Accredited degrees & certifications. An innovative approach. Career advancement.
We believe you deserve a degree program that fits your life.
The students at Degree Forward are driven and ambitious. Each cohort starts together, connecting through online and in-person events, study sessions, and more. Our community includes students, graduates who serve as academic coaches and enrollment advisors, higher ed professionals, mentors, businesses, and so much more.
Most colleges simply weren’t designed around the needs of all students, especially those with busy lives and balancing the responsibility of work and family. Student-coach ratios can run as high as 1000:1, making it near-impossible for students to troubleshoot challenging course schedules or snags in financial aid. We are here to address key issues to ensure all students, including working students, parent learners, and first-generation students can be as successful as possible.
Community colleges
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Degree Forward has been life-changing! It’s affordable and flexible, allowing me to work at my own pace from home. Despite personal challenges, the support and guidance of my coach have made earning my degree feel manageable and within reach. I’m so grateful for this experience.
Since 2021, Degree Forward has been passionately pursuing solutions to increase college completion, certification, and career advancement rates for communities in Michigan.
We’re deeply committed to helping our students reach their goals.
As a non-profit, your success is our success, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We believe that success should be possible for all who want and work for it. We actively challenge systems of routine and inequity.
We strengthen our capacity by helping one another succeed. We use our talents, influence, and ideas to contribute to our community.
We believe that the journey shapes our character and supports our path to achieving our goals. We celebrate little wins just as we do the big ones.
We’re your coaches, your admissions specialists, your advocates, and supporters.
Dr. Henry is an experienced Student-Centered Educational Leader with a demonstrated history of working in K-12 schools, non-profit organizations, out-of-school time sectors and various colleges. She has been in the Educational Field for 15+ years and has worked for well known organizations such as Focus: HOPE, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), Wayne County Community College and Cornerstone Schools. Dr. Henry has a strong educational background with an earned Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational & Educational Leadership from Oakland University. The knowledge and skills gained in the doctoral program enhanced the academic training she received earning her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree (also from Oakland University), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Bachelor of Science in Accounting degrees from Wayne State University.
Ebony Jennings is a strategic marketing and communications professional with a passion for expanding access, equity, and lifelong learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University and has spent her career helping nonprofits and community-driven organizations engage diverse audiences and create meaningful impact. Her commitment to empowerment extends beyond her work—she has served on DEI and advocacy teams, championing professional development and advancement pathways for people of color. She also supports adult learners as they navigate their educational and career journeys. Beyond strategy, Ebony is an entrepreneur, artist, and author. She founded Uncommonly Crafted, a platform celebrating faith, creativity, and personal growth, and owns Alvin & Dianne Design Studio. She is a graduate of BUILD Institute and Michigan Women Forward’s Woman Up and Grow Entrepreneurship Program, and her artwork has been featured in exhibits at Michigan State University. She is also the author of Finding You: Seeing Yourself the Way God Does, a book guiding young women in embracing their identity and purpose through a Christ-centered lens. Now based in Dallas, Ebony remains deeply connected to her Detroit roots, carrying her passion for storytelling, strategy, and creativity into every space she serves.
Laura Polega is a native of Huron County, Michigan. She grew up in Port Austin, the Tip of the Thumb in Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University, and resides in Unionville with her husband, Brad. Together, they raised two independent daughters who grew up showing livestock and playing sports. They have instilled in their daughters the values of education and independence, as being important to success in life. Laura has been involved in the world of education for many years and has been an entrepreneur in the Thumb of Michigan for most of her adult life. She is dedicated to helping others become the best versions of themselves with involvement with a local 4-H group, serving on an advisory board for the Tuscola Technology Center, belonging to Sebewaing Rotary, and supporting local youth in many community activities. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and home improvement projects. Laura has a passion for education and knows that education can benefit individuals who strive to make Huron County a place where people can live, work, and raise a family, in a place that she calls “home.” She loves being involved in making Huron County a desirable place to not only stay after high school completion but to return to, after leaving for college or other reasons. Her mission is to help educate the residents of Huron County and she is excited to begin her work with Degree Forward to aid in the post-secondary advancement of the residents of Huron County.
Talisha Brown is the Academic Support Manager for Degree Forward and a trailblazing example of persistence, dedication, and academic excellence. She was the first graduate of the Degree Forward program, earning her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management in October 2022. Talisha’s academic journey began with an Associate of Science degree from Wayne County Community College District, followed by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has since obtained a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a post-master’s Ed.S in Adult Learning and Development. Currently, Talisha is pursuing her Ed.D in Adult Learning and Development, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. As Academic Support Manager, Talisha leverages her experience and expertise to coach and mentor students, helping them achieve their academic goals. She embodies the dedication, resilience, and hard work necessary to succeed in rigorous academic programs and is passionate about empowering others to do the same.
Kelly is our Admissions Manager. Utilizing her years of experience with customer and client care to assist prospective students with program questions and potential roadblocks as they pursue degree obtainment. Kelly worked as a production chef for over 10 years while working towards her degree in hospitality management but life got in the way and she was unable to complete her education. In early 2022 she began her pursuit of degree attainment as a student of Degree Forward! She fully understands the journey as a returning adult learner. Outside of her professional life, she is a wife, mother to six amazing humans (plus a son-in-law), and 3 cats! Life is very busy with her kids active in travel soccer, swim team, and robotics, plus her pursuits of long-distance running and cycling. Kelly also is active with a local non-profit Rock CF as a lead volunteer for their half marathon hosted on Grosse Ile along with other fundraising efforts to support those living with Cystic Fibrosis. One of her favorite ways to unwind and step back from busyness is to go off the grid camping with her family.
