Uplift Education

This week, we are celebrating the counselors who show up every day to support scholars across Uplift Education — academically, emotionally, and beyond. Across our network, counselors are making an impact at every level: 🎓 Road to College & Career (RTCC) • 52 Academic Counselors, College Counselors, and Deans of College Prep support middle and high school scholars on their college and career journeys • 2,380+ advising conversations logged this year • Leading Career Week activities, college readiness courses, field trips, and partnerships that expand postsecondary opportunities 💛 Counseling & Mental Health Support (CAPS) • 201 scholars serve as HEART-Beat peer leaders, creating safe, counselor-supported spaces for connection and problem solving • 3,824 attendance focused outreach calls completed this year to support families and remove barriers • 10 CAPS staff advanced to full clinical licensure, strengthening long-term support for scholars and campuses From classroom guidance to college advising, mental health support, family engagement, and peer leadership, counselors play a critical role in helping scholars feel supported, prepared, and empowered. Thank you to all Uplift counselors for the care, expertise, and heart you bring to this work — today and every day.

Uplift scholars from eight campuses in grades 6–12 participated in an immersive career exploration experience with American Airlines. Middle school scholars toured the C.R. Smith Museum to begin learning about aviation careers, while high school scholars engaged in flight attendant workshops, CPR training, pilot flight simulations, and cybersecurity sessions. These hands-on experiences helped scholars explore the many professional pathways that support the aviation industry, from in-flight service to behind-the-scenes operations and technology. Experiences like this are made possible through strong community and industry collaboration. Uplift Education invites companies and organizations interested in hosting scholars for career exploration opportunities. By opening your doors, you help scholars connect learning to real-world careers, expand their vision for the future, and strengthen pathways to college and the workforce.

In 2026, the United States marks 100 years of formally recognizing Black history. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week became Black History Month in 1976, creating a national commitment to honoring Black excellence, leadership, and contributions to society. This centennial year, Uplift Education will highlight how scholars, alumni, and staff are engaging in meaningful learning and reflection across the network. Follow along throughout February as this historic milestone is honored through education, community, and celebration.

Uplift Heights Kindergarten through 2nd grade teachers spent the day at Uplift Education’s Central Management Office with the support of their campus leadership for a half day of professional development and a half day of intentional planning. This dedicated time allowed educators to deepen their understanding of the reading curriculum while collaborating with peers across the network. At Uplift Education, we believe strong outcomes for scholars begin with strong investments in educators. By creating space to learn, reflect, and innovate together, we continue to rise together as a network and strengthen our collective impact. Our commitment to inspiring innovation and supporting instructional excellence remains at the heart of the work we do every day. #UpliftProud

We were honored to gather community leaders and partners at the Uplift Education Dallas Luncheon to share the mission, impact, and future of Uplift Education.  The luncheon featured a meaningful fireside chat with Uplift Education’s Vice-Chairman of the board, John Mcpherson, and new CEO, Remy L. Washington, EdD, who shared her vision for the organization and the continued work to expand opportunities and strengthen outcomes for students across North Texas.   Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to invest in the work that shapes strong schools and strong communities. We are grateful for the shared commitment to educational excellence and long-term impact. 

Uplift Education recently welcomed back Avi Sawin, a graduate of Uplift Hampton, who joined reading day at Uplift Triumph to support first grade scholars. Avi helped lead a brain break dance party and an interactive learning activity, creating an engaging and supportive environment for young scholars. During her visit, Avi reflected on how Uplift challenged her to stretch her thinking and set ambitious goals. Through rigorous expectations and consistent guidance from staff members, she developed the skills needed to navigate challenges and grow with confidence. This experience highlights Uplift’s commitment to a scholar’s first approach, and a high-quality education centered on college and career preparation. #UpliftEducation #UpliftAlumni #CollegeAndCareerReadiness #ScholarSuccess

Remy L. Washington, EdD is exactly the person you want on your team during a round of music trivia. “I’m the person who knows the name of the song from the first beat,” the Uplift Education CEO says. Washington, who was promoted to lead the organization in January 2025, succeeding longtime CEO Yasmin Bhatia, began playing the piano as a child and went on to build a sizable CD collection.   Although a love for music has always been a big part of her life, it was only recently that it became a meaningful bridge between her and the students she has helped serve at Uplift for the past 13 years. Halfway through her tenure, Washington attended an Uplift event featuring a DJ. “I could do that,” Washington thought to herself. Shortly thereafter, she bought a mixer and taught herself the fundamentals of the craft. That’s when “DJ Remyx” was born. About four years ago, Washington stepped up her game by taking lessons from a professional DJ, which ultimately built her confidence enough to do a three-minute set at Uplift’s Senior Decision Day. This past year’s event was held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth and saw more than 1,000 seniors from across its campuses announce their plans. “It was a dream come true,” Washington says, “because I’ve never really expressed myself musically to anybody outside of my family. I feel like it’s always been in me.” What’s more, Washington’s newfound public persona throughout the Uplift ecosystem has catalyzed a new type of connection with students and staff. “It’s made me more approachable,” she says. “But it’s weird sometimes because I will go to school, and students will say, ‘Hey, DJ Remy,’ and I have to say, ‘It’s actually DJ Remyx—and it’s actually Dr. Washington right now—I’m in your classroom.’” She’s even been able to connect with students outside the Uplift sphere. Just recently, she was at NorthPark when a student recognized her from her time on stage performing. Washington’s willingness to branch out and put herself out there has encouraged her to take on new endeavors, including entering a poetry-writing competition last March. It’s all to connect with students and encourage them to take chances—and be bold. “It’s hard to be someone else when you’re at work,” Washington explains, “and there’s no need to be, because everyone who works here deserves to bring their authentic self to work. I want to create that ethos in the organization; if you have something cool that you do, I would love to share that with our kids and teachers.” Read the full story from Layten Praytor: https://lnkd.in/gQXPHkYe

Scholars at Uplift Heights Healthcare Institute participated in an immersive Workshop Day exploring healthcare careers through hands-on sessions alongside mentors from Baylor Scott & White Health. Scholars at Uplift Heights Healthcare Institute participated in an immersive Workshop Day designed to connect academic learning with real world healthcare careers. Through hands-on labs, simulations, and service centered experiences, scholars explored the wide range of roles that support patient care and community health. The day reinforced the importance of technical skills, communication, and compassion—key elements of a strong healthcare workforce. Intentionally bringing real-world experiences to scholars, empowering them to envision their future and confidently pursue meaningful career pathways.

Today we celebrate the officers who help keep our campuses safe, and our scholars supported every day. From arrival to dismissal, campus officers are here to protect, guide, and build relationships with scholars and families. Thank you for showing up with care, commitment, and heart. 💙

We are honored to have our CEO, Remy L. Washington, EdD featured in D CEO for her intentional approach to connecting with scholars and leading with authenticity at Uplift Education. Thank you, Layten Praytor for the thoughtful and engaging feature.