How it all began...
Taylor Gurnea and Cooper Richardson have owned and operated Boosted Learning, a private in-home tutoring company, since 2015. This private company has successfully served hundreds of students in the Washoe County area over the years. Though Boosted Learning has helped many families, they have desired a way to gain exposure and to give back to students that are considered educationally high risk. In 2018, Taylor and Cooper were approached by Washoe County Human Services Agency (WCHSA) to consider being a part of their program called Achievements Unlocked, which provides educational support to foster students that are under the care of their agency. Before the start of the school year Boosted Learning officially partnered with the WCHSA to help provide services to their students. After an incredibly successful year that nearly doubled the capacity of the program, it became clear that it was their passion to continue, and more importantly expand, their work with these amazing children.
What Comes Next...
Taylor and Cooper's involvement with providing tutoring services to the foster youth of Washoe County led to the birth of Boosted Diplomas, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with the mission to provide every child in the Washoe County foster system with the opportunity to excel in school and graduate with their diploma. Their goal is to expand the program until each child has access to the educational support they deserve. Boosted Diplomas will seek to ensure that each of these children are better prepared for life after high school and equipped with a plethora of opportunities to be successful in their endeavors whether they seek to enter the work world, vocational training or a college.
Meet the founders...
Taylor Gurnea
Taylor Gurnea holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which he obtained from the University of Nevada in 2015. He further pursued his passion for healthcare by enrolling in the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, where he graduated with a Medical degree and completed his studies in the class of 2021.
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Throughout Taylor's journey, he gained years of invaluable experience providing supplemental education to students in Northern Nevada. Witnessing the transformative impact of personalized educational support on students became a personal passion for him. Taylor firmly believes that every student deserves access to the vital resources needed to thrive, and he aimed to bridge this gap as a Co-Founder of Boosted Diplomas.
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Since graduating from the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Taylor has embarked on the next phase of his professional development. He is currently completing his residency training in Albuquerque, NM. As he advances in his medical career, Taylor remains committed to the mission of Boosted Diplomas and continues to contribute his expertise and insights to the organization's endeavors.
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With his extensive background in education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by struggling students, Taylor's dedication to closing the gap and providing personalized educational support remains unwavering. As a vital member of the Boosted Diplomas team, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring that at-risk youth receive the guidance and resources necessary to achieve their full potential.
Taylor's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all students, combined with his medical expertise, fuels his drive to make a lasting difference in the lives of those he serves. Through his contributions to Boosted Diplomas, Taylor helps shape a brighter future for the students and communities he supports.
Cooper Richardson
Cooper Richardson is a passionate advocate for education and opportunity who has dedicated his career to helping foster and at risk youth succeed.
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While earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Spanish and Mathematics from the University of Nevada, Reno, Cooper took a year to backpack across South America. That experience deepened his belief in the life changing power of education, mentorship, and new experiences.
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After returning home, Cooper and his business partner, Taylor Gurnea, launched Boosted Learning, a tutoring company serving students throughout Reno and Sparks. As the company grew, Cooper saw a troubling reality: many of the students who needed academic support the most could not afford it.
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Determined to change that, Cooper and Taylor co founded Boosted Diplomas in 2019. What began as a volunteer driven effort has grown into a thriving nonprofit that provides free tutoring, educational advocacy, mentorship, and college and career support to foster and at risk youth throughout Northern Nevada.
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Today, as Executive Director, Cooper leads Boosted Diplomas with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every young person has access to the support, stability, and opportunities they deserve. Under his leadership, the organization has impacted hundreds of students and continues to expand its reach and community impact.
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Cooper is incredibly proud of the lives transformed through Boosted Diplomas and remains inspired every day by the resilience of the youth the organization serves. His vision is simple but powerful: every student deserves someone in their corner and a future filled with possibility.