Collegiate Academies’ Soraya Verjee

Chief Talent Officer

Collegiate Academies' Soraya Verjee
photo by Theresa Cassagne

With five traditional public high schools (including one location in Baton Rouge), as well as two post-secondary programs, Collegiate Academies offers a variety of paths for student success. Avenue spoke with Chief Talent Officer Soraya Verjee to learn more about this world-class educational center in south Louisiana.

As a first-year teacher in 2009, Verjee visited and observed some of the teachers at Collegiate Academies after hearing wonderful things about the schools. Impressed by their joy for learning, supportive team, and positivity, she earned a spot through Teach for America. Recently named one of the Top 25 Women Chief Talent Officers of 2024 by Women We Admire, Verjee’s passion for her work at Collegiate Academies shines through immediately.

“First and foremost, our scholars are amazing and powerful individuals,” said Verjee. “We believe that all of our scholars deserve the opportunity to be prepared for college success. Being prepared means they will have more options to pursue upon graduation. We as a team choose to hold ourselves to this standard.”

Despite concerns about getting students back on track after the pandemic, the Collegiate Academies team has experienced remarkable growth in this time frame. In fact, their percentage of students with a 3.0 GPA and higher increased, and college matriculation rates improved as well. As Verjee explained, the team plans to keep chasing this growth in the coming years.

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In addition, Verjee is quick to credit the team’s educators for this success. “Teachers are so powerful,” said Verjee. She said the New Orleans community values its teachers overall and gives credit to those who make the choice to show up every day for these students.

Students attending any of Collegiate Academies’ five high schools – Abramson Sci Academy, George Washington Carver High School, Livingston Collegiate Academy, Walter L. Cohen High School, or Collegiate Baton Rouge – have a likelihood of college acceptance on par with New Orleans’ magnet schools. They are often recipients of scholarships and additional accolades as well. In fact, Collegiate Academies students earned five (out of 11) spots in the 2024 McCollum Scholars program, founded by CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the factors that sets Collegiate Academies apart is its ongoing support for scholars after high school. Their two post-secondary programs are particularly noteworthy.

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First, Next Level NOLA helps scholars earn up to an associate’s degree while having employment experiences similar to internships. By earning transferable credits and gaining job experiences, this one-year fellowship can help students save on tuition expenses while planning their future.

Next, Opportunities Academy serves scholars with significant disabilities. This supportive program serves scholars from across the city until they are 22 years old. Scholars help run businesses on campus, including a coffee shop (rOAst) and a store, to earn employment experience. In addition, they can practice independent living in apartments on school grounds.

In addition to these two programs, Collegiate Academies provides continuing support for scholars who have graduated. Alumni advisors offer guidance to students who have left to attend college or start a career. The staff offers continuing support for their students’ success – whether they attend college, join the military, or choose a career path – and their help does not end when the students graduate high school.

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In many cases, the students at Collegiate Academies overcome tremendous obstacles to reach their success. For instance, one of Walter L. Cohen’s 2024 valedictorians, Elijah Hogan, excelled in his academics all while living in the Covenant House New Orleans shelter for youth experiencing homelessness. In his valedictorian address, Hogan credited the school and its supportive educators for his accomplishments.

Recent graduates from Collegiate Academies schools have announced plans to attend LSU (on a full scholarship), Colorado College (also on a full scholarship), Tulane University, and Yale University. This marks the first time a Collegiate Academies scholar will attend an Ivy League school.

Verjee refers to these stories of scholars chasing their growth as bright spots that deserve attention. “The more we affirm students for their growth and achievements, the more success they will feel in pursuing their goals and dreams. The impact on our city can be even greater, strengthening our communities and fueling economic success of the city,” said Verjee.

Get Involved

Donations help keep all of Collegiate Academies’ many programs running, including the robust alumni services. Interested donors may learn more on the Support Us section of their website (collegiateacademies.org/support-us), where they may donate to individual schools and Opportunities Academy.

Contact

collegiateacademies.org, communications@collegiateacademies.org, linkedin.com/company/collegiate-academies

 

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