For the second year in a row, BELA’s graduating class will celebrate achieving 100% college acceptance! Collectively, the class applied to more than 350 different colleges and universities and received $2 million in scholarships and grants; 75% of BELA students will be the first in their families to attend college. BELA is the only all-girls high school in Bed-Stuy. The event included a senior “thank you” to their mentor teachers, insights and encouragement from alumni from BELA’s inaugural graduating class of 2021, music, games and much more.

“I could not be more proud of this year’s class. They’ve put in the hard work, often against overwhelming odds, and this is their moment to share their success, their joy and the next stage of their adventure with the community that supports them,” says Nicia Fullwood, Head of School. “Our next generation of leaders are taking shape before our eyes.”

BELA’s College Success Program helps students develop the academic and social-emotional skills they need to be successfully equipped for post-secondary education. Individual self-discovery and exploration let students identify and cultivate their passions, strengths and values – enabling them to feel confident, informed and prepared to choose a post-secondary pathway. The program features weekly college readiness courses, overnight college visits, SAT/ACT test prep, academic advising, career exploration and personalized student and family counseling regarding scholarships, financial aid and the application process.