College Forward
Martisha Smith is an experienced professional in the field of social work and program management. Currently serving as the College Access Program Manager at College Forward since July 2011, Martisha oversees a team of approximately 10 full-time AmeriCorps State members and 5 work-study students, ensuring compliance with various organizational and university policies. Prior to this role, Martisha worked as a Family Case Manager at The Salvation Army, where responsibilities included case management for homeless families and maintaining statistical accountability. Additionally, as the Youth Services Coordinator at Communities in Schools of East Texas, Martisha coordinated services for at-risk high school students and served as a crucial liaison between different stakeholders. Martisha obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington.
College Forward
Since 2003, College Forward has coached underserved, motivated students to achieve the benefits of higher education and a college degree. We believe that all motivated Texas students can access and complete college. Our personalized, near-peer coaches and resources in both high schools and higher education institutions across the state offer the right amount of support to empower our students every step of the way. Our approach is working: College Forward students are five times more likely to earn a Bachelor’s degree than their peers. We can’t wait to keep leveling the playing field. As part of our continued commitment to deepen our impact and scale meaningful student outcomes, College Forward became a part of the national College Possible organization in July 2021.