Courthney Calvin’s heart brimmed with hope for her young son, Chase. She envisioned him growing into a man of character and substance, someone who would do amazing things and never stop learning.
But she also understood the harsh realities many young Black men face — broken systems that lead to high drop-out rates and lives too often derailed by violence or incarceration.
A family services worker helped Courthney see a path forward, for both of them. That path would be built on education.
In 2013, when Chase was 3 years old, Courthney enrolled him in a Head Start program funded by United Way of Greater Cincinnati.
“It gave him a head start. And it gave me a head start. And life took off from there,” Courthney said.
Helping children succeed in school — and starting early — is a top priority for United Way. Research shows that with quality preschool, children are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education and achieve lifelong economic stability.
Courthney didn’t know all that, at least not initially. She just knew she wanted more for her son. As his first teacher, she taught him through play. The United Way-funded preschool program built on that foundation.
Chase learned letters, numbers, colors, shapes. He learned how to manage emotions, take turns, follow directions and build relationships. He learned to respect and appreciate people from different backgrounds.
When it was time for kindergarten, Courthney saw changes: “I saw a confident kid.”
But her own confidence was shaky. Raising Chase on her own, she left college to work full-time, yet she was just scraping by.
“I don’t know how we made it, honestly. Lots of nights I thought, I don’t know how I’m surviving. What’s my way out?”
The same family services worker who helped enroll Chase in preschool also helped Courthney set a new goal: finish her degree.
It wasn’t easy. Courthney was in her 40s when she returned to school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she earned her associate degree, and six months later, a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Cincinnati.
“It meant so much more that Chase was at the graduation ceremony. It was like, this is for us,” she said.
Mother and son — both on educational journeys — leaned on each other.
“I was supposed to help him and save him, but he helped and saved me,” Courthney said. “We did this together. This is a partnership.”
Said Chase: “I envy my mom, and I’m proud of her. It takes a lot to be a single mom and go to college, bust your butt. And now she’s killing it.
“She was my teacher, supporter, everything. Without her, I wouldn’t have the education I have now.”
Throughout elementary school, Chase received scholarships to attend private Catholic schools. Last year, he earned a full ride to LaSalle High. Now a freshman, he’s thriving. He made the honor roll, competed in football, wrestling and track, and volunteers with his mom.
“He is a very good student,” Courthney said. “Some kids, it comes naturally. He works hard for it, and then he sees the reward at the end, and I love that.”
After high school, Chase hopes to attend Ohio State University and study paleontology.
As for Courthney, her belief in the importance of early childhood education is reflected in the many years she has served as a parent representative on Head Start policy councils. Her advocacy has even led her to Capitol Hill, where she has spoken up for families like hers.
Her college degrees helped her land a promotion with the city of Cincinnati as a public health educator, a role that provides both financial stability and purpose. It also helped her achieve something she once thought was impossible: buying a home.
Looking back, “We were a statistic,” she said. “The odds were stacked against us.”
Today, Courthney firmly believes United Way and its partners played a vital role in their journey.
“The foundation was built in preschool, where you learn the most. I know that is true. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are without that.”
