About Alexis Crosby
Alexis Crosby’s story demonstrates what’s possible when academic talent is matched with access, guidance and opportunity.
A lifelong Clevelander, Alexis grew up in a family rooted in the city through the Great Migration. Her parents provided unwavering support and encouragement, but they had never navigated the higher education system themselves. Alexis would become the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree – stepping into a system filled with unfamiliar rules, costs and expectations.
What Challenges Did Alexis Face Before College?
As the 2008 valedictorian of Cleveland’s Glenville High School, Alexis had the academic ability to succeed, but access to higher education was not guaranteed. The costs associated with standardized testing, the complexity of completing the FAFSA and the college application process presented real barriers.
Like many first-generation students, Alexis had the motivation and potential to attend college but lacked firsthand family experience with navigating admissions, financial aid and college planning.
How Did College Now Support Her Journey?
College Now helped Alexis turn her academic potential into a clear path forward.
Through College Now, she received college entrance exam preparation, testing fee vouchers and direct FAFSA assistance. College Now also connected her with mentors and experiences that expanded her understanding of what was possible for her future.
While still in high school, Alexis began conducting research at Case Western Reserve University. Early exposure to college-level work, combined with support from faculty and mentors who recognized her potential, allowed her to envision herself thriving in a higher education environment.
What College Did Alexis Attend?
Like many high-achieving students, Alexis was accepted to colleges across the country. She ultimately chose to stay in Cleveland and attend Case Western Reserve University—not out of limitation, but out of connection. She had already found an academic home through research and advocates invested in her success.
Her experience reflects a broader truth: students are more likely to stay in the region when they feel meaningfully connected to local institutions before they ever graduate high school.
How Did Education Shape Her Career?
Alexis had always excelled in math and science and was initially encouraged to pursue a STEM-related degree. She quickly realized, however, that a career in a lab simply didn’t match her
passion. One of the professors she met through early research offered something she didn’t know she needed: permission to explore other careers.
For a first-generation student, those conversations don’t always happen through family networks. College Now and its ecosystem of advisors and partners helped Alexis see that success can take many forms. College Now also helped reduce the financial burden through scholarships and partnerships, limiting student loans and freeing Alexis to pursue leadership opportunities and internships, ultimately earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology and English. She then went on to receive a master’s degree in developmental and child psychology.
How Is Alexis Making an Impact Today?
Today, Alexis serves as the Ohio state lead for the Fair Elections Center, working at the intersection of higher education, civic engagement and public policy. She helps ensure college students across Ohio understand their voting rights and can fully participate in democracy. She continues to mentor students and advocate for equitable systems grounded in lived experience.
What Can Students Learn From Alexis’s Story?
Alexis’s journey shows that academic success is only part of the equation. Access to resources, trusted guidance and meaningful mentorship can help students navigate unfamiliar systems and pursue opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves.
For first-generation students especially, seeking support, remaining open to new possibilities and building relationships with mentors can create pathways to both personal and professional success. Alexis’s story is a reminder that with the right support system, students can achieve their goals while creating lasting impact in their communities.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Whether you’re exploring college options, applying for financial aid or planning your next step after high school, College Now can help you navigate the path ahead. Our team provides personalized support, resources and guidance to help you reach your educational and career goals.
Looking for support on your educational journey? College Now can meet you wherever you are in the process. Explore your options, build your plan and find the path that’s right for you.