As Volunteer Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate Dr. Ebony Wright-Campbell! Dr. Ebony is a licensed clinical social worker with the NYC Department of Education who also works in private practice. In 2023, she served as a College Coach at our Nazareth University summer Workshop. We caught up with her to learn how her career field has led her to volunteer with PeerForward:
What drives you to serve first-generation, low-income students?
As a school social worker, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is when students feel seen, heard, and supported—not just academically, but emotionally and culturally. Serving this community means helping students rewrite narratives about what’s possible for them.
Please describe the impact of the PeerForward/College Summit volunteering experience.
Volunteering for this organization is so special. Being around the students and the other volunteers pours into my soul. I get to be around other volunteers who love helping and being present for young people.
In your opinion, why should low-income students pursue postsecondary education?
Education can be a powerful lever for breaking cycles of poverty and expanding access to opportunity, choice, and self-determination. Education doesn’t guarantee all will be great, but it gives young people the space to explore identity, develop critical thinking, and build confidence. Education doesn’t guarantee equity, but it opens doors.
