Spelman College is extending its educational reach beyond its Atlanta campus, partnering with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) to offer college-credit courses to high school students. This initiative aims to provide college-level learning experiences to students, particularly those in underserved communities, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with higher education.
Expanding Access Through NEON
NEON, formerly known as the National Education Equity Lab, focuses on bringing credit-bearing college courses to Title I schools. The collaboration with Spelman College has already seen success, starting with “The Education of Black Girls,” taught by Andrea Lewis, Ph.D., in 2023. Following its successful run, the program has expanded to include “African Diaspora and the World,” taught by Chatee’ Omísade Richardson, Ph.D., which began in Fall 2025.
What started with 50 students has now grown to serve up to 300 high schoolers. Dr. Lewis expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s growth, stating, “The growth has been outstanding. To be able to offer a college-level course to high school students in underserved communities has been transformational.” She highlighted how this initiative elevates Spelman’s community-oriented mission and taps into the increasing interest high school students have in HBCUs.
Promoting Educational Equity
Laura Moore, NEON’s chief higher education officer, emphasized the critical need for educational equity. “With 60 percent of NEON scholars identifying as female and 93 percent self-reporting as students of color, we are honored to not only bring rigorous courses but ones that have proven deeply impactful for our scholars,” Moore stated. This program directly addresses historical underrepresentation in higher education.
To date, the NEON initiative has reached 767 students across 47 high schools in 19 cities. Since its inception in 2019, NEON has connected prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Spelman with over 25,000 students in 30 states. By offering its curriculum to high school students and reinforcing mentorship, Spelman and NEON are actively working to expand college readiness and awareness.
Spelman’s Continued Growth
This partnership comes at a time when Spelman College is experiencing significant positive momentum. The institution recently received a substantial $38 million donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. The college expressed gratitude for this generous gift, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance the student experience, modernize technology, and expand financial opportunities for its students.
What are your thoughts on Spelman College’s initiative to offer college courses to high school students? Do you think more universities should adopt similar programs? Share your opinions in the comments below!
