Balancing responsibilities requires effective scheduling.
As a part of our series about “Big Ideas That Might Change The World In The Next Few Years” we had the pleasure of interviewing Victoria Lamar.
Victoria Lamar, the visionary founder and CEO of Securing Degrees, is revolutionizing the path to a debt-free education. Raised in a single-parent household as the youngest of four sisters, Victoria understood the financial barriers to higher education all too well. Through sheer determination, she secured over $3 million in scholarships for herself, and has since turned that success into a transformative mission. Under her leadership, Securing Degrees has partnered with over 20 organizations, served more than 4,500 families, and secured over $20 million in private funding. Victoria’s dedication is to make free college the new normal, empowering students nationwide with the tools, resources, and personalized guidance needed to achieve their educational goals without the burden of debt
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you please tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Raised as the youngest of four girls in a single-parent household, I knew from a young age that affording higher education would be up to me. I learned how to tell compelling stories and present myself effectively, which led to securing over $3 million in scholarships. After experiencing this success firsthand, I felt a deep calling to help others navigate the same journey. This passion led me to create Securing Degrees, with the goal of making free college the new normal for students everywhere.
Can you please share with us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most memorable moments for me was in 2021 when a mother reached out to me on Instagram, asking for assistance in securing scholarships for her son. Within the first month of working together, her son secured an $80,000 scholarship. It was incredible to see how quickly he achieved such a significant milestone, and it reinforced my belief in the power of personalized guidance and support.
Which principles or philosophies have guided your life? Your career?
My guiding principles are resilience and empowerment. Resilience has helped me overcome personal and professional challenges, while empowerment fuels my drive to provide students with the tools and opportunities to achieve their educational goals without financial stress.
Can you tell us about your “Big Idea That Might Change The World”?
I hope one day to take Securing Degrees global, making the process of securing scholarships and accessing financial education straightforward and equitable for students around the world. By doing so, this program aims to make free college the new normal, ensuring that all students can pursue higher education without the burden of debt.
How do you think this will change the world?
By democratizing access to scholarships and financial education, Securing Degrees can eliminate financial barriers to higher education, making it possible for every student to graduate debt-free. This shift will revolutionize the educational landscape and open doors for countless future leaders.
Was there a “tipping point” that led you to this idea? Can you tell us that story?
The tipping point for me was when I started receiving dozens of emails, texts, and calls each week from students and families struggling with the financial burden of college. Many were on the brink of dropping out due to a lack of resources. Seeing their desperation and the direct impact on their education made it clear that there was a pressing need for accessible scholarship support. This realization drove me to scale our efforts and work towards making free college the new normal for students everywhere.
What do you need to lead this idea to widespread adoption?
To drive widespread adoption, we need a robust, scalable platform, strong collaborations with educational institutions, and increased awareness among students and families about the resources available to them.
Being named the top changemaker in Taco Bell’s Ambition Accelerator was a game-changer for Securing Degrees’ growth. The prize funding allowed Securing Degrees to expand and provide additional resources to students, especially those from underrepresented communities. Additionally, Ambition Accelerator connected me with like-minded peers and enhanced my entrepreneurial skills through workshops focused on storytelling, community building, networking, and more. The increased visibility from the Ambition Accelerator also helped us raise awareness about our mission, reaching a broader audience in hopes of encouraging more students to take advantage of the support offered.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- Connections can provide support and open doors.
- Mistakes are stepping stones to success.
- Balancing responsibilities requires effective scheduling.
- Asking for help can significantly enhance your progress.
- Maintaining your well-being is essential for long-term success.
Can you share with our readers what you think are the most important “success habits” or “success mindsets”?
Consistency, curiosity, and a growth mindset are essential to success. Consistency means showing up and putting in the effort day after day, even when progress seems slow. Curiosity drives you to seek out new knowledge, ask questions, and explore different perspectives. A growth mindset is about believing that your abilities can improve with practice and perseverance. Together, these habits create a powerful foundation for achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles.
Some very well-known VCs read this column. If you had 60 seconds to make a pitch to a VC, what would you say?
Imagine a world where every student has the opportunity to achieve a debt-free education without the burden of student loans. Securing Degrees has helped secure over $20 million in scholarships for students, transforming their futures. Our mission is to make free college the new normal by providing comprehensive, accessible scholarship resources and personal guidance. We’re at a pivotal moment and need strategic partners to scale our platform, amplify our impact, and redefine the future of education. Join us in revolutionizing the way students access and succeed in higher education.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Stay connected with me on Instagram at @vickylamar and @securingdegreesllc.
LinkedIn Victoria Lamar for updates on scholarships, education, and my journey to making free college a reality.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.
“Securing Degrees”: Victoria Lamar’s Big Idea That Might Change The World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.