Recent Posts

primer for college

Author Writes Book to Bridge the College Readiness Gap for Students of Color

  • By Chamarya Roberts

Primer for College presents its first 1K Book Challenge to educators, students, and mentorship programs starting in the state capitol, Tallahassee. The 1K Book Challenge's mission is to increase underrepresented minority students with the resources to ensure they are equipped not only academically but socially and emotionally for college life and beyond. To ensure college readiness for underserved students, Primer for College is looking for community partnerships to share the book, “Make the Most of Your College Years: A Primer for Success” with high school and college students of Tallahassee. According to Inside Higher Ed, White and Asian student’s graduation rates are close in percentages-- 62 percent and 63.2 percent. Hispanic student’s graduation rate is 45.8, positioning Black student’s on the lower spectrum at 38 percent graduating percentage. Primer for College’s mission is to bridge this gap.

Yaunee Okuneye, founder of Primer for College and author of the book said, “Entering college as a clueless freshman and a woman of color, I had little guidance on what college life would entail. I was a 2nd generation college student and one of the first in my family to attend college outside of my small town in North Florida. But with much prayer, patience and determination, my college experience was exceptionally life-changing. I hope this book encourages students of color to be intentional about every decision they make in college while creating memories worth a lifetime.”

“The 1K Book Challenge's mission is to increase underrepresented minority students with the resources to ensure they are equipped not only academically but socially and emotionally for college life and beyond.”

Yaunee Okuneye is a Florida State University (FSU) alumna. During her time at FSU, Yaunee met lifelong friends and traveled the world. After much growth and maturity throughout her time in college, Yaunee wanted to share both her life lessons and fun memories of college through her book, “Make the Most of Your College Years: A Primer for Success.” Yaunee believes her book offers practical guidance and foundational truths for students preparing for college life.

Readers had this to say about the book.

“This book has great advice! I love how the author used relatable examples and transparency in each chapter,” said Millie Zaranyika, a college student.

“Don’t wait until college to get this book. Middle and high school students need this wisdom-filled book now,” Tanja Roulhac, a middle school administrator said.

Primer for College invites the Tallahassee community to get involved with the 1K Book Challenge to bridge the college readiness gap in higher education for students of color. To learn more about Yaunee and the 1K Book Challenge, “Make The Most of Your College Years: A Primer for Success,” please visit primerforcollege.com