About Us

Discover the Mission Behind Nkyinkyim Educational Pathways—Your Trusted Resource for College Prep for African American Students.

Kris Y. Coleman, Ed.D*, JD, MBA,
Founder and CEO

NEP: Guiding Families, Empowering Futures through College Prep for African American Students

College Prep for African American Students: The Vision of Kris Y. Coleman

Kris Y. Coleman is a mother, educator, lawyer, and visionary strategist with one unwavering mission: to provide college prep for African American students—especially those descended from North American Enslaved Africans—by equipping their families to navigate and transform systems that were never built for their success.

With two doctorates and a lifetime of lived and professional experience, Kris has stood in classrooms, courtrooms, and college campuses, witnessing firsthand how educational institutions often fail to affirm, protect, or fully prepare Black students. She founded Nkyinkyim Educational Pathways (NEP) out of a deep belief that true preparation is not just academic—it’s cultural, emotional, and ancestral.
NEP is more than a program; it’s a movement. It offers culturally grounded college prep for African American students through a powerful combination of family-focused toolkits, e-courses, coaching, and advocacy resources. Kris’s work is rooted in tradition, shaped by scholarship, and inspired by the deep, enduring love Black parents have for their children—especially in today’s post-DEI educational landscape.to protect, affirm, or fully prepare our children. Nkyinkyim Educational Pathways was born from her deep belief that preparation isn’t just academic—it’s cultural, emotional, and ancestral.

Kris created NEP not as a program, but as a movement. A way to equip families with the tools, wisdom, and advocacy power needed to support their students in today’s post-DEI landscape. Her work is grounded in tradition, sharpened by scholarship, and fueled by the unshakable love Black parents carry for their children.

Empowering Families Through Education & Advocacy

At Nkyinkyim Educational Pathways (NEP), we believe every family deserves clear, culturally aware guidance on the path to college.

Education and Empowerment

Through culturally responsive courses, resources, and toolkits, NEP equips African American families with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the college journey, especially in the absence of DEI programs.

Advocacy and Support

NEP provides parent-centered advocacy tools and strategic guidance to help families proactively address academic, social, and mental health challenges that students may face at predominantly white institutions.

Our Core Values

At Nkyinkyim Educational Pathways, our work is rooted in six guiding passions that reflect our unwavering commitment to African American families and their students:

Educational Equity

We believe every student deserves access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities that support their academic excellence—no matter the campus climate.

Cultural Empowerment

We uplift cultural identity and affirm the experiences of African American students navigating predominantly white institutions, helping them thrive with confidence.

App Access

We provide practical, clear, and relevant tools to ensure students and families are well-prepared before, during, and after the college transition.

Parental Advocacy

We equip parents with knowledge and strategies to be powerful advocates in spaces that may lack representation or understanding.

Mental Health Support

We promote emotional wellness and community care, recognizing the critical role mental health plays in college success.

Student Success at PWIs

We focus on empowering students to succeed in academic environments where DEI support is fading—offering guidance that’s culturally attuned and real-world ready.