Why Not You Academy

?? Donut for Dreams – Help Us Celebrate Our Founding Scholars! ?? This year, we're fundraising for our first-ever graduating class – the Founding Scholars of Why Not You Academy, Class of 2025! ??? Every donut you purchase supports these incredible students on their journey to graduation and beyond! ?? There are 3 ways to get your donuts: Pick-up at Why Not You Academy on September 27th ?? Delivery if you're within 5 miles of the academy ?? Receive a digital gift card straight to your inbox, redeemable from anywhere! ???? ? Don't wait! Last day to order is September 27th. Let's make this momentous year extra sweet! ???? ?? Click the link to place your order and support the Class of 2025!

In November 2023, Why Not You Academy (WNYA) received a $100,000 grant from the Limitless Learning Network. It was a significant milestone for the charter high school, which was cofounded by professional football player Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara, alongside educator Scott Canfield. The grant allows CEO Abi O'Neal to further grow key initiatives that align with the school’s core values of innovation, inclusivity, and personalization. “Our mission is centered on dismantling barriers that disproportionately affect underserved students, particularly those impacted by racism and poverty,” O’Neal says. “We believe that every scholar deserves the chance to shape their future and positively impact their communities in the long term.” O’Neal knows the educational challenges firsthand as a daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. Each obstacle demanded resilience and determination, and she found the strength of community and the support of mentors to overcome each challenge. Her upbringing in South Central LA and within the Chicano community formed her commitment to social justice and equity in education, while attending a small magnet school and participating in Gil Cedillo’s Young Senator program opened doors for her leadership and career journey. “Despite the hurdles I’ve faced, I stand proud of my journey and the strides I’ve made in the field of education,” O’Neal says. “Each challenge has strengthened my resolve and reaffirmed my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.” O’Neal spoke with Hispanic Executive about how WNYA addresses the biggest systemic issues holding back educational equity, the importance of representation and role models, and her vision for the future of the academy Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02C_HnW0 #HispanicExecMag #AskACEO

Thank you Angela Jones, J.D., KD Hall Sr., Roberta Romero, Sydney Holman for motivating and inspiring our scholars to dream big!

?? This Teacher Appreciation Week I am filled with immense gratitude and pride as we celebrate the resilience and dedication of our team at Why Not You Academy . ?? This year has brought its share of challenges and learnings, but through it all, our focus has remained centered on the success of our students. As CEO, it's both an honor and a privilege to support our teachers who provide the tailored education our scholars deserve. It’s especially humbling to include in our tokens of appreciation Dr. Christopher Emdin’s “Ratchetdemic” book, so we can nourish our teachers’ souls as well as their bodies!?? But beyond the tangible, it's the spirit of community and resilience that truly defines us. As a global majority-led institution, from our board to our teaching staff and students, we stand strong and proud. Ending the week with a collective painting session was more than just an activity—it was a symbol of our unity, our connection, our shared commitment to progress, and our varied but beautiful approach to the work. Today, we stand stronger than ever, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our WNYA staff and educators worldwide. Thank you for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of leaders! ???????? Special thanks to our parents that brought in homecooked breakfast and Colombian empanadas as well as our Board of Directors that sponsored lunch from Cafe Real! #TeacherAppreciationWeek #Education #GlobalMajorityLeadership #CommunityStrong

Yesterday, we welcomed leaders from Leadership Tomorrow (LT) to Why Not You Academy (WNYA) for an educational case study adventure. Thank you for visiting and giving us the opportunity to showcase our mission and values. Our scholars were delighted to lead you on school tours. Leadership Tomorrow (LT) is a leadership program for leaders in the Pacific Northwest to educate them on the economic, social, and equity issues facing their communities. Their visit to WNYA provided an insightful opportunity to build community and advocacy. WNYA serves as an ideal destination for educational tours due to our innovative approach to learning and commitment to student success. We were thrilled to share our unique programs and facilities with the LT team, highlighting our efforts to empower students to reach their full potential. We are immensely grateful for the interest shown in education and leadership by the LT team. Their thoughtful questions and suggestions further enrich our mission and drive us to continue making a positive impact in the community. Thank you for your visit, and we look forward to future collaborations. Thank you JT Williams from Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters) for supporting with the visit! Thank you Sofia Voz and Shomari Jones for facilitating the visit!