TESTIMONIALS
Endorsements from Charles Thompson’s clients and colleagues include:
Clay McMickens- Colby College Graduate
"I started working with Charles Thompson during the summer of 2007 right before my senior year of high school. Before I started working with Charles, I experienced the full range of emotions a teenager applying to college is expected to experience. I was excited to end high school and see what schools would accept me, I was nervous I would not be accepted into any colleges, I was overwhelmed by the added work of actually applying to colleges, but most of all I was confused as to where to start.
"I went to a catholic high school where the college guidance office helped us understand the college application process but left it up to the students and their families to identify schools that would be a good match. My high school specialized in placing their students in Jesuits colleges and, while I enjoyed my high school experience, I was more interested in attending a non-denominational school. I met with Charles Thompson and he encouraged me to look into small liberal arts colleges like Colby, the college I ultimately attended. Before meeting with Charles, my main concern was getting into the best school possible, but during our sessions Charles repositioned my outlook on the process. Charles has an incredible ability to communicate with young people in a way that instills confidence in them. During my sessions with Charles, I learned that I was really the commodity and he instilled in me the confidence to apply to schools that I didn't think I could get into. Charles helped me to understand how best to position my academic background, sports and counter experience to be a successful applicant. By seeing the value in myself as an applicant I became a stronger interviewer, I wrote more persuasive supplemental essays, and fully took ownership of the application process as opposed to leaving the difficult decisions to my parents or my guidance department.
"Charles and I were able to connect during our sessions and I learned that the key to the college process is finding a school that fits you best. During our sessions, Charles' honest approach helped me understand exactly what I was looking for in a college. For me that was a small school with an exceptional academic history as well as a strong in house support system to help me with the transition as a minority student from an inner city school to a small college in rural Maine. Charles' advice during our sessions prepared me for what to expect and what I needed support wise in order to succeed at school. Based on Charles' advice I developed a relationship with the dean of multi-cultural affairs who helped guide me through my difficult freshman year. I would recommend Charles to any high school student who is looking for guidance at any point in their college process. Having Charles as a mentor was invaluable not only during my college search but also during my college career."
Lakia Williams- Manager of Community Development Banking, Capital One Bank
"It is my pleasure to recommend Charles Thompson. I have known Charles since October 2006 when he was interviewed and selected to provide college advisory services for Capital One Bank's Student Banking Program in the Bronx, NY. Since then Charles has subsequently been hired to provide college advisory services to the student bankers in Newark, NJ and Prince George's County, MD.
"I admire the breadth of Charles' knowledge of the collegiate field. He utilizes this knowledge to motivate and impact the Capital One student bankers who perceive the college application process as intimidating and overwhelming. Charles plays a crucial role in the student bankers' lives, many of whom are first generation Americans and the first in their families to pursue higher education. Charles exposes the student bankers to the power of possibility by helping them navigate through life after high school.
"Charles conveys relentless enthusiasm and vigor for his work with the student bankers, and his dedication to the students has translated into tremendous results. Under his leadership, 100% of the students have graduated from high schools, which is quite remarkable given that the schools in the program have average graduation rates between 42%-65%. Furthermore, 96% of the student bankers Charles has worked with since the program's inception have attended college."
Joel Gibson- Director of Faith Based Services, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
"I am extremely pleased to recommend Charles Thompson to you for his talent and skills in working with youth and their families as they consider the educational opportunities following high school. I have known Charles for at least twenty five years and have followed the progress of his enterprise from its inception…Having overseen the operations of a high school…I have a good understanding of the broad set of skills that it takes to help motivate and advance young people…Charles Thompson has these skills and more.
"Of premier importance is Charles' passion for his work and his genuine belief that each of his students has personal resources that should not be left untapped. Each student that he works with comes to understand that they have a tireless advocate in Mr. Thompson if they too are willing to work equally as hard and hold the same faith in themselves that he holds for them. Secondly, Charles has long understood the extreme importance of having parental or some supportive adult participation at the earliest stages of the process. It takes a team of committed people to maximize the possibilities for these young people as they stretch to believe in themselves. Charles knows how to pull together teams of believers. Charles Thompson is also a realist and understands how to enable his students to set reasonable expectations for themselves while challenging themselves at the same time. He neither gives his students unrealistic expectations nor low bar safe choices. I am very impressed with Charles' understanding and use of the small college and university system as a valuable resource for many of his students. For him, it is a question of which institutions can best continue the support that has helped guide the student thus far.
"By any number of measures, Charles Thompson's success rate with the students he shepherds is extraordinary. I believe the roots of this success lie in his understanding of where these students are coming from, the combination of their challenges and their emerging dreams, as well as his core belief that education is the primary tool to self-determination. I would recommend that any student who is looking to transcend the bonds of external limits look to Charles as a mentor and guide."
Kathleen Elvin- NYC Educator
"I have known and worked with Charles Thompson for two decades initially through his fine work with the students and staff of A. Philip Randolph High School, and in recent years, through his advocacy for public schools, and particularly for his work with supporting deserving inner city students to achieve a college education…Through the organization that he founded, Mr. Thompson brought many high caliber enrichment programs to Randolph…Thanks to his dedication, Randolph had the most exciting and well attended talent shows, impressive graduation ceremonies and profitable auctions. His influence permeated the entire school.