Nkosi is an academic coach for Degree Forward. Before he began this journey, he was a new and used car salesperson with LaFontaine Automotive Group for nearly 2 years. He has 15 years of experience in retail and sales management. In the past, he passionately pursued post-secondary education in the field of music education. Though, he did not complete his B.A. in Music Education, Degree Forward is his opportunity to return to learning and pursuing education again. Some of his hobbies include traveling and performing music. He is a jazz musician and specializes in woodwind instruments (namely saxophone) and plays some brass instruments, guitar, bass, and piano. He enjoys performing in both private and professional settings. What he hopes to gain from his journey at Degree Forward is an opportunity to reach people and help them pursue their dreams. With his educational background, he has had experience working with students from various walks of life. From those experiences and more, it became his passion to help shine the light on people who have a desire to learn and pursue their goals.
Jourdan Sylvester is an accomplished educator with a strong commitment to fostering positive learning environments. With a Masters of Science in Education - Instruction, a Bachelors of Arts degree in History, and an Associates degree in Secondary Education, she possesses a well-rounded academic foundation. Her extensive experience spans K-12 education, where she has excelled as a Special Education Teacher and a Social-Emotional Learning Intervention Specialist. Jourdan's passion lies in creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that empowers students to thrive academically and personally. Her dedication to education is evident in her pursuit of innovative teaching methods and strategies, all aimed at helping students achieve their full potential. Throughout her career, Jourdan remains steadfast in her commitment to educational excellence. Her overarching goal is to establish a positive and nurturing learning environment where students can flourish both academically and emotionally. Her dynamic approach to teaching is characterized by innovative methodologies that cater to individual learning styles. Jourdan's passion for fostering growth extends beyond the classroom as she actively collaborates with colleagues, parents, and students to create a holistic educational experience. With a wealth of expertise and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Jourdan Sylvester continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of education.
Jauleesa Taylor is the Academic Support Specialist at Degree Forward. In her role, Jauleesa provides personalized coaching and guidance to students, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive. She is a role model for resilience and achievement, continuously striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Jauleesa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management through the Degree Forward program, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education and Curriculum, further expanding her knowledge to support students in achieving their goals.
Megan is a highly organized professional with a Bachelor of Science in History from Central Michigan University. She has a background of over 17 years of Retail Management where she established exceptional customer relations and service. Megan has a passion for designing and creating elegant promotional advertising and event materials. Megan is a huge supporter of continuing education. In 2022, she went back to school and completed a certification program in Digital Photography from Cornell University. She specializes in Nature Photography. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, and kayaking.
Message from the Degree Forward team: Danielle, thank you for the strong foundation that we'll continue to build upon. || North is a wife, mother of three, long-distance runner, and a social entrepreneur. North is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University. North is the former CEO & Executive Director of Degree Forward, a local nonprofit providing college pathways to achieve degree completion for Detroiters and communities in Michigan. As a proven cradle to career strategist and implementation specialist, North has successfully founded several initiatives: Kidz Kingdom, Detroit’s first indoor playground, a licensed child care center, Biz Kidz, a youth entrepreneurship and career summer camp, and Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, which has grown to 14,000 members on its Facebook platform. She is a proud 2012 alumni of the prestigious German Marshall Memorial Fellowship. In 2019, she became a Detroit Free Press, Shining Light Mayor Dave Bing Future Leader Awardee. In 2021, North was awarded the honor and distinction of Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40. In 2022, North received the Spirit of Detroit for her commitment to youth, women, education, and community development. North serves on the fund development board for Black Leaders Detroit, she’s a guest columnist for Detroit Free Press and a Kresge Thrive Leaders Alumna.
Doug Ross serves as Partner and Treasurer of Diploma Equity Project. Ross has spent the last four decades working in economic development and education as a Michigan state senator, director of the Michigan Department of Commerce, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, and founder of the University Prep and Promise Schools charter school networks in Detroit. Most recently, Doug served as Senior Advisor for Michigan Prosperity to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. In this role, he supported the governor’s initiative to close the state’s skills gap and to work with the governor to formulate and implement her administration’s economic development policies. Doug is a graduate of the University of Michigan, did graduate work in economics at the London School of Economics, and holds a degree in public policy from Princeton University.
Melissa Hamann serves as Partner and Executive Director of Diploma Equity Project. Hamann has nearly twenty years of experience working in education reform and school management. Most recently, Melissa served as the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Promise Schools, a nonprofit school management company launched in 2013 which operates schools in and around Detroit to prepare students for success in college and beyond. Prior to launching Promise Schools, Melissa served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Detroit Public Schools Emergency Managers Robert Bobb and Roy Roberts from 2009-2013. Before returning home to metro Detroit in 2009, Melissa led education reform initiatives through her roles with the New York City Department of Education, Boston Public Schools, and Chicago Public Schools. Melissa began her career as a management consultant for Bain & Company in Chicago. She then worked as a consultant for the Civic Consulting Alliance in Chicago where she supported strategic initiatives in community development, public housing, public parks, and education, and found her life’s passion to support public education reform. Melissa has an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, and a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Melissa is also a graduate of the Broad Residency in Urban Education, and a proud mom to her four-year-old son Ben.