HARLEY FRANKEL: The Story Behind College Match and our Inspirational Founder
Release Date: 03/30/2021
SEVDORA: The Power of Integrity.
The College Match Podcast
“YOU HAVE TO VALUE INTEGRITY. IT’S LIKE DOING THE RIGHT THING WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING.” Get your tissues ready! Meet Sevdora, a young woman from Uzbekistan. When she was almost 5 years old, her mom moved to America to achieve the “American Dream” and ultimately to establish a life that would allow her to one day bring Sevdora legally. It took 7 years and it didn't take long for Sevdora to become fluent in English and excel academically, overcoming many obstacles along the way.
info_outline
HARLEY FRANKEL: The Story Behind College Match and our Inspirational Founder
The College Match Podcast
For the Season 2 Launch, Harley Frankel, Founder of College Match Los Angeles shares his powerful story and his inspiration behind the program has changed thousands of students’ lives.
info_outline
EDDY: The Importance of Self Advocacy and Financial Planning
The College Match Podcast
“SCHOOL HAS REALLY ELEVATED WHO I AM.” Meet Eddy. When he entered high school, he was told that he was not placed in AP or Honors courses because when he was younger, he did not “test” into gifted classes. He dedicated his high school career to changing that. Since then, he has passed 11 College Classes, earned a 4.0 GPA, and plays Varsity Football. He’s most proud of starting the Business Club that teaches his peers financial planning. His self advocacy as a young male of color will surely inspir
info_outline
*ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT* - ESMERALDA: Yale Class of 2020 and Chemical Engineer
The College Match Podcast
“MY DREAM IS TO WORK AT BOEING AND GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY THROUGH MY JOB.” Meet Esmeralda, one incredibly resilient young woman who was the only Latina Chemical Engineer in her graduating class at Yale University. She was also one of a few women in the program altogether. She shares her college application story and the factors that made her choose Yale from the many other colleges she was accepted to including 6 other Ivy League colleges. She has one powerful experience to share.
info_outline
AIRIN AND ABIGAIL: Mariposas in Action and The Period Poverty Project
The College Match Podcast
“DREAMS AND ACTION MUST BE WOVEN TOGETHER.” Meet Airin and Abby, two young leaders in Los Angeles who apart, have their own unique talents and interests, but together, are a powerful duo that radiates with hope and positivity. They have joined forces during high school to create two impactful programs called Mariposas in Action and The Period Poverty Project.
info_outline
BLANCA: Lessons From a Young Entrepreneur and The Student Wellness Campaign
The College Match Podcast
“WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.” Meet Blanca, a young entrepreneur from Lawndale California. Blanca is determined to be the best first in her family to attend college where she plans on exploring majors in either psychology or biology (with the hopes of a pre-med track). Blanca truly believes in the power of voice and her core values are centered around wellness, mindfulness and writing. There is no doubt she will make a lasting impact on her college next year!
info_outline
MARTYN: Lessons From a Young Gardener and The Power of Networking
The College Match Podcast
“BIG CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE BIG STEPS.” Meet Martyn, a young student leader from Boyle Heights who is determined to attend a college that matches his drive for community change. Martyn grew up as his dad’s “right hand man,” traveling around Los Angeles as a hardworking gardener since he was 7 years old. He's an aspiring Engineer with tons of heart and his sense of adventure is contagious. He will surely inspire with his story.
info_outline
REYNA: Environmental Activism, Social Justice and Her Self Love Page
The College Match Podcast
“I AM MADE OF ALL THINGS THIS WORLD COULDN’T TAKE FROM ME.” Meet Reyna, a young environmental activist from South Central LA. She is determined to find a college that matches her passion for environmental sustainability and spreading self love. In her words, “When you’re experiencing sad moments, it’s ok to feel them. But it’s also important to leave space for that happiness.” This episode will surely leave you inspired to practice more self love and kindness.
info_outline
OSCAR: Hydrogen Powered Cars and the COVID-19 Relief Project
The College Match Podcast
“I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY.” Meet Oscar, a change-maker inside the classroom and internationally! He’ll be applying to college next year and is determined to be the first in his family to earn a college degree. He's an inventor, world champion and started a COVID-19 Relief Project at his school! This episode will surely leave you feeling inspired and empowered to learn more about the future of Hydrogen Powered Cars!
info_outline
College Match Podcast Introduction
The College Match Podcast
Join me, Andrea Cova, one of the Counselors at College Match, on this journey as I conduct powerful interviews with some of LAs young future leaders, working towards positive change inside and outside of the classroom. You'll hear stories about impactful projects through innovation, student collaboration and advocacy. www.collegematchla.org
info_outlineFor the Season 2 Launch, Harley Frankel, Founder of College Match Los Angeles shares his powerful story and his inspiration behind the program has changed thousands of students’ lives.
Harley was recently called a “Social Impact Hero” by Authority Magazine for the impact he has made in our world.
He has an extensive resume including a BA in Political Science and BS in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and several careers in public policy and professional sports management. Some of these jobs included serving as the General Manager for a professional sports team, the 1st U.S. Secretary of Education, the Executive Assistant to the U.S. Commissioner of Education, and he even helped get the Pell Grant Bill passed in 1974.
However, despite so many life changing careers, none compare to his time in College Match. In his words, “The career that he’s the most proud of is starting College Match and meeting so many wonderful students and their families.”
Also the first in his family to attend college, Harley had to find his place in higher education by being a strong self-advocate and appreciating the power of his network.
When he started College Match, he saw many similarities in his own life to those of the first-generation students he worked with.
During the interview, Harley shares details about his past, where he grew up, and how his time working in Washington DC led him to a career in Education.
He also explains why after several years working as a General Manager for a professional sports team, he decided to shift courses by starting College Match LA to dedicate his life to helping low-income, first generation students access their rightful spot at some of the best private colleges in the United States.
Tune in for more information about Harley’s career journey and hear first-hand from several College Match alumni about the impact Harley has made in their lives.
**For a Video Version of Harley’s Podcast Interview, visit our College Match YouTube Page where you’ll be able to see pictures of Harley as a child and a close-up look at his cherished retirement gift, a handmade blanket that College Match Alumna Karina Pichardo and her mom created using college t-shirts. If you’d like to learn more about College Match LA, visit www.collegematchla.org.