Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
One local magnet school sets students up for success with Early College—apply now
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At Woodlawn High School, Juniors Micah Beavers and Mikel Jackson have their eyes on a future of success. In 2025, they’ll both graduate with a high school diploma from Woodlawn High and 60 hours of college credit, thanks to Birmingham City Schools’ exciting Early College program.
Introducing the Early College program
Designed for motivated students, Early College at Woodlawn is a unique program with a proven record of success. Free to any qualifying Birmingham-area students, the Early College program gives students the opportunity to:
- Get a head start on college credit
- Take free college courses from accredited area institutions
- Be exposed to a wide variety of potential career paths
- Learn what’s expected of college students
- And much more
Program Director Nieshel Johnson Fall called Early College a win-win for students and their families.
“Students can take classes at Jefferson State, Lawson State or UAB. The tuition is free. Birmingham City Schools provides transportation, as well as the resources to support students as they transition from high school to college. Our goal is to help them become successful and remain successful.”
Neishell Fall, Coordinator of the Early College program
Since its inception in 2015, the Early College program has helped dozens of Birmingham City Schools students get a head start on their college careers.
For example, Destiny Nelson Miles—a 2021 graduate of Woodlawn High School—graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023 at the age of 19. Thanks to the Early College program, Destiny was able to complete her undergraduate degree after only two years on campus. Now, she has a job at Regions Bank.
Learn more about the Early College program and how it can set your child up for success.
Early College gives Birmingham City Schools students a head start
In addition to the opportunity to earn college credit, the Early College program helps students prepare for the rigors of college. Students have to learn how to balance their college coursework with their high school lessons and extracurricular activities.
One Early College student, Mikel Jackson, is balancing his Early College work with his responsibilities as a key member of the Woodlawn Colonels football team.
“When I do my college work, I have to realize that I also have to come back to Woodlawn and need up with my studies there. The key is staying focused—it’s all about determination.”
Mikel Jackson, Junior at Woodlawn High School and Early College Student
However, the students in the Early College program are a tight-knit group that help each other out and offer guidance.
“I have had so much fun in the program. It really is a small community, and the relationships I’ve built with the Early College coordiator and other students in the program have helped me jumpstart my goals. My plan is to become an entrepreneur and a finance executive.”
Micah Beavers, Junior at Woodlawn High School and Early College Student
The best-kept secret in Birmingham
According to Micah’s father, prominent Alabama minister Thomas Beavers, the Early College program at Woodlawn is the best-kept secret in Birmingham. However, he wants other parents to learn about the program’s opportunities as well.
“Woodlawn has this program, and no one else has it. Your child is able to get up to 60 college credit hours that they do not have to pay for. It’s a financial benefit, and there are so many other benefits to helping your child reach their dreams and their goals. That’s what every parent wants.”
Thomas Beavers, Parent of a student in the Early College program
According to program coordinator Neishell Fall, students who complete the Early College program do well in college—and in life. She’s looking forward to receiving applications from throughout the county as she begins the next cohort of outstanding scholars for Early College at Woodlawn.
To learn more about the Early College program and how it can set your child up for success, contact Neishell Fall via email or by calling 205.231.8000.
Interested students may apply on the Woodlawn Magnet High School’s website or from the Birmingham City Schools district website.
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