Charles Shaw’s involvement in the Newlin Foundation is consistent with his lifelong concern for underprivileged students. Now retired, Charles was an educator in the Coatesville Area School District for over 30 years. His approach to teaching was grounded in the philosophy that every student has their own unique life experiences, and as a teacher, his role was to help each student develop their full potential.
Charles was also a District Supervisor and teacher for the Upward Bound program at Lincoln University. With a mission similar to the Newlin Foundation’s, the Upward Bound program works with students who are generally lower income and who are the first person in their family to attend college.
Charles attended college at Cheyney State College, now University. Prior to completing his college degree, he was drafted into the army and spent time in Vietnam. After an honorary discharge, he completed his degree at Cheyney. Of his experiences in life, he views this as one of the most significant after someone encouraged him to complete his degree and — equally significant — he did it. Charles sees his service as a trustee of the Newlin Foundation as an opportunity to share his story with others in a way that can inspire young people who, like himself, need such
inspiration.