Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Schumake.
Hi Lydia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
With over seven years in the education industry, I bring a deep commitment to teaching and learning, shaped by a rich family legacy in education. My mother, father, and maternal grandparents were all dedicated educators, instilling in me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. This lineage has not only influenced my approach but also reinforced my passion for encouraging educational growth and excellence.
It is truly with the support of my family that I am where I am today in the education field. The wisdom, knowledge, time, and exposure that they have invested in me, is how I am where I am today.
My co-founder, Tee Wilson and I worked together prior to opening B.E. Academy. We noticed gaps between education opportunities for students of color throughout our educational experience and we have our own educational trauma experiences. We decided to change the narrative and we wanted to do something different and provide a new school model for girls to thrive in a space where they can heal and grow, and truly be themselves!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening a school has definitely been a challenge but rewarding as well. My co-founder Tee Wilson and I have faced facility and financial challenges through this process. Opening a school requires particular attention to facilities that we did not expect to become an approved school, so that definitely was a challenge. We are a non -profit private school. Our tuition is a sliding scale, designed to support all families who would like to join the B.E.A. Family. Because of this unique model, finances were and still can be a challenge. With the support of our wonderful Board of Directors, supporters, and donors, we are constantly creating creative ways to address this challenge which has been rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
B.E. Academy for Girls, located in Nashville, TN, was founded by Lydia Schumake and Tanisha Wilson in 2022.
Our mission is to prepare and support our students to transition from dependent learners to independent thinkers.
Using a culturally relevant and responsive STEAM approach, we will prepare our students with the structural skills, knowledge and social-emotional support to pursue a pathway to college, a career, or entrepreneurship. Our girls deserve to know they have options.
We believe that culture is fundamentally imperative for learning and by creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment, we will reduce STEAM academic gaps no matter a girl’s race, class, or background.
We serve girls in middle and high school.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you would like to partner with us, please email lydia@beacademyforgirls.org or visit www.beacadmeyforgirls.org and complete the partnership form.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.beacademyforgirls.org
- Instagram: @beacademyforgirls
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BEAcademyforGirls
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beacademyforgirls/
