The Next Gen
Tech Program
STEM, Tech and College & Career Pathway Programming for Historically Underserved District of Columbia Youth.
Our Mission:
The Pinkney Education Foundation empowers students to solve real-world problems through innovative, project-based STEM learning experiences. By integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing, the Foundation equips young people with the skills, creativity, and confidence to become the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
The Foundation provides high-quality academic enrichment opportunities for students through in-school, out-of-school, and summer programs. Through strategic partnerships and responsive educational support, the Pinkney Education Foundation advances engaging learning experiences that inspire innovation, expand opportunity, and prepare students for the future.
The Pinkney Education Foundation (PEF), established as a 501(c)(3) in 2019, exists to close persistent opportunity gaps for District youth, particularly those historically excluded from STEM, technology, and college-and-career pathway programming. Our mission is to provide rigorous, culturally affirming development and academic support for in-school, out-of-school, and summer programs, and to underwrite scholarship support for students entering higher education. We believe underserved youth thrive when given access to authentic, future-focused learning, mentorship from trusted adults who reflect their communities, and the dignity of being told plainly that they belong in fields like engineering, computing, and artificial intelligence.
We are the proud recipient of the DC Government Out of School Time, Learn24 Grant. NEXT GEN TECH project will provide year-round, hands-on learning in robotics engineering, 3D design, and artificial intelligence to high school students at McKinley Technical High School and Jackson Reed High School, primarily serving students from Wards 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 in DC’s most underrepresented communities.
Our program includes free mentorship from industry professionals, and direct pathways to AI certification and paid internships.
We operate from a conviction that underserved youth thrive when given sustained relationships with caring adults who reflect their communities, authentic real-world application, and the agency to shape their own futures.
About The Pinkney Education Foundation
Established as a 501(c)(3) in 2019
The Pinkney Education Foundation implements programming through a Positive Youth Development approach grounded in youth voice, collaborative leadership, and hands-on, project-based learning. Rather than viewing youth as recipients of services, we treat them as collaborators and future leaders whose strengths form the foundation of every program experience.
The Next Gen Tech Program represents this philosophy in action, integrating rigorous technical instruction with mentorship, industry connection, and credential pathways that remove historical barriers to opportunity.
Founders, Elton Emmanuel and Beatrice Pinkney, parented 10 children and instilled in them a strong sense of integrity, character, faith and community support. Elton and Beatrice helped many relatives and neighbors in times of need. We, as their descendants, invested in our education and want to support other young people needing financial and mental support for a college education.
Strengthening the College Pipeline.
“A good education is no longer just a
pathway to opportunity – it is a prerequisite”
Barack Obama 2009 State of the Union Address
We provide minority, need-based students college scholarships
and prep assistance.
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The applications will be scored based on the following established criteria. Each applicant must meet the following criteria:
Have a financial need
Involved in an extra curricular or community activity during the academic year
Must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at a university, college, or community college OR be a graduating college-bound high school student.
Admission approved for a college or university
In good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher)
Age limit is 22 years old by the application deadline date
The financial need scoring will be based upon the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) information found on the Student Aid Report (SAR) that was issued after you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. If you have completed your FASFA, the United States Department of Education should have sent you a Student Aid Report (SAR) that contains the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right corner of the first page. Please submit a copy of the first page of your SAR for the current year with your scholarship application. If you need instructions for completing your FAFSA or to obtain a printed copy of your SAR, please visit https://fafsa.ed.gov. Please do not provide any other personal financial documents with this application.
Extracurricular activities include membership in school-sponsored clubs/events, sports, part-time jobs, community service projects, etc. These must be current and verified in writing by the sponsor or coordinator; and must have occurred during the current academic year. You may include up to two activities.
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Applicants submit all of the following Required Documents by the April 30th deadline:
Completed and signed Scholarship Application
Completed and signed Extra Curricular Activities Verification Form
An official transcript that contains your cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall period for current school year, semester/quarter (college students) or as of the second marking period (high school)
An enrollment verification form from your school’s Registrar’s Office (college students only)
First page of your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA.
By May 7th Pinkney Scholarship Selection Committee notifies applicants that a complete or incomplete application was received. Incomplete applications will not receive consideration. The Pinkney Scholarship Committee evaluates applications and recommends award recipients.
