Spelman College is taking significant steps to broaden educational horizons for high school students from underserved communities. By expanding its partnership with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), formerly known as the National Education Equity Lab, Spelman is making college-level courses more accessible than ever before.
Bridging the Gap for Title I Schools
This collaboration specifically targets students attending Title I schools, which are institutions serving a high number of students from low-income families. Through this initiative, these bright young minds can earn college credit while still in high school. What started as a single course with 50 students in spring 2023 has blossomed into a robust program, with nearly 300 students enrolled across two Spelman-led classes in 2025.
To date, this impactful program has reached over 767 high school scholars across 47 schools in 19 different cities, including major hubs like New York City, Nashville, Jackson, MS, Charleston, SC, and Washington, DC. It’s a powerful testament to Spelman’s dedication to fostering future scholars.
Engaging Courses and Mentorship
The program offers compelling courses designed to engage young minds. The initial course, “The Education of Black Girls,” was developed and taught by Dr. Andrea Lewis, director of Spelman’s Student Success Program. This class allows students to delve into critical topics like identity, race, gender, and social structures, all while earning college credit. In fall 2025, a second course, “African Diaspora and the World,” was introduced, taught by Dr. Chatee’ Omísade Richardson.
NEON’s model ensures that students receive high-level instruction directly from Spelman faculty. Undergraduate teaching fellows play a crucial role, mentoring participants, leading discussions, and providing essential academic support. As Dr. Lewis explained, she creates video lectures, and the teaching fellows then facilitate weekly discussions and grade assignments under her supervision, offering valuable guidance.
Success Stories and Future Growth
The results of this partnership are incredibly encouraging. NEON reports that a remarkable 88% of participating students feel better prepared for college after the program. The impact is so profound that twelve alumni have gone on to enroll at Spelman, with one even becoming a teaching fellow after experiencing the program firsthand as a high school student.
Maya Reyes, a political science major and Bonner Scholar in Spelman’s Class of 2028, is a shining example. She discovered Spelman through the NEON program while taking “The Education of Black Girls.” Reyes credits the course with teaching her vital skills like time management, communication, and accountability. “You had to be in charge of your own education,” she shared, highlighting the autonomy required. These are skills she continues to utilize today as she mentors other students as a teaching fellow.
With plans to reach over 400 additional high school students by spring 2026, Spelman’s partnership with NEON is evolving into more than just a pipeline; it’s a “real bridge” connecting Spelman with the next generation of scholars. This initiative is a powerful step towards ensuring equitable access to higher education.
What are your thoughts on Spelman’s expanded partnership with NEON? How important is it to provide college-level access to high school students? Share your views in the comments below!