Parent / Guardian

11:30am – 12:30pm

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Joint Student & Parents/Guardians

11:30am – 12:30pm

2:30pm – 3:30pm

Get In & Get Funded: College Admissions, Financial Aid, Academics & Everything in Between

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: 9th–12th grade students
Panelists:

• Lenora Jackson, Retired Financial Aid Director, Spelman College
• Felicia H. Lewis, M.Ed., Undergraduate Admissions, Regional Senior Assistant Director, The University of Georgia
• Darryl Robinson, Ed., Counselor, North Atlanta High School
• Bretta Carithers, MBA, FAAC®, Director of Processing and Scholarships, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Kennesaw State University

This dynamic session gives students a comprehensive roadmap to becoming competitive college applicants. Participants will learn what colleges really look for—from GPA expectations and course rigor to leadership, service, and personal branding. The session also breaks down the admissions timeline, the role of essays and recommendations, and the basics of financial aid, including FAFSA, scholarships, and grants. Students will walk away with clear strategies for “getting in” academically and “getting funded” financially, no matter where they are in their high school journey.

Before the Application: How to Become a Complete Student

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Students in Grades 9–11

Presenter: Geary Woolfolk, Educational Consultant and Author of “Before the Application: How to Become the Ideal College Candidate”

This session empowers students with the tools they need to grow into strong, competitive applicants long before senior year. Geary Woolfolk breaks down what colleges look for—GPA trends, smart course selection, meaningful extracurricular involvement, leadership development, and personal character. Students will learn how to build a powerful résumé, develop strong writing and communication habits, and manage deadlines with confidence. The goal: help every student understand how to shape their academic, personal, and leadership journey so they can present the best, most complete version of themselves on any college application.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Make Money Moves: How Students Can Budget, Save & Pay for College

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Audience: 9th–12th grade students

Presenter: Jini Thornton, CPA, Founder & CEO, Thank Me Later

College is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and the planning starts now. In this session, Jini Thornton breaks down exactly what students need to know about budgeting, saving, and paying for college in a smart, stress-free way. You will learn how to estimate real college costs, understand financial aid and scholarships, and avoid common money mistakes that can hold students back. From managing your spending to building a savings plan and preparing for FAFSA, this session gives you clear, practical strategies to take control of your financial future and make confident choices about college.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Make Money Moves: How Parents/Guardians Can Budget, Save & Pay for College

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of 9th–12th grade students

Presenter: Jini Thornton, CPA, Founder & CEO, Thank Me Later

College is one of the biggest financial decisions a family will make. This session empowers parents/guardians with practical tools for budgeting, saving, and planning early. Families will learn how to estimate college costs, understand financial aid packages, identify scholarship opportunities, and avoid common financial pitfalls. From FAFSA to cash flow planning, this session offers clear, actionable strategies to help families feel informed, confident, and financially prepared for the path ahead.

Accessing Post-secondary Education for Students with Disabilities

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of Students with Disabilities

Presenters:

• Ashley Rudolph, MS, CRC,Vocational Counselor 3, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
• Huda Hassan,Transition Liaison, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
• Sharese Taylor Cross, Transition Liaison, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Liaison for Atlanta Public, Clayton County, Henry County and Fulton County (South);
• Frances Jones, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

Join the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for a concise, informative session on Georgia’s Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs and the Bud McCall Grant that helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities access college opportunities. Participants will learn the basics of IPSE admissions, available campus supports, and how the Bud McCall Grant can reduce financial barriers.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

College-Ready Families: What Parents/Guardians Must Know for Admissions & Financial Aid

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of 9th–12th grade students

Panelists:

• Lenora Jackson, Retired Financial Aid Director, Spelman College
• Felicia H. Lewis, M.Ed., Undergraduate Admissions, Regional Senior Assistant Director, The University of Georgia
• Darryl Robinson, Ed., Counselor, North Atlanta High School
• Bretta Carithers, MBA, FAAC®, Director of Processing and Scholarships, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Kennesaw State University

This essential session equips parents/guardians with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their student toward becoming a strong, well-prepared college applicant. Families will learn what colleges truly value—from GPA trends and course rigor to leadership, service, and character development—so they can support their student’s academic and extracurricular choices with intention. The session also demystifies the admissions timeline, explains the role of essays and recommendations, and provides a clear breakdown of financial aid, including FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and how to strategically plan for costs. Parents/Guardians will leave with actionable strategies for helping their student “get in” academically and “get funded” financially at every stage of the high school journey.

