My passion is that information must be shared with parents and students about the opportunities to attend college through grants, scholarships, fellowships and work-study. The family must understand the importance of early preparation (consistent study habits), good grades and completing applications for funds by the deadlines. The opportunity to obtain a free education, with a present and future (work) position, is highly possible.

HEAR WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE ROAD TO A COLLEGE EDUCATION.

Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said of The Road to A College Education: "As I helped pack the last of my three children off to college in the fall of 2000, I was realizing that getting ready for college is a family affair--the student has to choose the school, the course of study, and a roommate, but the parents have to think about how to afford it and cope with the ‘departure’ of that special gift from God who is moving out for more than a summer camp. My friend, Rubye Graham-Emerson, has prepared a simple yet helpful book that gives some driving tips along The Road to A College Education. I hope you’ll enjoy the trip!"

"Rubye Graham-Emerson has dedicated herself to young people. Her book, The Road to A College Education, is but one product of that dedication. This book provides the practical information needed to equip parents, teacher, counselors, pastors and youth workers in their work of providing hope for and a plan for higher education. I commend it to you. U.S. Senator Y. Tim Hutchinson, (R-Ark.)

"Isn’t it ironic that self-sufficiency originally starts with support from others? This book does a wonderful job proving that point as it explores the important roles parents, the home environment, the schools and even the Bible have in relation to getting an education. It is truly refreshing to see how the author expounds on the Biblical perceptiveness of pursuing an education. I strongly believe that helping students get the proper state of mind is key to creating an atmosphere conducive to learning. It is encouraging to see that someone of Rubye’s insight would care enough about students to write this type of helpful material...material that explores the behind the scenes type of information they need to know. This book will be a benefit for students from all backgrounds as they journey through the educational process. Dr. Alton Garrison, Senior Pastor, First Assembly of God, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Rubye Graham-Emerson’s book, The Road to A College Education, is filled with practical tools and sound research-based information that is a must have for all parents. Packed with helpful suggestions, this book could serve well as the read map for all families wanting their children to achieve their fullest potential and attend a college of their choice. The Road to A College Education provides a practical, step-by-step guide for planning and determining your options for attending the top colleges. Thank you, Rubye, for your valuable insight and dedication to helping all young people achieve their greatest dream. Ms. Cynthia Klumpp, Arkansas Promise Coordinator.

Rubye Graham-Emerson is a small town girl who has risen to every challenge life has presented her. Originally from McGehee, Arkansas, she was married and had mover to Gary, Indiana, by age 18. Rubye was a mother to two children when she began college. In the midst of earning her first college degree, her middle sister died, leaving three daughters. Rubye saw their need, recognized and seized her responsibility, and "adopted" her sister’s children. Self-determination and inner strength helped her earn not only a Bachelor’s degree but also a Master’s degree (in Science Education with a major in Counseling Guidance Personnel Services) from Purdue University while owning and operating three state-licensed, full service infant, pre-school and kindergarten academies.

Currently an education representative at ITT Technical Institute, Rubye still finds time to "walk the walk" because she teaches education. She is a full-time student of Oral Roberts University, working on her Doctoral degree in Christian Education. She is active in her Sunday school class at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock where she continues to counsel and lead others in their quest to grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She conducts educational workshops and a motivational guest speaker for organizations and groups.

Rubye is also an active member of the Pulaski County Republican Women Association as well as the secretary and a board member of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority Board, to which Governor Mike Huckabee appointed her.

Rubye has been married to Leroy Emerson for more than 30 years and has two adult children, LeRoy W. Emerson and LaDana W. Emerson. She is also the grandmother of Dawnavan Noelani Emerson and LeRoi David Emerson.

As an educator I am concerned about the lack of a sense of purpose among parents and students throughout the United States regarding the relationship between a college education and the quality of life. Moreover I am concerned about the lack of understanding among parents about how to get their children admitted to a good college and what little they know about the financial aid opportunities that are available to them. This is especially true among the estimated 15 million "at risk" youth in today’s America.

At the Presidents’ Summit for American’s Future in Philadelphia, several thousand of our nation’s leaders endorsed five basic resources that our young people need to become successful adults: (1) a caring adult; (2) safe and structured activities to learn and grow; (3) a healthy start; (4) a marketable skill through effective education; and (5) an opportunity to "give back" through community service. It is readily noticeable that the family, the school, and the community have shared responsibilities in helping every child realize a healthy quality of life. It is notable, however, that the parents have the first line of responsibility and authority in the process.

Millions of parents and students do not know what they want because they do not know what is available and the preparation that is required when it comes to college admission and financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Rubye Graham-Emerson has identified the critical need for and has captured a vision that will help parents and youth increase their chances for college admission and financial aid. In her book, Rubye has transmitted the inspiration, vision and plan that could enable millions of parents and children seize the opportunities of a college education leading to an improved quality of life. She has shared her heart, mind, research, and success strategies in her booklet for parents and high school students entitled "The Road To A College Education." Rubye’s inspirational and informative words are a burning bush calling parents to seize the responsibility for understanding how to support their children in the process of preparing a college resume, seeking admission to college, and for discovering the means of financial aid that can enable their children to enjoy a higher quality of life. This is must reading for every parent who has questions about what it takes to get into college and how to seek financial assistance in the process.