For nearly 30 years, Uplift Education has been a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth community, steadfast in its mission to provide free, high-quality education for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a focus on preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond, Uplift Education has become a transformative force in shaping the future of thousands of young minds. In this Q&A feature, we dive into the heart of Uplift Education’s mission, exploring the impact they’ve made, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for continuing to elevate education in the DFW area.

For those who aren’t familiar can you tell us about Uplift Education, the mission, vision, and goals.

Uplift Education is a network of 45 public charter schools serving 23,000 students in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Our goal is to provide a top-tier education that prepares our students for college, career, and life.

Can you share the core mission and values that drive Uplift Education?

Our mission has remained steadfast for nearly three decades: to provide an education system that empowers children to envision and achieve a bright future.

What unique benefits do Uplift charter schools offer compared to traditional public schools?

Academics – ALL our scholars engage in a globally focused learning model based on the International Baccalaureate (IB®), which teaches academic basics (language, social studies, mathematics, arts, and science), but connects learning with real-world concepts and ideas.

How does Uplift prepare its students for college and beyond, especially for those who may be the first in their families to attend?

Through our unique Road to College & Career program, Uplift scholars explore various colleges and careers and discover their personal potential. We equip our scholars with the tools they need to succeed in college, career, and whatever path they choose, and we continue to support them after high school with alumni and career support services.

Can you talk about Uplift’s commitment to building a strong scholar culture and social-emotional learning?

Even before social/emotional learning (SEL) was a household word, Uplift was giving our students the tools to become mature and compassionate individuals. At Uplift You will find classrooms where each child explores and understands their emotions and learns to respect both adults and peers. School culture runs deep as our students have vast opportunities to participate in clubs and athletics.

For those who aren’t familiar can you tell us about Uplift Education, the mission, vision, and goals?

This is a repeat of #1

What success stories from Uplift alumni stand out to you?

Giovanny Sanchez was not just the first in his family to go to college but also the first to attend high school. When he graduated from Uplift Williams in 2012, he was excited to pave a new way for his younger brothers. Now, just ten years later, Gio has earned his college degree and is employed as an account executive at a rapidly growing tech company in Dallas. Gio owns a home, provides for his family, and

serves on the Board of Directors of Uplift Education. Read his full story here: https://uplifteducation.org/success-stories/giovanny-sanchez/

What are some of the most impactful college and career preparation initiatives at Uplift?

In 2023, Uplift, in collaboration with Baylor Scott and White Health, was awarded one of ten prestigious grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This grant is driving a transformation in how K-12 education and healthcare systems collaborate to create career pathways for our youth. Together, we have transformed one of our high schools into a cutting-edge Healthcare Institute that will prepare students for well-paying, in-demand jobs in healthcare.

What are some future goals or developments we can expect from Uplift in the next few years?

Uplift Education is a catalyst for change, leading the charge not just in Texas but nationwide in college completion and salary outcomes. Our success is measured by more than academic achievements alone. We embrace a holistic approach, focusing on the well-being of our students today and throughout their lives.

To learn more about Uplift Education visit: https://uplifteducation.org/