Before Aleizha Keliikuli-Kuhia (they/them) and their family moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii in January, they lacked the motivation to show up for class, do homework and lay the groundwork for their future.
At their old school, they say, there were too many other students, too many distractions and not enough personal attention.
That all changed when they enrolled at Clark County Acceleration Academies. Before the third CCAA campus opened close to their home in southeast Las Vegas this summer, Aleizha took two city buses — a 1.5 hour trip — to campus most days.
“I felt like I just needed to be in the school to get my work done,” says Aleizha, who is 18. “When I was in Hawaii, I was like, I’m going to drop out. But when I got here, I decided I’m going to do whatever I can to graduate.”
What made the difference?
For one, CCAA — like all Acceleration Academies — provides snacks, a laptop computer, free bus passes and comfortable work stations in a spacious, studious environment. “It’s like having a desk in your living room,” they say. “It’s just like being at home.”
That’s not to say it’s cushy. Aleizha says CCAA educators made clear from the start that graduation candidates are expected to make steady progress toward their diplomas. While the scheduling is flexible and allows them to do some of their work from home, they need to show up — in person and online.
Aleizha credits graduation candidate advocate Jonathan Hernandez with providing gentle-but-firm encouragement. “Honestly, he’s been motivation me to come in and get work done. Without him, I’m wouldn’t be as motivated as I am.”
Also instrumental to Aleizha’s success is English Language Arts coach Rhyannon Jovan, who is also the lead ELA coach for Acceleration Academies nationwide. When Aleizha struggles with complex material, Jovan patiently breaks it down into manageable pieces. “I know she’ll be there to help me, to guide me through.”
The program’s personalized, flexible scheduling allows Aleizha to balance other responsibilities, including a part-time job and their wish to help out by taking care of their younger siblings while their mother and her partner are at work.
“If I can’t stay home and take care of my siblings, I mean, who will?” Aleizha says, echoing other GCs who also say the program allows them to make their families a priority.
Aleizha is also learning to make Aleizha a priority. Their family has struggled with poverty, often living in neighborhoods riddled by crime and addiction. They know the key to a brighter future begins with earning a diploma.
“That’s what this school gave me — you can just start working on yourself.”
CCAA coach Summer Long (left) works with Aleizha Keliikuli-Kuhia at the new Southeast Las Vegas academy