Underrepresented students of color at an independent school
WE BUILD LEADERS.

From Admissionto Alumni.

Vanguard Society partners with independent schools, colleges, universities, families, and communities to identify, prepare, and advance underrepresented students of color — equipping them to thrive, lead, and leave a legacy.

— OUR FULL-CIRCLE APPROACH —

Identity. Community. Excellence. Destiny.

STUDENTS

Mentorship, test prep, academic support, leadership development, internships, and career readiness.

SCHOOLS

Strategic consulting for admissions, enrollment growth, retention, DEI, institutional excellence, and school culture.

FAMILIES

Guidance and healing cohorts to navigate school selection, financial aid, and every step of the journey.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Mobilizing a powerful network of alumni, mentors, professionals, and partners who open doors and create opportunity.

CONSULTING

Strategic solutions for admissions, DEI, training, events, and long-term community engagement.

— WE CONNECT. WE PREPARE. —

We Advance underrepresented students of color.

Vanguard Society is the premier consulting and leadership development organization advancing underrepresented students of color — boys and girls alike — in independent schools, colleges, and beyond.

We are the new-age A Better Chance. The new-age Knowledge Is Power. The consultants that schools trust to make sure their babies are forever okay — and the community that follows every student from admission to alumni.

— HOW WE WORK —

Identify. Prepare. Place. Support.

IDENTIFY

We find exceptional students of color with the potential and purpose to lead.

PREPARE

We equip them with the tools, confidence, and support to succeed in elite academic environments.

PLACE

We connect them to leading independent schools, colleges, and graduate programs.

SUPPORT

We walk with them through college, career, and life — for the long run.

— CONSULTING FOR SCHOOLS —

A strategic partner to institutions.

We serve as a strategic partner to schools and organizations committed to equity, access, and excellence — advising admissions teams, mobilizing mentors, and building programming that keeps students supported for life.

Admissions & Recruitment Strategy
Enrollment Growth
Student Retention & Belonging
DEI & Culture Transformation
Parent & Family Engagement
Alumni Relations & Giving
Board & Leadership Advising
Professional Learning & Training
Healing Cohorts for Parents
— THE VANGUARD NETWORK —

A lifelong network of students, alumni, parents, and partners — committed to lifting as we climb.

From admission through alumni — Vanguard Society follows every student, equips every family, and partners with every school committed to their success.

— THE CREST —

Six symbols. One legacy.

Vanguard Society crest
CROWN
Leadership & Excellence
BOOK
Knowledge & Scholarship
KNIGHT
Strategy, Courage & Purposeful Action
NORTH STAR
Vision & Guiding Purpose
LAUREL
Achievement & Legacy
SHIELD
Protection & Community
— A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER —
Sydney Jarrett
Founder, Vanguard Society
St. George's School, Class of 2016

Once upon a time, a little Black girl from Atlanta dared to go.

She packed her bags and boarded a plane to Newport, Rhode Island — stepping onto the grounds of St. George's School with wide eyes, a full heart, and no roadmap for what it would truly mean to be one of the few. That little girl was me.

Boarding school gave me the world. It also asked things of me that I wasn't prepared to give — things no young person should have to navigate alone. From that experience, I built Vanguard Society: a home for every underrepresented student of color stepping into independent schools, colleges, and every rarefied space beyond.

Vanguard Society follows our students from admission to alumni. We consult with the schools. We train the mentors. We hold healing cohorts for the parents. And we never stop advocating for the babies. You are seen. You are held. You are exactly where you belong.

— Sydney Jarrett
“Surround yourself with excellence, walk in your identity, and never forget your worth.”
— VANGUARD SOCIETY
— JOIN THE VANGUARD —

Be part of a movement.
A network. A legacy.

Whether you're a student, a family, an alumnus, a mentor, or a school ready to build something enduring — let's connect.

30 Minutes · Free · Via Zoom or Phone
— SEND US A NOTE —
— SUPPORT THE MISSION —

Pour into the next generation.

Your contribution funds mentorship, healing cohorts for parents, and consulting scholarships for schools serving underrepresented students of color. Every dollar builds the network.

Sponsor a Vanguard Student
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