Local educator Crystal Neumann was honored at the annual PUSH Excel Scholarship Gala in Chicago on July 12. Founded in 1975 by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, PUSH Excel is the education-focused branch of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization that works to protect, defend and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to advocate for peace and justice worldwide.
Neumann is chair of the Department of Leadership at the American College of Education, a for-profit college based in Indianapolis. She was selected as an honoree because of her commitment to making higher education more affordable at the American College of Education.
“In this climate where there have been cuts to Pell Grants for higher education, we are looking at ways to address the educational funding crisis. Some people have creative solutions to the crises, so we are honoring those people,” said Janette Wilson, with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Neumann’s parents emigrated from Mexico to the United States because they wanted their children to have more opportunities, but as a child Neumann questioned what opportunities were available to her.
“I remember growing up and thinking there were not a lot of people who looked like me who were in leadership roles and positions. If you don’t see anyone who looks like you, it might hinder someone from going forward because they don’t think they can do it. I know that it’s something I want other people to see, and have someone to look up to,” said Neumann.
She feels education is the key to a better future, but realizes that the price of higher education often scares people away. That inspired her to seek new solutions for the students at her school to help them save both time and money.
“Let’s just be honest; in comparison to a traditional university, when people think of online education they think price. One of the things that a lot of people don’t really know about doctoral programs is they will have to go to a residency, which sounds wonderful and they get one-on-one assistance with their dissertation, but they have to take off work, buy a plane ticket, get hotel accommodations in a new city, and it adds up quickly. I had to go through that three times. It becomes a financial hardship,” said Neumann.
Neumann spearheaded a virtual residency program to help students keep up with work and family obligations. Using programs such as Skype, students can interact with leaders in their chosen field without having to fork out cash for a plane ticket.
In addition to her work with the American College of Education, Neumann is a board member at the Peace Center for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, an organization that aims to offer healing and restoration to young people who have experienced violence and injustice. She is also the education officer on the board for the Indianapolis Chapter of Prospanica, a national organization for Hispanic professionals.
Neumann was in shock when she found out she was selected for the PUSH Excel honor.
“Oh my goodness. Jessie Jackson, he is a huge figure in civil rights. I do have strong feelings toward affordable education and trying to be a leader and role model for the community. There are a lot of people who do a lot of wonderful things, so to be honored by such a crucial figure, I just felt incredibly honored and surprised,” she said.
In addition to honoring local leaders, the PUSH Excel Scholarship Gala awarded scholarships to deserving high school graduates, some of whom will receive $25,000 a year.
For more information, visit pushexcel.org.
Crystal Neumann
