Educate. Empower. Engage.

Why I’m Running

As a third generation educator, and a college access advocate, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that ALL students are college and career ready. I believe that every child, regardless of his/her zip code, deserves a great education. I also believe students need dedicated adults supporting them every step of the way. I believe this because I’ve lived it.

A recipient of over $200,000 in scholarships, I was fortunate enough to graduate from Howard University without any debt, and launch a nationally-recognized education-centered nonprofit, The Scholarship Academy, with the sole purpose of creating opportunities for low-income students to enroll in college with minimum loan debt levels. I’ve devoted my entire career to ensuring future generations have the same, if not more, opportunities as me.

Students in our community also deserve to be equipped with the skills to be successful in their respective careers.    In a city so rich in both advocacy and innovation, I believe we can do better. We can expand advanced course offerings and  increase corporate partnerships, providing our kids with the skills they need to compete in a global economy. We can ensure our teachers have the support and resources they need to prepare our students for success.  And we can increase direct funding to the schools, so that school leadership can determine the most effective resources to improve literacy and numeracy rates for their school population.

I look forward to hearing from you. I want to know what’s working well and where you’re concerned. Together we can work towards a stronger Atlanta, across every cluster, and every school.

Your neighbor, Jessica Johnson, M.P.A.