"When I founded Williamsburg Prep, I called on Mr. Thompson to help launch our first graduating class. He imbued the seniors with a sense of pride in their achievements…and gave proud parents the confidence that their children were ready for college. He has the skill, experience, and stamina to shape groups of people into high functioning teams dedicated to a mission."
Yuliana Baez- Hobart & William Smith Colleges Graduate
"Coming into A. Philip Randolph Campus High School as an incoming first year, college was one of the last things on my mind. Even when the thought ran through my mind, the possibility of going away was slim to none…that soon changed when I met Mr. Thompson. After joining CCPI (College and Career Preparatory Institute) the motto and goal became obtaining the opportunity to attend a four-year private Liberal Arts institution. Mr. Thompson was committed to this goal. Being a first generation college student, my parents did not know much about the college process, but through workshops and college visits I was able to learn what exactly I was looking for. Mr. Thompson prepared us in every way possible. He would set-up one-on-one interviews with college admission personals to ensure that our name was on their radars.
"Four years later after high school this has led me to be a proud alumna of William Smith College (Hobart and William Smith Colleges) successfully graduated with a dual major in Writing and Rhetoric and Spanish and Hispanic Studies. I was able to acquire the opportunities of being a leader on campus with multiple roles such as president of a club, Orientation Leader, and Voting Member of the Budget Allocations Committee Board. I met lifelong friends, became a social justice advocate, and found myself.
"If it wasn't for the help of Mr. Thompson and the push he gave me, I probably would have never been exposed to this new world and gained the perspectives that I have had. He is a committed man to his work and always there supporting and motivating and does not stop until we reach our goals."
Dayna Joi Baskette- Wiliams College Graduate
"In the fall of 1995, I started my freshman year at A. Philip Randolph High School. Early on I met Charles Thompson, founder of Sound Business Inc, at a school assembly to introduce new students to the available activities and programs. From that day, I have been a strong believer in Mr. Thompson.
"Each year Mr. Thompson transforms teenagers with unfocused energy into task driven young leaders by explaining the importance of thinking worldly and acting locally. Mr. Thompson taught and continues to teach young people the importance of being a well-rounded student and person by connecting the classroom to the boardroom. During my time at Randolph, Mr. Thompson taught me how to plan school events, recruit speakers and entrainment and how to pull everything together. These assignments fostered confidence and a sense that I could accomplish complicated tasks in the future. I learned the importance of sending thank you cards after interviews and networking events to establish relationships with potential mentors. I came into A. Philip Randolph with a timid voice and Mr. Thompson helped me and others become leaders both at school and in our communities. Those skills helped me during interviews for exclusive summer leadership programs in high school and eventually helped me stand out as a young leader when I applied and was accepted into Williams College's Early Decision. Once at Williams, I was challenged to think critically and most classes required a substantial amount of participation and public speaking skills. Luckily, I had the benefit of countless conversations with Mr. Thompson where he would often ask a group of us, 'Why do you feel that way?' and 'Talk to me like I'm the person you need to impress'. Although intimidating at the time, these exchanges laid the foundation for me to think critically about my stance on various issues. After graduating from Williams College, I was once again able to tap into the training I received from Mr. Thompson in high school to interview at the University of Maryland School of Law for a Leadership Scholarship that I subsequently received. I currently work as an Assistant Statewide Prosecutor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I owe a lot of my confidence, ability to multitask, network, lead and serve to Charles Thompson."
Loren Santana- Skidmore College Graduate
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Charles Thompson for the past eight years and, in particular, working closely with him during my four years at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School while participating in the College and Career Preparatory Institute (CCPI) and Sound Business Inc (SBI). When entering high school, I was only aware of Harvard, Princeton, and the other Ivy Leagues, which I was absolutely sure that I could never attend. I was aware of my financial situation and thought that my chances of attending college were slim. However, here I am, four years later, as a Skidmore College graduate. Skidmore provided me with more than I could have possibly imagined. I applied through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which covered some of my tuition, while outside scholarships and Skidmore grants covered the rest. As a math major, I met the most amazing professors and formed close bonds with most of them due to the small class sizes and their willingness to help at anytime. I had the opportunity to go beyond Skidmore and learn from others by spending a semester in Brazil, attending math conferences, and engaging in summer internships and research opportunities. All of this was possible in part because of Charles Thompson. Thompson introduced me to all the realistic college options available. In particular, he focused on small liberal arts schools, which I think was the best option for me. Thompson prepared me to become the best candidate for these colleges. He kept track of my grades and extracurricular activities. he also organized Career Days, where I improved my networking and interviewing skills. Thompson also arranged trips to visit many of the New England schools that he encouraged me to apply to. By the time I applied to the set of schools he helped me pick out, I had visited most and I knew which school I wanted to attend. I never would've imagined I would have all of these opportunities. I highly entrust Charles Thompson with any student since he is a hard working person with genuine intentions to helping students. He is a great asset to the Randolph community and I can only hope that other students take advantage of the great resources he provides."
Dennis Brennan- Teacher & College Counselor
"I have over 40 years of experience working in New York City public high schools as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and college advisor. With those many years in education, I have met many professionals in the field and yet, no one stood out like Charles Thompson. It was while working at A. Philip Randolph High School that I had an opportunity to observe him first hand. There I saw his commitment to the young men and women. I soon realized that Charles Thompson was a man of passion as well as a man of vision. he guided countless students through their academic high school years and through the college application process so they would be accepted at a college that would meet their needs. For some students, this resulted in many of them being the first in their family to go to college and earn their college degree."