Wake School Board Partners with Shaw University to Enhance Leadership Academies: What This Means for Students

The Wake County Board of Education has made a big decision. They’ve approved a deal with Shaw University to manage their two leadership academies. This agreement marks a new chapter, as Shaw becomes the first long-term partner since the board ended its relationship with Saint Augustine’s University last year.

The board voted unanimously in favor of this agreement, which still needs approval from Shaw’s board. The leadership academies include the Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy and the Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy. These schools are unique—they’re early college high schools. This means students can take college courses and earn credits toward an associate’s degree while still in high school.

Shaw University President Paulette R. Dillard expressed excitement about this partnership. She emphasized that the mission of the academies aligns well with what Shaw already does for the community. Dillard mentioned, “We can’t wait, and we think you’re going to be very pleased with your experience at Shaw University.”

Previously, the academies partnered with Saint Augustine’s University, but that relationship ended due to concerns over the educational quality. The university faced issues with finances and accreditation and had been offering virtual courses from its library. Currently, students are taking courses through Wake Tech Community College while the district sought a new partner.

Seydric Williams, the district’s superintendent for the area, thanked families and students for their patience during this transition. The new agreement with Shaw University will cost the district $70,000 each year. This goes toward hiring an early college liaison to work closely with the academies. Additionally, there’s an administrative fee of $8 per student, per credit hour, while the state covers tuition and technology fees.

Starting in 11th grade, students will attend classes at Shaw and can continue for up to three years. This partnership brings fresh opportunities for the students, ensuring they get quality education and strong support.

In recent years, early college high schools like these have seen a rise in popularity. According to a 2022 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, early college programs help improve high school graduation rates and college enrollment. This suggests that partnerships like the one with Shaw could have a lasting positive impact on student outcomes.

As this partnership unfolds, many are eager to see the benefits for students in Wake County. The combination of high school and college experiences can help shape their futures in significant ways.



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