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Journey To The Top

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Journey to the Top

Journey to the Top

Learning Made Different

To quote Beyoncé, Who run the world...GIRLS!

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Imagine an environment where young ladies will engage inhealthy competition while developing the communication skillsto reduce conflict, build bridges and encourage each otherthrough words and actions. How about a place where youngladies feel a deep, personal sense of accomplishment and harnessthat empowerment to take care of themselves, their communityand pursue their goals with confidence.

BELA is a public charter high school for girls located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. BELA stands for Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy. Their mission is to empower each young lady to be the best version of herself. Due to the powerful and limitless possibilities of young ladies, BELA decided to be an all girl school. The students are equipped with a curriculum that preps them to achieve success in college and beyond.

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BELA students primary focus when in school is achievement, both academically and personally. BELA students model themselves after their Core Values: Sisterhood, Scholarship, Strength and Service.

Although it is a public school, the girls have a school uniform. Wearing the uniform allows them to be free of distractions and focus on learning and excelling in their studies.

A BELA school day begins with a Sisterhood circle, where staff, students and administrators gather for 10 minutes to reflect on the school values, goals and to prepare for the day ahead.

During BELA’s first academic school year, students learned science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). An education in STEAM for young ladies has been highly focused on due to the need of more women in these fields. The students participate in several projects through out the yearwhich included building a roller coaster and the use of a 3-D printer.

Not only did the women speak to the students about their achievements and offer encouragement,

they also spoke about the highs and lows of striving for their goals and reaching them.

Q&A sessions gave the BELA students the opportunity to network with the women on a more personal level and talk about their goals and dreams.

As BELA looks to the future they have plans to expand by adding 10th through the 12th grade and offering an international baccalaureate advanced studies program enabling students in the 11th grade to earn college credits while studying at BELA.

“The BELA journey is a journey that's rooted in inquiry, self discovery, creativity, developing your intellectual confidence, and finding your voice...your authentic voice. A voice that will impact policies, cure diseases, challenge the status quo, and mentor future BELA students”

-Head of School Ms. Nicia Fullwood

BELA understands the importance of technology therefore each student is given their own laptop so they can take notes, complete classwork and homework assignments and communicate with their teachers and peers.

To learn more or to invest in BELA visitwww.belahs.org

In March, BELA hosted their first Women’s Symposium where women entrepreneurs in different industries were invited to the school to speak with the students about their achievements and what it took to get there.

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