Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy - Dallas, TX

With just under 400 scholars, Kathlyn Joy Gilliam College Academy (GCA) is a tight-knit open-enrollment Early College High School serving student populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Through "College Access and Success for All," scholars take dual-credit college courses, and over 60% of our graduates earn their associate degree weeks before high school graduation. At the high school rigor level, fully 30% of faculty hold advanced degrees, and scholars take nationally ranked courses across STEAM fields such as Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Advanced Placement 2-D Design. While we cannot offer sports or many electives, we require AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) schoolwide for college- and career-readiness. GCA's small faculty of 24 also frequently lead award-winning student cohorts in UIL Mock Trial, Debate, Chess and Academic Decathlon.

This new era of education during a pandemic was traumatic for our Gilliam family. Our scholars lost family members to COVID-19, or they themselves got sick. They persevered through unexpected obstacles including financial hardships. Many scholars took full time jobs to fill the financial void while maintaining the demand of high school and college courses. Our dedicated staff was able to consistently provide engaging lessons and emotional support throughout the school year. Gilliam scholars overcame the challenges of isolation and the emotional stress of distance learning. Thus, we at Gilliam are most proud that our highest-ranking category in the most recent student feedback surveys, was socio-emotional support. Our scholars know we invest ourselves in their well-being and success.