Ready Set Success! Howard Ambassadors Bring HBCU Culture and College Dreams to Galway Elementary

(Courtesy/ Ready Set Success)

On March 28, the energy of Howard University spilled into the halls of Galway Elementary School as college students from the nonprofit Ready, Set, Success! brought HBCU pride directly to third, fourth and fifth graders. 

Through dance, games, and storytelling, the Howard University student ambassadors partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to give the young students a glimpse into college life, making higher education feel exciting and possible. 

“Our mission was simple: make college feel fun and within reach,” Rasiah Worthy, a Howard student and co-founder of Ready, Set, Success!, said.

 “I formatted it in a way that third through fifth graders could understand — fewer words, more pictures — because I know kids are very creative. I wanted them to be able to see what an HBCU looks like,” Worthy said.

The visit blended fun and purpose. Students learned dances like the ‘Swag Surf,’ a popular dance at Howard, and played interactive games designed to teach college terms and campus culture. 

Smiles lit up the room as students moved to the beat, their laughter echoing through the gym as the students danced the ‘Swag Surf’. (Courtesy/Ready Set Success!)

For Simone Bailey, site director for the Boys & Girls Club, the day was more than just a fun activity.

 “I think these kinds of events help them get a better understanding of college,” she said. “Especially the importance of HBCUs in our Black and brown communities. It’s about giving them that early exposure.”

Founded by Detroit natives Worthy and Sarah Collins, who attend Spelman College, Ready, Set, Success! focuses on mentoring and educating youth through school visits, toy drives, and volunteer outreach.

Since its founding, the organization has expanded beyond Detroit, with student ambassadors now active in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and other cities. One of those ambassadors is a Howard student, Makayla Batts, who took part in the Galway Elementary event. 

“We were able to truly implant a seed,” she said. “Especially with the kids being so diverse and from different demographics, I feel like they would thrive at an HBCU or any college they want to go to.”

By the end of the day, students were smiling, dancing, and dreaming bigger.

“It’s never too early,” Batts said. “And now, they know that college is for them too.”