Frenchi Turner is the dedicated founder and executive director of the STL Scholars Program, located in St. Louis, Missouri. She is married with four adult children and 15 grandchildren.
Frenchi is one of four children born to Mr. & Mrs. Harold & Jean Bobbitt, Sr. of St. Louis, MO. While growing up in south city with her siblings, Frenchi knew at an early age that she wanted to help others in particular, young people and own her own business. Now as an adult, she continues to find ways to give back whenever possible. Frenchi believes that the abundance of blessings poured upon her by God, is not for her to hold onto, but to share with others.
Frenchi attended St. Louis Public Schools and she is a proud alumnus of McKinley High School, home of the “Goldbug’s”. After graduating in 1985, she enrolled into the Clerical Upgrade and Education Program at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, under the mentorship of Mrs. Gwen Nixon. She graduated with honors and a certificate in Clerical & Office Management and continued her education at Columbia College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management.
Frenchi has always found a way to stay true to her calling of becoming a successful small business owner by participating small business entrepreneurial programs to equip herself with education and knowledge. Because of her commitment and dedication to her growth in business, Frenchi participated and graduated from several entrepreneurial programs. In 2021 she received a certificate from the Balsa’s Foundation’s Entrepreneur Training Program, she also graduated in 2019 with certificates in Entrepreneurship from the Operation Hope Entrepreneurial Training Program, and the Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO) Program.
Frenchi’s dedication to education and hard work has privileged her with many years of experiences and opportunities. She has approximately 15 years of experience working in higher education assisting students enrolled in CTE programs, and over 25 years of experience working in corporate America.
Frenchi feels that after years of working with college students, it was time to collaborate and find ways to give back to these students by providing them with the tools and resources to help them reach both their academic and career goals. She believes that it is very important that we encourage students to dream big, remain focused on their goals, and be disciplined and dedicated to making their dreams become reality.
As the founder of the STL Scholars Program, Frenchi is committed to building relationships with businesses, institutions, and the community in order to provide resources and opportunities for students, so that they become the best Student Leaders of Tomorrow!