How long have you been with Doorway to College?

In 1984, I moved from the University of Iowa’s Center for Educational Experimentation, Development, and Evaluation (CEEDE) to a startup company named Profiles Corporation, which was developing an ACT workshop for high schoolers. Profiles Corporation spun off a company known as ZAPS Learning Company, which became Doorway to College and – in 2015 – Doorway to College Foundation. The workshop has evolved into a five-hour seminar and also prepares students for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)/PSAT. 

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I set the organization’s strategy, motivate the team, and do whatever is required to support our amazing staff to execute our mission. I am also responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping activities and long-term financial planning. And, on snowy days, you might find me clearing the sidewalks!

What do you love most about working here? 

I appreciate the feedback we receive: the excitement of students telling us how our program and our excellent instructors exposed the mystery of standardized tests and provided confidence. Their comments validate that Doorway to College Foundation is fulfilling its mission of helping students prepare for lifelong learning. 

What sets us apart from our competition? 

Our centered moral compass. We’re in business to help students. Our partner schools appreciate the fact that we offer great preparation at a reasonable price. Our five-hour seminar provides students with what they need to know. Our take-home practice materials provide tools to prepare on their own.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. We are not in the business of lining our pockets; we exist to help young people achieve their educational goals. There are plenty of competitors in the market that promise the moon and charge an arm and a leg – yet under-deliver. We have 35+ years of proven success, are far more affordable, and focus on strategies that transcend socioeconomic background and prior academic success.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I have been working as the office and operations manager for 23 years.

Name something you do to help students thrive.

Given my longevity of employment, I have been able to grow and change our offerings as the needs of students change as well. I oversee all office operations as they relate to customer service, mailing services, sales support, and traveling instructor support. The bottom line: I make sure our processes and procedures provide a good customer experience.

What do you love most about working here? 

I work with a very talented group of people who support our mission to bring test prep to as many college-bound students as possible across the United States.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

We work directly with a contact at each school who has the same passion we do: to help students get into the college of their choice.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

Since 2019, beginning first as an instructor and travelling the United States to teach students throughout the Midwest. I moved into my current role in 2021.

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I get them laughing. It's amazing what real smiles can do for learning.

What do you love most about working here? 

The people I get to work with. It's great to help students alongside an amazing group of people.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

As far as test prep goes, we are much more behind the scenes when it comes to how the test is created, which gives students unique strategies to build confidence and increase scores. Just as important, we are one big family, and we focus on building relationships with schools and students. We take personal interest in the success of those who trust us with their futures.