Final official transcript with the cumulative GPA Grade Reports are due by June 20th. Awards are not confirmed until received.
Recipients will be notified by July 1st, and recognized on the Pinkney Education Foundation Website.
Lump-sum award checks are disbursed to the recipients’ schools by Sept. 1st.
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The applications are scored using the point system outlined in the application package. Points are awarded in four (4) categories. The categories are described below:
Financial Need – maximum of 40 points
Grade Point Average – maximum of 20 points
Church, Christian Outreach and Community Service Activities – maximum of 30 points
Extra-curricular Activities – maximum of 10 points
Total possible points = 100 Total points required = 55 or higher
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Applicant must be a full-time undergraduate student working toward a degree or professional certification.
The number and amount of awards will be based on the funds available.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
The Next Gen Tech Leadership Team
Kenneth “Ken” Lesley
Program Director
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Ken has served as Director of the NAF Engineering Academy at McKinley Technical High School for more than 13 years and worked within DC Public Schools for over two decades. He has mentored thousands of DC students toward engineering and technology careers and built one of the region’s strongest FIRST Robotics programs through the 1915 Firebird Robotics Team.
Regina McClure
Program Director
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Regina brings 17 years of DCPS experience and currently serves as Career Academy Director at Jackson Reed High School, a role she has held for seven years. Her work focuses on inclusive learning environments, Career and Technical Education pathways, and student achievement.
Thaïs Greca
AI Curriculum Lead
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She brings expertise across industry, education, and workforce development. Her leadership experience includes roles with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Vanguard, and Wilmington University, where she develops workforce pathways in AI and emerging technologies.
Dr. Susan E. Watson
Performance Evaluator
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She brings more than 28 years of experience in data analytics, quality assurance, and program evaluation across education, healthcare, workforce development, and public policy.
Leslie Jones
Community Partnership Coordinator
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Leslie brings more than 20 years of experience in education, STEM programming and community engagement to her role as Community Partnerships Coordinator. As Director of The Hundred-Seven, she has built partnerships that connect students, families and educators with greater access to higher education. She has also served as Director of Program Development at Internet2, where her outreach helped increase participation among HBCUs and Tribal Colleges by 30 percent in one year.
Her previous roles include Manager of Education at Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, HBCU/Minority Institution Liaison for LMI and Instructional Technology Coach with District of Columbia Public Schools. Leslie began her career as a middle school computer science, science and social studies teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools.
Across these roles, she has developed educational programs, led workshops and events and built lasting relationships among schools, nonprofits, colleges and community organizations. Leslie holds a Master of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Howard University, graduating with honors.
The Pinkney Education Foundation Leadership Team
Dr. Bernice Alston
Senior Advisor &
Grant Administration Lead
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Dr. Alston personally managed the federal review process, award decisions, tracking, and quality evaluation of the NASA Space Grant National Consortium during her tenure as Deputy for Education at NASA Headquarters. Space Grant is a congressionally-mandated program operating in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; under Dr. Alston's leadership, the consortium was successfully implemented at scale, in full compliance with federal grants management standards. Dr. Alston served 20 years in DCPS as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Alston has also successfully managed Royal Consulting Firm since 2010, sustaining the operational discipline and reporting rigor required to serve government and institutional clients.
Sylvia M. Pinkney
Leadership Team Member
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A respected ANC Commissioner in Ward 5 for 18 years, she brings extensive knowledge of the business, education, and community landscape surrounding McKinley High School.
Joann Gales
Certified Public Accountant
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Joann has provided accounting services to nonprofit organizations for over ten years, ensuring audit readiness and compliance with 501(c)(3) standards.
Gailya Wright
Records and Operations Coordinator
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Gailya brings over 30 years of experience in records management and has directly supported Learn24 3-D printing programs through Cityspan data entry, attendance tracking, and compliance documentation.
Ted Hinton
Ward 5 resident and Project Coordinator
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Ted brings more than 50 years of experience in education and community leadership through DC Public Schools. A respected mentor and culture-builder, he has impacted thousands of students and families through youth development and relationship-building. Quantitative evidence of grant management success includes management of the federally mandated 50state Space Grant Consortium, on-time submission of Learn24 and a clean 501(c)(3) compliance history since the Foundation’s 2019 incorporation.
