Oct. 16, 2025 – Juley’a Sanders remembers a time when her chances of graduating didn’t look promising.
“I went to school for the wrong reasons,” she recalled. “I was attending Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts. I wanted to play around and joke with my friends, and I didn’t get my work done. So I ended up failing my 10th-grade year.”
Sanders said she heard about the Bridge to Success Academy High School through her older brother, who was previously a student. Bridge to Success Academy, which is also available to middle school students, helps students who are behind get back on track.
Sanders enrolled in the school, immediately diving into her coursework.
“You just have to have that mindset that you’re ready to sit down, focus, and get your work done,” she said.
She completed her 10th and 11th-grade years during the 2023-2024 school year. Not only did she catch up on her schoolwork, but she also got ahead, graduating early in December 2024.
“That was a good feeling, and I was proud to have my family there to watch me walk that stage,” she said.
Though Sanders found work after graduating, it was only temporary. As she continued to seek full-time employment, she began volunteering at Bridge to Success High School. Principal Megan McKinney couldn’t help but notice her work ethic.
“Every single day, she was here from 9 to 4, with no transportation, taking city bus after city bus just to volunteer,” McKinney shared. “So in my mind, if I have a volunteer who works this hard, what is she going to be like if I actually pay her?”
It was then that McKinney offered Sanders a position as an office assistant.
“I think she sets an example for other students,” said McKinney. “It’s about taking advantage of opportunities and advocating for yourself, and she’s done both.”
For social studies teacher Caitlin Soward, witnessing success stories like Sanders’ reinforces the purpose of Bridge to Success.
“It just proves that what we’re doing is working,” said Soward.
Sanders plans to enroll in Florida State College at Jacksonville in January 2026, with the goal of becoming an LPN. Her long-term goal is to eventually become a pediatrician. In the meantime, Sanders is happy to give back to the school that gave her a second chance and to encourage other students who may be struggling.
“I always like helping people, so I give back in any way possible,” said Sanders. “Some people, I see myself in them. I might be young, but I still remember when I was younger, and I just feel like even a little bit of help can take them a long way.”