New Release

College Shouldn't Be a Guessing Game.

Move from hope to a strategy informed by proven student success practices.

Most students enter college with ambition. What they often lack is a structured framework for navigating the academic, personal, and social demands of higher education.

The College Success System equips students with practical strategies, proven tools, and a clear roadmap to take control of their college journey, maximize opportunities, strengthen resilience, and achieve their goals with confidence.

One Proven System. Built for Dual Impact.

For Students & Parents

Eliminate the trial-and-error approach to navigating college.
Develop repeatable habits that support stronger academic performance.
Learn how to use campus resources strategically and effectively.
Build confidence, resilience, and long-term success skills.
Protect your investment of time, energy, and educational opportunity.

For Educators & Institutions

Support student retention through a proactive success framework.
Strengthen student engagement and resource utilization.
Provide a scalable roadmap that can support diverse student populations.
Enhance first-year, TRIO, GEAR UP, Upward Bound, AVID, Summer Bridge, and scholarship initiatives.
Equip students with practical strategies that promote persistence and academic growth.

Watch

Watch the official trailer for The College Success System.

The Challenge

Students need more than motivation. They need a system.

Most students arrive at college with drive and good intentions. What they lack is a clear framework for navigating what comes next. Without one, even motivated students struggle.

College-level academic expectations
Time management and consistency
Campus resources and support systems
Communication with professors and advisors
Recovering from academic setback
Setting and pursuing long-term goals

The College Success System

A Practical Framework for Academic Persistence, Performance, and Purpose

Designed for students navigating the real demands of higher education, this step-by-step system directly addresses the six areas that determine whether students persist or disengage: study habits, campus resources, relationships, goal setting, time management, and resilience. Rather than relying on motivation alone, it equips students with concrete strategies grounded in direct student success work. The result is a framework that builds confidence, strengthens organization, and supports long-term academic momentum from the first semester through graduation.

About the Author

Educator. Strategist. Founder of Leap-Resilience LLC.

Dr. Kortnee Burrell is an educator, student success strategist, and the Founder and CEO of Leap-Resilience LLC. She specializes in developing structured systems that help students navigate higher education and persist to graduation.

Her work has supported students across diverse academic, cultural, and personal backgrounds, with a focus on student engagement, resilience, persistence, and academic success.

Her mission is simple: equip students with practical systems that build confidence, organization, and the resilience to finish what they started.

Proven Results

Real outcomes from real student success work.

Strategies reflected in The College Success System were developed through structured student success programming and direct academic support work. These are not projections. They are documented outcomes.

100% of students in one cohort remained enrolled and persisted through the full academic year.
Students recovered academically and improved performance after periods of serious difficulty.
A student on academic probation returned to good standing and graduated.
Students meaningfully increased engagement with campus resources and support services.
Students strengthened organization, accountability, and goal-setting across the board.

Testimonials

What students and supporters are saying.

Proof That It’s Never Too Late to Excel

“Returning to college in 2026, 45 years after high school, left me both excited and nervous. Thanks to Dr. Burrell’s practical strategies and encouragement, I stayed focused and earned straight A’s at the end of my first term at Southern New Hampshire University. The College Success System provides that exact same empowering structure to help adult learners succeed.”

Brenda J.

Non-Traditional Student

The Support Structure Students Need to Stay on Track

“Dr. Burrell’s Partners for Success Program provided the structure, encouragement, and accountability I needed during my college journey. While participating in the program, I remained enrolled at the university and went on to graduate. Her support made a lasting impact on my success as a student. I definitely recommend The College Success System to students who want practical guidance and support throughout their college journey.”

Mychael J.-B.

Partners for Success Participant

Crucial Guidance for First-Generation College Students

“As a first-generation college student, I often needed additional support while navigating the college experience and adjusting to academic expectations. Dr. Burrell’s Partners for Success Program provided encouragement, structure, and guidance that helped me remain committed to my goals throughout the academic year. I went on to graduate, and I definitely recommend The College Success System to students looking for practical strategies and support during their college journey.”

Diana R.

Partners for Success Participant

The Perfect Gift for High School Graduates

“This would be a wonderful gift for the high school graduates in my life, including my family and church members. The College Success System provides guidance and encouragement that students can truly benefit from as they transition to higher education.”

Deborah L.

The Resource Every Freshman Wishes They Had

“Though I loved my college experience, I wish I had The College Success System sooner. This is the kind of resource that can help students feel more prepared, confident, and intentional throughout their college journey. I have already recommended it to freshmen I know.”

Kaoisi N.

University at Albany Graduate

Make the Move from Community College to University with Confidence

“After transferring from a community college to a four-year university, I felt a bit overwhelmed adjusting to the transition. The advice Dr. Burrell gave me regarding time management and study skills helped me tremendously throughout my college journey. Fortunately, I am now a 2026 graduate, and I am glad she is bringing her strategies and support to students through The College Success System.”

Quinlan K.

2026 Graduate

Life-Changing Mentorship in Book Form

“Dr. Burrell’s guidance truly shaped my journey when I was a new college student feeling unsure and overwhelmed. Her patience, expert advice, and unwavering belief in my potential helped me overcome initial challenges and laid the foundation for achievements I once thought were out of reach. The strategies she shares in The College Success System offer that same life-changing mentorship to anyone looking to thrive academically and professionally.”

Ronica A.

Heartfelt Encouragement to Help Students Stay Focused

“I have watched Dr. Burrell pour her heart into helping students navigate challenges, stay focused, and believe in themselves academically. The College Success System reflects the same encouragement, structure, and determination that she has always brought into the lives of others. I truly believe this book will positively impact many students and families.”

Frederick R.

Dedicated Guidance That Made a Difference

“Dr. Kortnee Burrell provided academic advising and support during my time at California State University, Fullerton. She was always accessible, encouraging, and genuinely invested in student success. Her guidance helped me navigate academic challenges, build confidence, and take advantage of campus resources that supported my growth. Through her mentorship, I developed greater self-advocacy skills and remained focused on my educational goals. Dr. Burrell’s dedication to students and passion for higher education make a lasting impact on those she serves.”

Jizelle C.

Engineering Professional

For Schools, Programs, and Institutions

Bring The College Success System to your students.

Leap-Resilience partners with educational institutions, scholarship foundations, and student support programs committed to strengthening student success outcomes.

Institutional purchasing options are designed to fit your procurement process, whether that means a purchase order, P-Card, or direct invoicing.

For speaking engagements, student success workshops, and common read initiatives, Dr. Burrell coordinates directly with your team after receiving your inquiry.

Ideal for

First-Year Experience programs
Summer Bridge programs
TRIO initiatives
GEAR UP programs
Upward Bound initiatives
AVID student support programs
Scholarship foundations and programs
College readiness programs for high school seniors
Common read initiatives
Student success and retention programming

Order Now

Get the Book

For Individual Readers

Available on Amazon

For Schools & Organizations

Institutional purchasing support available for schools, scholarship programs, bulk orders, and student success initiatives.

Contact

Submit an Inquiry

Use the form to submit your inquiry. Whether you are ordering books for a program, planning a workshop, or exploring a partnership, this is the right place to start.
Fill in as much detail as you can. Dr. Burrell will follow up directly to discuss next steps.

Equip students with a system designed for success.

Bring The College Success System to your students through institutional partnerships, scholarship initiatives, college readiness programs, and student success programming.