Empower-ED Supports Low-Income Students With Career Readiness Programs

Empower-ED, a nonprofit organization established in January 2024, is dedicated to providing essential resources for low-income, first-generation, marginalized, and underserved students. The organization focuses on post-secondary education, life skills, and career readiness, aiming to empower students through personalized support and workshops.

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Hieu Lê serves as the founder and executive director of Empower-ED, leading the organization’s infrastructure and strategic initiatives. Lê collaborates with the board to ensure growth and sustainability while managing the program coordinator to guarantee effective service delivery across partnered schools and community organizations.

Empower-ED currently partners with four schools—KIPP University Prep, Nathan Hale High School, Tulsa Honor Academy, and Jenks High School—along with the Y at East Central. The organization provides tailored post-secondary advising and life skills workshops, visiting each partnered school twice a month.

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During the first visit, students receive guidance on post-secondary education; the second focuses on life skills and career readiness, followed by additional advising sessions.

In less than a year, Empower-ED has successfully served over 100 students and their families, beginning with partnerships at two schools and expanding to include summer programming in collaboration with TDC. The summer initiative emphasized post-secondary and career readiness, resulting in significant improvements among participants.

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More than 50% of students demonstrated a clearer understanding of career definitions, and over 80% gained insights into career pathways. The program also encouraged more students to pursue college education, decreasing the number who previously considered skipping post-secondary opportunities.

Currently, Empower-ED serves 45 scholars, with the capacity to support up to 60 students annually. Interested students from partner schools are encouraged to apply through the organization's website or consult their school counselors.

For more information, visit TulsaEmpowered.org or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.