Cortney Bridgeforth-Chapman

2006 Scholarship Recipient

“In 2006, I graduated from Richmond High School in Richmond, Indiana. I applied for the Crystal Dreams scholarship during my senior year, and I received it! During my time at Indiana State University, I continued to receive the scholarship all four years. This scholarship helped me with books and other school needs. I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education.”

After graduation, I started my teaching career. I came back to Richmond, Indiana during the summers to direct the STEPUP program for the summers of 2011 and 2012. During those summers, the interns learned hands-on entrepreneurial skills. The interns worked with over twenty businesses to learn the skills needed to learn about owning a business. Along with hands-on learning, the students had classroom lessons about entrepreneurship and college and career readiness. 

In May 2016, I graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ball State University. During the summer of 2017, I rejoined the S.T.E.P. U.P program to assist Ms. Fitts as a consultant. The program under her lead has a targeted focus on entrepreneurship and college and career ready through exploring businesses around the Richmond area. The interns have visited over 50 businesses and multiple colleges and universities. Dressing for success, customer service skills, and after program job, placements have landed several of intern’s jobs in Richmond.