Wake County board approves five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University for Wake Young Leadership Academies
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Summary
The Wake County Board of Education voted to approve a five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University to allow Wake Young Men's and Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy students to take college-level classes on the university campus beginning in fall 2025.
The Wake County Board of Education voted to approve a five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University to allow students at the Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy to take college-level courses on Shaw's campus beginning in the fall of 2025.
The agreement, presented by Area Superintendent Cedric Williams, formalizes dual-enrollment opportunities for students in grades 11 through 13 and includes access to four dedicated classrooms, science labs, the library, gymnasium and cafeteria on Shaw's campus. Williams said tuition and technology fees for dual enrollment will be covered by state funding from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and General Assembly appropriations, while Wake County will provide transportation, meals and staffing for Wake County Public School classes.
Board members said the partnership expands postsecondary opportunities for accelerated students at the academies. Board member Sam Hershey moved approval; Ms. Gordon seconded the motion. After brief remarks of thanks from multiple board members and Shaw University President Paulette Dillard, Chair Haggerty called for the vote; the motion carried and the board approved the agreement.
Why it matters: The collaboration creates a structured dual-enrollment pathway and a Shaw-developed leadership course planned to begin in fall 2026. Williams said the memorandum will include a dedicated university liaison to support scheduling and student success and a modified academic calendar that aligns the academies with Shaw's schedule.
What board members said: Board member Mahaffey thanked Wake Tech and parents for earlier roles supporting the academies and said the agreement represented a major opportunity for families. Board member Evans and others praised the work of district staff and Shaw's commitment during the transition.
What the agreement includes (as described in meeting): a five-year MOA with annual renewals; dual-enrollment for grades 11'0; access to campus facilities; priority course registration; a Shaw-developed leadership course beginning fall 2026; a dedicated liaison; and state-covered tuition/fees with district-provided transportation, meals and staffing.
Next steps: With board approval the district and Shaw will finalize implementation details so students may begin courses on the Shaw campus in fall 2025.
