Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy is proud to partner with Shaw University, a prestigious four-year institution and the first historically Black university in the Southern United States. Founded in 1865, Shaw University holds the distinction of being the first historically Black university in the South and one of the oldest in the nation. Established shortly after the Civil War, Shaw has long stood as a beacon of hope, progress, and education. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in shaping leadership, producing graduates who have made lasting contributions in education, ministry, law, business, and civil rights. Shaw is also credited with founding the first four-year medical school and law school for African Americans in the United States. Its historic campus continues to serve as a powerful symbol of resilience, excellence, and community impact. 

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Shaw University provides our early college students with a unique and powerful opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school—positioning them for academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership beyond graduation.

Through this early college partnership, Leadership Academy students from both Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy gain access to rigorous college-level coursework, a vibrant and historic collegiate environment, and the tools to build a strong academic foundation aligned with their long-term goals. Students experience the benefits of early exposure to higher education—saving time and money on their future college journey—while developing the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in college, career, and life.

Shaw University’s presence in downtown Raleigh, consistently ranked as one of the best places in the country for students, young adults, and aspiring professionals, adds an enriching layer to our students’ experience. Together with Shaw University, we are shaping the next generation of women leaders through a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and excellence.