Creating Pathways Through The Student Stakeholder

“The beauty of this work lies in helping young people develop self-awareness so they can make informed, responsible decisions.”

- Anthony King, Founder & CEO, The Student Stakeholder

For Anthony King, education has always been about more than classrooms—it’s about access, exposure, and empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of The Student Stakeholder (TSS), Anthony is reshaping how young people in Central Ohio view their own potential. A former teacher and high school administrator, he has built an organization dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth.

Rooted in Shared Vision

Anthony King first connected with Lead The Way Learning Academy through a student-led panel curated by Dr. Diandra Gordon and MORE INC., hosted by LTW. During that event, he met Anthony Murphy, CEO of Lead The Way, and discovered a shared commitment to youth development and workforce readiness.

“What inspired me most was the way Dr. Murphy valued and supported both me and The Student Stakeholder,” Anthony reflects. “He believed TSS could meaningfully contribute to LTW’s vision and mission.”

That connection quickly evolved into a powerful partnership focused on breaking down barriers and building bridges for students.

Beyond the Classroom

For Anthony King, the heart of this work lies in guiding students toward self-discovery and confidence. “It’s vital that we expose students to a variety of pathways aligned with their interests and goals—without placing them in a box,” he says.

Through The Student Stakeholder’s experiences and Lead The Way’s career-readiness programs, students are developing critical skills in communication, networking, and leadership. TSS is intentional about equity and inclusion, ensuring that every student—regardless of background—is valued and held to high expectations. “We never label students by their circumstances,” Anthony says. “We welcome all families and stakeholders who want to be part of an ecosystem that amplifies student voice and meaningful educational experiences.”

Meaningful Moments

One of Anthony’s most memorable moments through this partnership came during the Fall 2025 “Exposure Leads to Expansion” Experience in Washington, D.C. “We made a stop at my alma mater, and students were able to meet some of my family and friends,” he recalls. “It was a special full-circle moment.”

Even more meaningful, he says, is watching students grow through repeated participation. “It’s incredible to see students who have now attended three or four of our experiences—it’s proof that consistent exposure builds confidence and expands belief.”

Expanding Access and Opportunity

The Student Stakeholder continues to collaborate with Lead The Way on transformative experiences, including upcoming Spring 2026 trips to Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati. The partnership also creates internship opportunities for students, connecting young people directly with professionals and mentors.

“These initiatives align directly with our mission—connecting students to real-world exposure, mentorship, and professional development,” Anthony says. “If there’s ever a resource we can’t provide, we make it a priority to connect families and students to a partner who can.”

We Can’t Do This Alone

Anthony believes that collaboration is key to lasting change. “Each organization brings different strengths and resources to the table,” he explains. “When we collaborate strategically, we can maximize our collective impact and better serve youth and communities.”

He encourages others to get involved—no matter the scale. “Support doesn’t always have to be large,” he says. “It could be a small donation, providing meals for a youth event, hosting students at your business, or offering internships. The real question is: How do you want to have influence or make an impact?”

Anthony King and The Student Stakeholder are living proof that partnership, purpose, and persistence can transform lives. Anthony King & The Student Stakeholder are creating pathways for students to discover their potential—and Lead The Way is proud to call them a partner.