The academic partnership between Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), the Leadership Academies, Shaw University, and the Early College Programs of North Carolina represents a powerful collaboration designed to expand access to rigorous, college-level learning for motivated students. Through this partnership, students at Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy engage in an innovative early college model, earning transferable college credits while completing high school. Partnering with Shaw University—North Carolina’s first HBCU—adds a rich layer of academic excellence, cultural legacy, and community empowerment. Together, these institutions are shaping the next generation of scholars, leaders, and changemakers by providing a supportive, high-expectation environment where students can thrive academically and grow into their full potential.

Upon successful completion of core class prerequisites, students may begin classes as dual enrollment Early College students in the fall of junior year.  Students will take a combination of high school and college-level courses.  College course placement is dependent upon grades, testing, maturity, and prerequisites.