The Pinkney Education Foundation Board of Directors
Dr. Bernice Alston
Board President
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Dr. Alston personally managed the federal review process, award decisions, tracking, and quality evaluation of the NASA Space Grant National Consortium during her tenure as Deputy for Education at NASA Headquarters. Space Grant is a congressionally-mandated program operating in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; under Dr. Alston's leadership, the consortium was successfully implemented at scale, in full compliance with federal grants management standards. Dr. Alston served 20 years in DCPS as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Alston has also successfully managed Royal Consulting Firm since 2010, sustaining the operational discipline and reporting rigor required to serve government and institutional clients.
Paris Morgan
Board Vice President
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Paris Morgan has 15 years’ experience as a real estate broker and manager of large commercial properties. She is highly skilled with project and financial management. Ms. Morgan’s bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Business Administration creates a unique entrepreneurial work ethic.
Alotta Taylor
Board Director
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Dr. Alotta Taylor, is a senior executive in the federal government. She has a doctorate in organizational development and 30+ years of Federal Government experience.
Kelly Morgan
Board Secretary
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Ms. Kelly Morgan provides professional support services for the State Opioid Response grant with DSAMH. She has extensive knowledge in methods to integrate primary and behavioral health practices and support services. Ms. Morgan has worked with hospital systems, health commissions, health boards, primary care and specialty physicians for 20 years. Ms. Morgan has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, and a master’s degree in Public Health.
Erique Gumbs
Board Member
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Mr. Erique Gumbs is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Leader, currently working with The Bridge clinic in Dover Delaware. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Towson University and a Masters in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Erique is a former Division I collegiate scholarship athlete. He has served as Nurse Consultant for Delaware Psychiatric Center and the State Office of the Medical Director. Mr. Gumbs has over six years of inpatient, outpatient, and administrative Psychiatric Nursing experience. He is also a member of the Gamma Theta Lambda Education Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Clarence Crawford
Board Member
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Mr. Clarence Crawford is currently the President of the Maryland State Board of Education. He is an adjunct professor in the American University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program where he teaches Federal Budgeting, Ethical Leadership, and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). He retired from the Senior Executive Service at the Office of Personnel Management after 39 years of service with the federal government.
Harold E. Hodges
Board Member
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Mr. Harold E. Hodges retired from the United States Department of State as the Director of Budget, Bureau of Medical Services. Mr. Hodges is currently the CEO of H. Elliott Associates, LLC. H. Elliott Associates provides management consulting and supplemental education training to mid-career professionals pursuing business degrees and supports small businesses with operational consulting services. He earned a BA from Dartmouth in Economics and a MA from Johns Hopkins University in International Studies.
Rev. Dr. Edna C. Jenkins
Board Member
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Rev. Dr. Edna Canty Jenkins is a retired pastor of Embry A.M.E. Church and a devoted servant of God whose ministry and leadership have touched countless lives. She currently serves on the ministerial staff of Love A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes, Senior Pastor.
Rev. Dr. Jenkins earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology from D.C. Teachers College, a Master of Arts from Federal City College, and a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity. In May 1999, she was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Rev. Dr. Jenkins' pastoral assignments include serving as pastor of Cornerstone A.M.E. Church in Indian Head, Maryland, as well as leadership roles in Christian Education at both the Capitol District and Pilgrim A.M.E. Church. She has also served faithfully on the ministerial staff at First A.M.E. Church, Gaithersburg, Campbell A.M.E. Church, and her home church, Love A.M.E. Church.
Shirley Turner
Board Member
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Dr. Shirley Turner is an Executive Coach with CI International. She holds a doctorate inOrganizational Leadership with a concentration in Academic Leadership. She served as an Adjunct Professor and Graduate Writing Coordinator at Howard University. Dr. Turner served as an instructional coach for DCPS teachers collecting and analyzing multiple sources of evidence of teacher practice during observations, drawing detailed and appropriate conclusions regarding strengths and high priority areas for teacher growth. She is the published author of Catch the Spirit and Be Set Free, as well as numerous peer reviewed and magazine articles.
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