Brilliant and Resilient: Foundation Collegiate Academy Class of 2020 is 100% College-Bound
Trenton public charter school celebrates 7th consecutive year of 100% college acceptance milestone
Despite the onset of a global pandemic and a pivot to online instruction in the final quarter of their senior year, Foundation Collegiate Academy’s (FCA) graduating seniors have once again achieved 100 percent college acceptance, marking the seventh consecutive year the Trenton free public charter school has reached this important milestone.
The members of FCA’s Class of 2020 have been accepted to a wide range of prestigious colleges and universities, including New York University, Howard University, Columbia University, The College of New Jersey, and Cabrini University, to name a few. With the revised college commitment deadlines adjusted due to the pandemic, more student commitments are being announced daily.
“This has been a year unlike any other in recorded history,” said Foundation Collegiate Academy Principal Melissa Campbell. “I stand in absolute awe of the Class of 2020’s achievements because they have shown true grit and resilience, letting nothing – not even a pandemic – stand in the way of achieving their dreams. Despite the obstacles along the way, our incredible students have supported one another and have pressed forward together. We’ve been referring to the Class of 2020 as ‘Brilliant and Resilient,’ and with these incredible young leaders at the helm, I believe our future is looking incredibly bright.”
Interestingly enough, an overarching theme has emerged with graduates selecting careers that ultimately have the purpose of helping others, which is a value that Foundation Academy proudly instills in its students beginning in Kindergarten. Members of the Class of 2020 will be pursuing careers in education, nursing, criminal justice, exercise science, accounting, psychology, computer science, biomedical engineering, graphic arts, and more.
In their own words: Members of the Class of 2020 share about their time at Foundation Collegiate Academy and their plans for the future…
“If it wasn’t for Foundation, I wouldn’t be the person and the scholar I am today. I would like to thank my teachers and classmates for being there for me through the tough and great times,” said Kira Littles, who plans to attend Cabrini University to study graphic art and design. “I am very proud to be a Foundation Academy student, and now it’s time for beginning my new chapter.”
“I am grateful for my experience at Foundation Academies,” said Kayla McKellar, who plans to attend The College of New Jersey and become a neonatal nurse. “Foundation has pushed me and helped me realize I can accomplish all my dreams.”
“I am thankful for all the skills Foundation has taught me and helped me hone!” said Salvador Xe, who plans to attend Columbia University to study computer science, with the goals for working for a global media/communications company and later moving into non-profit work.
“I’d like to thank everyone (faculty and students) for making every day meaningful. From the morning greetings, check-ups in the hallways, and even the afternoon goodbyes, the ‘FAmily’ culture was always present,” said Jazlynn Ingram, who plans to attend Howard University and become a Certified Public Accountant and entrepreneur. “I’m proud to be a Foundation Collegiate graduate and will forever miss my days in high school.”
“My time at FCA was the best 4 years of my life so far. The best part was the amazing teachers and staff who supported me from start to finish,” said Jackie Gutierrez, who plans to attend New York University to study Applied Psychology and Studio art, with the goal of completing her master’s degree in Art Therapy to “help heal as many people as I can.”
“Throughout my 11 years at Foundation Academies, I’ve had the honor of watching our students grow and accomplish so many amazing things, both in their academic and personal lives. I am beyond proud of our students,” said Graig Weiss, CEO of Foundation Academies. “I am excited to celebrate this important moment and look forward to watching them continue to thrive and grow as community leaders.”
About Foundation Academies
Foundation Academies is the largest and highest-ranking K-12 free public charter school in Trenton, NJ. Founded in 2007, Foundation Academies is currently serving more than 1,000 students across two campuses. With markedly less funding than Trenton district schools ($7,317 less per pupil), Foundation Academies’ dedicated teachers and scholars are proving that all children, irrespective of race, gender, or socioeconomic background can succeed at a great public school. On state exams, all grades at Foundation Academies are outperforming not just their Trenton peers, but NJ statewide averages as well. And 100% of Foundation Collegiate Academy graduates are accepted to college.
Michelle Lawlor, Marketing and Communications Associate, spearheads Foundation Academies’ marketing and communication efforts. Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Multimedia Communications from Rider University.