Legacybox, the nation’s largest digitizing service, announces it has graduated its third class of students and is expanding the program to include Howard High School. The program currently serves students at Brainerd and East Ridge.
“As we celebrate the graduation of our third class, we are excited about the expansion of the program and welcoming our largest incoming class this Fall,” said Nick Macco, Legacybox co-founder.
Legacybox Academy is a transformative initiative between Legacybox and Hamilton County Schools. Through the county’s work-based learning programs, juniors and seniors report to Legacybox full-time, where they split their time between work and finishing their diploma.
Students are paid $15 per hour and learn work skills while earning a wage. The high-tech classroom was built by Legacybox and is staffed with a full-time learning lab instructor providing one-on-one teaching to complete their education. Additionally, Legacybox has a life skills curriculum where students learn everything from healthy eating to money management while receiving mentorship from local experts.
Since launching in 2021, Legacybox has witnessed success through its partnership. Here are a few measurable accomplishments so far:
100 percent of students have graduated and 100 percent of them have gone on to attend a post-secondary program.
97 percent of Legacybox Academy students have improved their GPA by completing the program including three students achieving 4.0 GPAs this past year.
40 percent of students opened their first checking or savings account, while 38 percent managed to save over $1,000.
Nine students were able to purchase their own car helping to alleviate the transportation challenges many face.
"Our collaboration with Legacybox demonstrates our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students," said Tony Donen, executive principal for Workforce Development at Hamilton County Schools. "Through this partnership, we are empowering young individuals to overcome obstacles, unlock their potential, and pursue their goals."
With the expansion of the program, Legacybox is taking another step forward in its mission to reach a broader community and extend its transformative impact.
"At Legacybox, we firmly believe in the power of education and the potential within every individual," said Jill Wilson, COO at Legacybox. "We are thrilled to welcome our largest incoming class of students this fall and look forward to equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary for a successful future."