Car Donation in Wyoming

Unable to adequately satisfy the credit requirement set at her former high school, Brit’kne began listening. The same message kept coming, one of positive feedback surrounding Houston Can! Academy's success rates in helping students get back on track and earn their high school diploma. Washington enrolled at Houston Can! Academy in March 2007, and will be among the June 2008 graduating class. “If you are behind in your regular school and want to graduate on time, they will definitely make sure you graduate on time,” Washington explained. In fact, Houston Can! is somewhat of family affair for Washington. She has a brother in the 11th grade and a sister in the 12th, both graduating next January. While Washington gives praises on the academic program, she says wearing a uniform took a little getting used to. “That’s the only thing I didn’t like, but it’s a small sacrifice to make so I can get my diploma.” English, Math and Computer are among the 17-year old’s favorite subjects. She is looking forward to attending Texas Southern University’s Pharmacy Tech program, and ultimately wants to become an Anesthesiologist. “I became interested in the medical field because some of my family is in it. I know I have a lot of studying to do, but I’m up for the challenge,” adds Washington.

October 8, 2010

Giving up should never be used in anyone's vocabulary because giving up should never be an option. I've had lots of struggles in my life and I almost let giving up control me but when you look back on all the passide opportunities in the life it makes you think twice. School has never been really hard for me but its just the way I chose to act, but that all changed when I started my school years here at Can Academy River Oaks.

I have attended this school for three years now and its been some of the most challenging years of my life. The teachers here want to see you be successful as long as you are willing to try. Furthermore there's just one person who always kept me in line, Mr. Tucker; he has made me look at things much more different. When I felt like giving up on school he kept me going. Even though we've had our ups and downs he has always been there for me helping, encouraging me to be a better person. I want to thank him for that.

Ravyn W.

Eboni is a student at Fort Worth Can! Academy-Campus Drive . When her mother, Demisha, was asked why she chose to enroll Eboni at our campus when she could have attended school anywhere, she replied, “I loved the principal’s perspective on discipline. The school was structured and the teachers kept in contact with me if something was wrong as soon as it happened, instead of waiting for it to get out of hand.” 

“Eboni never complained about this school, she loved her teachers (especially Ms. Tambo), and her student advisor (Mr. Williams), who she still calls almost every week”, she added. While on campus, Eboni participated in the school’s Summer Leadership program and several activities offered by the campuses’ 21st century program. 

Eboni’s hardwork and tenacity in earning extra credits for advancement via summer school and PLATO allowed her to graduate one year ahead of schedule. She was chosen by Jarvis Christian College to attend their Summer Bridge program and was later awarded a scholarship to attend this fall.

AJ Clemons is an Austin Can! student who will walk across the stage at the upcoming June Graduation Ceremony. “I was an A-B honor roll student throughout elementary and middle school. When I started high school the word “school” was not in my vocabulary. I was skipping class and I got into everything but the books. After a while I began to see myself stuck in the same pattern. The very same people I went to middle school with were walking the stage and I was left behind. I had to think long and hard about what I was going to do with my life. That was when I was introduced to Austin Can! Academy, where second chances are given. Most people in my shoes would have given up and dropped out but here I stand getting my high school diploma at the age of 22. None of my sisters or brothers graduated from high school. I am grateful and very happy to be the first. See, I know now, that high school is where adulthood begins. Austin Can! is where I learned new things, met great people, and began my new life. Now, I’m ready for college and look forward to a career in music and business management.”

At 30 years of age, Ana-Maria has everything she wants…career, family and an education that will never fail her. All because she chose to pursue her GED with Dallas Can! Academy. Ana-Maria, like more than 40% of Latina teenagers in Texas, found herself pregnant with her first child while in school. Struggling to continue on in school while being raising her child was more than a challenge…it was near impossible. After finishing the eighth grade, Ana-Maria did what many teens with families do. She dropped out of high school. “The summer I got out of ninth grade, I decided to drop out of high school and get my GED [General Equivalency Diploma],” she said. “I tested at Live Oak and was told I could take the GED test within a few weeks without having to attend the regular classes.” However, she didn’t give up. She went in search of a school that could meet her needs. Then she found Dallas Can! Academy. She chose Dallas Can! Academy, which was located on Live Oak Street at that time, because she wanted to make immediate changes in her life. Dallas Can! Afforded her the flexibility to raise her family while still pursuing an education. “It was such a short period for me, but I enjoyed that there was a program that was tailored to fit my immediate needs,” Ana-Maria said. “I was able to get in and get out and move to the next stage in my life.” She was able to take the GED test that summer. Earning her GED in 1995, she immediately put it to good use by enrolling at Dallas County Community College District at Eastfield. She quickly earned her Associate’s Degree in General Studies, then moved on to the University of Texas at Arlington to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. By the end of December, she will graduate with her Master’s of Business Administration. She plans on starting law school within a year. Today, Ana-Maria is the Executive Director of the Jubilee Community Center where she works with hundreds of families and children in the Jubilee Park neighborhood, revitalizing the community. “I was working in Marketing and Sales for another non-profit, but I wanted to work with the community and reach out to kids and families who were experiencing the same struggles I had growing up,” she said. “Dallas Can! Provided me the hand up I needed to keep moving.”