Before the Application: How to Support Your Student

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of 9th–12th grade students

This session equips parents/guardians with practical strategies for supporting their student’s academic and personal growth before the college application process begins. Geary Woolfolk helps parents/guardians understand GPA expectations, course selection, extracurricular involvement, leadership development, and building a strong student resume. Parents/Guardians also learn how to encourage independence, foster strong writing and communication habits, and prepare their student to meet deadlines with confidence. The goal: build the foundation for a compelling, competitive college application.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Secure the Bag: How I Won $3 Million in Scholarships & Profited Over $100k from College

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Joint Session (Students & Parents/Guardians)

Presenter: Victoria Lamar, Founder & CEO, Securing Degrees, LLC

In this powerful and inspiring keynote, nationally recognized scholarship winner Victoria Lamar shares the exact strategies she used to earn over $3 million in scholarships and net six figures in college profits. Students and families will learn how to identify scholarship opportunities, craft standout applications, develop winning essays, create a scholarship calendar, and avoid common mistakes. Lamar breaks down the mindset, discipline, and storytelling skills needed to compete—and win—in the scholarship arena. Attendees will receive proven techniques they can begin using immediately.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Secure the Bag: How I Won $3 Million in Scholarships & Profited Over $100k from College

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Joint Session (Students & Parents/Guardians)

Presenter: Victoria Lamar, Founder & CEO, Securing Degrees, LLC

In this powerful and inspiring keynote, nationally recognized scholarship winner Victoria Lamar shares the exact strategies she used to earn over $3 million in scholarships and net six figures in college profits. Students and families will learn how to identify scholarship opportunities, craft standout applications, develop winning essays, create a scholarship calendar, and avoid common mistakes. Lamar breaks down the mindset, discipline, and storytelling skills needed to compete—and win—in the scholarship arena. Attendees will receive proven techniques they can begin using immediately.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Game On, Game Plan: What Every Student Athlete Should Know

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Student Athletes

• Tré Watson, Sports Broadcaster, Podcast Host, and Football Coach, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Florida
• Terry McClure, Hitting Coach, Buford High School and former Minor League Player
• Glenn Ford, Jr., Chairman, Founder, College CB Coach, iDareU Academy Inc
• Kandice P. Mitchell, M.Ed, Director of Athletics, Drew Charter School and former NCAA Champion and Southwest Conference Champion, 2017 Women’s Football Team USA Gold Medalist, and mother of three athletes including Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens #34

This high-energy panel gives student athletes the essential playbook for navigating the road to collegiate sports—and beyond. Featuring direct advice from current college athletes, former high school and college athletes who turned pro, and others who now serve as professional coaches, this session offers real-world insights into what it truly takes to succeed.
Topics include NCAA academic requirements, recruiting etiquette, communicating with coaches, building a strong athletic and academic profile, maintaining a positive social media presence, and understanding the expectations placed on student athletes. Panelists will share candid guidance about avoiding common mistakes, staying disciplined, protecting eligibility, and preparing mentally and physically for the next level. Whether you’re just starting your athletic journey or actively being recruited, this session will help you prepare, plan, and stay ready.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Parenting the Player: What Every Parent of a Student Athlete Should Know

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of Student Athletes

Moderator: Mark Hayes, CEO & Founder, Varsityconnects.com

Panelists:

• Kandice P. Mitchell, M.Ed, Director of Athletics, Drew Charter School and former NCAA Champion and Southwest Conference Champion, 2017 Women’s Football Team USA Gold Medalist, and mother of three athletes including Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens #34
• Tazim Wajid Wajed, Retired NFL Player, Financial Services Professional, Hitman’s HAVEN Podcast Host, and father of former NFL Player Tre Watson and Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers #9
• Tracy McClure, Owner, TM Agency -Allstate Insurance and mother of former Minor League Player, Terry McClure
• Keeva Linton, IT Manager, State of Georgia, Mother of Chase Linton #85, OLB, University of Georgia

Parents/Guardians play a crucial role in the success and safety of student athletes. This session addresses how families can support their athlete through recruitment, academic eligibility, social media conduct, communication with coaches, and time management. The session also discusses NIL awareness, understanding contracts, avoiding “momager/popager syndrome,” and identifying credible agents or advisors. Families will receive best practices for advocacy that empowers—not overwhelms—the student athlete, helping them stay eligible, confident, and ready for the next level.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Playbook for Success: NIL, NCAA, Recruiting, Branding & Endorsement Deals

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Audience: Parents & Guardians of Student Athletes

Panelists:

• Uwonda S. Carter, Esquire, Carter Woodard, LLC &
  Donald Woodard, Esquire. Carter Woodard, LLC

As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, student athletes are navigating unprecedented opportunities through Name, Image & Likeness (NIL), branding partnerships, and endorsement deals. This session gives parents a clear, practical understanding of the rules, risks, and responsibilities associated with NIL activity, NCAA compliance, recruiting, and athlete representation.
Led by entertainment and sports attorneys Uwonda S. Carter and Donald Woodard, this session breaks down:

• What NIL really means for high school and college athletes
• How branding and endorsement deals work—and how to evaluate them safely
• Key NCAA rules that protect (or jeopardize) student eligibility
• The do’s and don’ts of working with agents, advisors, and brand partners
• How to recognize legitimate opportunities versus predatory or exploitative arrangements
• What families must know about contracts, intellectual property, and long-term implications.

Parents will walk away with a stronger ability to guide their student athletes, protect them from common pitfalls, and support them in making informed, ethical decisions about recruitment, representation, branding, and future opportunities.