciate your consistent and constant support of the organization. We cannot do what we do without YOU.

Let’s make this giveaway as special as the students deserve!

For inquiries please contact [email protected]

I love my HBCU’s. I’m also VERY honest about our struggles and our triumphs.

But why I’m not moved by affirmative action decisions and such is for this reason here.

We have an advantage. We have what is needed. We have what is wanted. And there are those who won’t admit it….

You can’t discredit us and then take what we’ve built. We SEE you.

I’m for MOST (not all, some aren’t the best choices) schools. But I’m a black woman, first generation graduate, and proud HBCU alum. I’m watching and always paying attention.

This is how I am able to assist students in navigating these collegiate streets.

Students and parents, pay attention to how the schools you’re interested in show up in the news.

Then follow the story to see how they respond.

Character speaks volumes.

Be Encouraged.

I have literally kept ALL of my speculating to myself during the delay of the 2024-2025.

I’ve taught on it for 2 years from the minute they released there would be changes.

Early December I shared my thoughts with my clients.

Listen to me…

Pay attention to how your state handles the state aid.

This soft launch is testing ground…it’s really not ready.

READ THE ARTICLE and PAY ATTENTION!

I’ve been saying it for years. Just LOOK and watch patterns. The minute the FAFSA was delayed was a HUGE red flag.

Go and prepare yourselves for this ride.

Get your FSA ID.
Eat your wheaties.
Pay attention.

Oh and for those who did early action applications…thank you for listening. I had a reason for saying that!!!!!!

The FAFSA was supposed to be released by December 31, 2023.

I had a meeting with my clients telling them I would be surprised if it was released and shared my thoughts…

I was right….

This is a SOFT launch. I have my speculations….

For now visit www.studentaid.gov and prepare yourselves.

I was teenage mom, not a SINGLE mom.

There’s a difference. I had HELP.

I wept for a week till this day. I REMEMBER the moments it was hard and I felt alone.

The moments I wanted to run from.

But I had HELP.

Thank you to everyone who made it to celebrate this day.

But so many are missing, this is such a small portion of the support God blessed us with.

Look and see your HELP.

It may not come how you want or desire but see your HELP.

His father, siblings, grandparents, aunties, uncles, god parents, cousins, family, and framily (my friends are basically family ☺️)…

Thank You.

The enemy hopes you never find out who you are. He is betting you never walk in your purpose. If you did, you’ll experience the grace, provision and protection that comes with your obedience.

You would see your help…and he would know times up!

Be Encouraged.

Ah there she is…

For those who haven’t seen me in awhile….

I’m minding MY business…

Making memories and not caring to post them….

Leveling up…plate is full and loving it…

Enjoying experiencing my son receive his college acceptances and tallying up his award offers like his personal accountant….

Watching my oldest prepare for a milestone event…

My daughter is me at 11 on steroids…I owe my family an apology 🥴…

Enjoying my peace and seeking God’s face…the secret place will forever be my favorite place…

Sometimes I sit and wonder how did I get here.

When God says it’s time…IT’S TIME.

Prepare as you wait, stop looking at the clock. You better be ready for what you prayed for…don’t let the harvest crush you.

Be encouraged. It gets so much better 🥰

Join us as we share a world of career possibilities after high school with our youth! The Options & Alternatives- Youth Explosion! will include sessions with experts in the fields of... Mental Health, Mindset, Music, Cosmetology, Entrepreneurship,Colleges/Trade Schools and more!

We are asking for high school juniors and seniors to register and get in the room!! REAL SOLUTIONS will be shared on December 2nd, starting at 10am, at Newark Symphony Hall.

There will be GIVEAWAYS for the students (laptops, gift cards & more)!! Yep, we will also have a few MAJOR surprise guest speakers the youth are going to LOVE!

Register now by clicking the link in my bio, then click Youth Explosion.

Doors open at 10 am.Please arrive on time to claim your seat, doors will close once event capacity is met.

We are honored to have partnered with the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and the Brick City Peace Collective to bring this vision to life! Register Now!

I have been STRESSING for students to apply EARLY ACTION.

Do not listen to those who are saying “It’s too competitive” “You don’t get any money.”

When my families asked me if the delay of the FAFSA delay merit based offers and how could it affect us….my response was they will STILL award merit based funds. They may actually use it to ENTICE students to apply. This may actually work in everyone’s favor.

I told my students and parents to STAY THE COURSE we do early action unless circumstances prevent it.

November 1st was ONE of the most popular early action deadlines.

There’s still time to meet the other ones.

Do the work and get this done.

If you’re hung up on GPA, activities etc DM me and let me encourage you based on your situation. Book a strategy session.

Some of my students range from 2.5 to 4.0 on the 4.0 scale.

And they are receiving merit based offers.

My students college list is built on their identity, who they are and where they will thrive, not survive.

You don’t need to fit into a school. Find the schools that fit YOU.

I once assisted a student in April, 3 weeks before decision day, turned her whole college process around. We were able to find her a new school (where she is currently thriving and loving) AND $30K in merit awards.

What do you think you could do NOW and it’s only November?

Have a little bit more faith in yourself.

Reset your mindset. Go get what belongs to you.

Cheering you on. Be Encouraged.