Craig J. Boykin

Craig J. Boykin

Keynote Speaker: Inspirational Speaker, Author & Consultant; Known for 'GED to PhD'

Craig J. Boykin Biography

Craig J. Boykin is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, author, and educator known for his compelling personal journey from adversity to achievement. Born into challenging circumstances, Craig's father left before his birth, and his mother struggled with addiction during his childhood. Diagnosed with a learning disability, he was placed in special education and repeated both the 3rd and 5th grades. By the 10th grade, he was two years older than his peers and still lacked basic writing skills. Overwhelmed, Craig dropped out of high school, continuing a cycle of educational setbacks in his family.

Facing a crossroads, Craig enrolled in the Job Corps, where he earned his G.E.D. and a diploma in Retail Sales. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he developed discipline and integrity. Determined to change his trajectory, Craig pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery, followed by Master’s degrees in Theology and Criminal Justice from Faulkner University. He is currently working towards his Ph.D. in Adult Education, with significant support from the Veterans Association, which has invested over $100,000 in his academic journey. Best GED Classes

As a seven-time author, Craig has penned works such as My Life, Your Inspiration and Right Motives, Wrong Methods. He is also the creator of the "Rise Above" youth workshop and the "Make Life Count" seminar, aiming to inspire individuals to overcome their circumstances and achieve their potential. His powerful storytelling and candid approach have led him to speak at prestigious events, including Harvard University and the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. Craig continues to electrify audiences nationwide, delivering messages that challenge and motivate individuals to rise above adversity and pursue excellence.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Craig J. Boykin and other top speakers and celebrities.

Craig J. Boykin Speaking Topics

"Teamwork Makes Your Dreams Work " (Graduation Speech)

What is your mindset about success?, What are your goals in life?, Your words have power, Your attitude will determine your altitude, Surround yourself with those on the same mission as you, Education is the solution, it doesn’t matter what your problems are., Are you able to adapt to life, Your good character is the most important asset you have!

#RISEABOVE (Youth Workshop)

This is a motivational workshop for youth who may need a little extra motivation. This workshop is intended to inspire youth to #RISEABOVE their current situations and circumstances and achieve desired greatness.

Professional Development/Conference Workshop How to Motivate the Unmotivated "Teaching with Poverty in Mind"

Learn how to help at-risk students succeed in your classroom. It’s clear that students from poverty are habitually at a disadvantage when it comes to education, and educators can find it challenging to motivate such students become positively engaged in their own learning. Above all, Craig J. Boykin advises educators to avoid giving up on “difficult” students by deciding that certain students “can’t be taught,” and provides powerful examples of at-risk students succeeding in large numbers in supportive environments. Craig also admonishes, to remember the three “R’s,” educators must be Real, Respectful, and make information Relevant!

"Making Education Count" (Keynote)

It is imperative that teachers make education count for ALL students. Across America, Craig expresses to educators that if they were working in a factory dealing with widgets, it would cost the company about $.30 cent to fix one if they damaged it. However, in education, we're not dealing with widgets, we are dealing with REAL lives. If we fail to educate these kids, in many cases, they are pushed out into society and funneled into the prison system or worse, end up dead. It is important that educators do their best to reach each student, regardless of their situation and/or circumstances. In this keynote speech Craig exposes educators to his challenges as an at-risk youth, and gives them techniques and ideas on how to deal with these students in various ways.

"Make Life Count" (Keynote)

Make Life Count (GED to Ph.D.) is a stimulating account of Craig J. Boykin’s inspiring journey from a very challenging upbringing to motivating millions across America. Leaders across America struggle with the role of leading at-risk students and their teachers.

Craig J. Boykin Videos

Craig J. Boykin's GED to PhD Story
Selma High School Keynote
Craig Boykin: When Educators Aim Too Low

How do I book Craig J. Boykin to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Craig J. Boykin for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Craig J. Boykin, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Craig J. Boykin or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Craig J. Boykin for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Craig J. Boykin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Craig J. Boykin, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Craig J. Boykin speak about?

Craig J. Boykin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Education, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith & Religion, Personal Growth, College, Business Leadership, Inspirational, Business and Leadership.

Where does Craig J. Boykin travel from?

Craig J. Boykin generally travels from Montgomery, AL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Craig J. Boykin?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Craig J. Boykin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Craig J. Boykin for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Craig J. Boykin or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Craig J. Boykin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Education, Diversity & Inclusion and Faith & Religion. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Craig J. Boykin generally travels from Montgomery, AL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Shawn Harper, Liz Nead and Jason Young. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Craig J. Boykin for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/09/2025.

Craig J. Boykin Speaking Topics

  • "Teamwork Makes Your Dreams Work " (Graduation Speech)

    What is your mindset about success?, What are your goals in life?, Your words have power, Your attitude will determine your altitude, Surround yourself with those on the same mission as you, Education is the solution, it doesn’t matter what your problems are., Are you able to adapt to life, Your good character is the most important asset you have!

  • #RISEABOVE (Youth Workshop)

    This is a motivational workshop for youth who may need a little extra motivation. This workshop is intended to inspire youth to #RISEABOVE their current situations and circumstances and achieve desired greatness.

  • Professional Development/Conference Workshop How to Motivate the Unmotivated "Teaching with Poverty in Mind"

    Learn how to help at-risk students succeed in your classroom. It’s clear that students from poverty are habitually at a disadvantage when it comes to education, and educators can find it challenging to motivate such students become positively engaged in their own learning. Above all, Craig J. Boykin advises educators to avoid giving up on “difficult” students by deciding that certain students “can’t be taught,” and provides powerful examples of at-risk students succeeding in large numbers in supportive environments. Craig also admonishes, to remember the three “R’s,” educators must be Real, Respectful, and make information Relevant!

  • "Making Education Count" (Keynote)

    It is imperative that teachers make education count for ALL students. Across America, Craig expresses to educators that if they were working in a factory dealing with widgets, it would cost the company about $.30 cent to fix one if they damaged it. However, in education, we're not dealing with widgets, we are dealing with REAL lives. If we fail to educate these kids, in many cases, they are pushed out into society and funneled into the prison system or worse, end up dead. It is important that educators do their best to reach each student, regardless of their situation and/or circumstances. In this keynote speech Craig exposes educators to his challenges as an at-risk youth, and gives them techniques and ideas on how to deal with these students in various ways.

  • "Make Life Count" (Keynote)

    Make Life Count (GED to Ph.D.) is a stimulating account of Craig J. Boykin’s inspiring journey from a very challenging upbringing to motivating millions across America. Leaders across America struggle with the role of leading at-risk students and their teachers.

Craig J. Boykin Videos

Craig J. Boykin's GED to PhD Story
Selma High School Keynote
Craig Boykin: When Educators Aim Too Low
Craig Boykin: Student Circumstances Trump Curriculum
Craig J. Boykin at 2013 Alabama Adult Education Conference
  • How do I book Craig J. Boykin to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Craig J. Boykin for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Craig J. Boykin, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Craig J. Boykin or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Craig J. Boykin for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Craig J. Boykin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Craig J. Boykin, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Craig J. Boykin speak about?

    Craig J. Boykin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Education, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith & Religion, Personal Growth, College, Business Leadership, Inspirational, Business and Leadership.
  • Where does Craig J. Boykin travel from?

    Craig J. Boykin generally travels from Montgomery, AL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Craig J. Boykin?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Craig J. Boykin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Craig J. Boykin for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Craig J. Boykin or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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