Students transform their lives at Academy

From Dallas ISD Staff Reports

At Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith, the Class of 2026, which is made of 54 “brothers,” achieved a 100 percent college acceptance rate, with $15.4 million in scholarships.

The multimillion-dollar total marks the second-highest scholarship amount awarded, paving the way for graduates, including several first-generation students, to attend elite universities like Princeton and Columbia to major in fields ranging from theater and finance to mechanical engineering and nursing.

The all-male Dallas ISD magnet school, which focuses on leadership development and academic achievement for young men, is led by Derek Thomas, principal.

“Even though I am proud of their academic performance, I am even more proud of the character, perseverance and mindset that they have developed,” he said. “This lets me know that they will not just get to college but make it through college.”

During seven years, the academy builds student character through targeted initiatives such as the Lyceum program, which links students with industry experts, giving them the insights needed to map out their futures early.

“We want our brothers to understand that hard work, meeting goals, and accomplishing tasks should be recognized and rewarded,” Thomas said. “That balance of accountability, exposure, structure and celebration has helped create the culture that makes these outcomes possible.”

His goal is for every brother who leaves to feel prepared and qualified for their future endeavors.

With an understanding that their time at BOMLA is not about earning grades or diplomas, these students transform their lives and expand their opportunities.