An all-inclusive program for planning, adapting and financing your college education
About Us
Justin’s impact on audiences and educators has made him one of the most sought after presenters at universities, educational conferences and businesses. For a while, parents, friends and professors had been asking Justin to put his ideas and concepts into a manual or a book that everyone could use and learn from. “Onward + Upward” is the product of that demand. After working his first job and seeing how unprepared college students were, Justin decided to write “Onward + Upward.” Onward + Upward is a comprehensive college preparatory program that provides future college students with the skills and knowledge to be successful in institutions of higher learning. Justin currently works at West Chester University of Pennsylvania as a Resident Director in Residence Life.
Justin L. Brown, M.A. is a renowned presenter and critically acclaimed speaker who has devoted his life to educating campuses, businesses and communities about college and pursuing higher education. He helps to build the respect of others, communication, authentic relationships, college knowledge and how to have a closer connection to God. Justin attended Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania where he was a Communications major with a focus in Public Relations. He received his masters degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Student Affairs in Higher Education. As a devout believer in the Christian faith, Justin believes that it was God’s calling to use the gifts that he had given to him to educate others on peace, tranquility and the overall understanding of one another.
Emily Bolick has a passion to assist young adults with their educational and career success. She has previously administered federal grants programs that funded over 30 college access programs throughout North Carolina. These programs assisted underrepresented, first generation, minority, and low income high school students plan, apply, and pay for college. Emily coordinated North Carolina College Application Week, which aided 28,000 students submit 68,000 college applications. In addition, Emily provided the assistance and training relating to financial aid and best fit versus best match institutions.
In addition to her work with the University of North Carolina and college access, Emily has worked with college preparatory programs. These programs served high achieving students from around the world and were hosted at the University of California, Berkeley and University of Oxford, UK. Emily currently works in student affairs and residence life where she assists students with their transition to college, success throughout the college careers, and transition to life post-graduation.
In addition to her work experiences, Emily holds a B.A. in Communication Studies focusing in Sociology and Gender Studies and M.Ed. in Counseling and Student Affairs from Bloomsburg University.
Preeti Singh has over 15 years of experience in higher education, and most of that time has been spent working in career services. Preeti has extensive experience helping young adults with all aspects of their careers—from career goal-setting, resume writing, interviewing, developing a personal brand, building a network, landing an internship or job and more. Preeti believes in every individual’s unique set of experiences and strengths, and facilitates discovering and maximizing those for their career path. She also works extensively with employers in her current role and collaborates with faculty, staff and students for mutual success. In addition to a B.A. in Psychology, an M.S. in Counseling (concentration in Higher Education), Preeti is currently pursuing her second M.S. degree in Resources Management. She has also received training in Career Coaching, Salary Negotiation for Women, Mediation and enjoys keeping her own skillset updated through various professional groups and training avenues. Preeti believes in a positive mindset and approach to every task.
Nicole McNeil has a passion to assist youth with their educational and career success. She is a double alum from West Chester University where she received her undergraduate and masters level degrees in education. Nicole works with students K-12 and is our math and English tutor.
Nicole believes in every individual’s unique set of experiences and strengths, and facilitates discovering and maximizing those to better help them in their studies.
