LSC-CyFair College Academy Graduate from Cy-Lakes Earns Full Ride to Stanford University
“My experience at LSC-CyFair has set me up for success at Stanford because of the rigorous coursework they have to offer. Not only that, but my credits transfer so I’ll be able to dive into classes pertaining to my major rather than start over with general studies,” said Olufemi-Dada.
In addition to her studies all throughout high school, she worked multiple jobs – as a babysitter, at Goodwill Houston and then full-time at Primrose Daycare - to help support her family and purchase items for herself and her siblings.
“Having a full ride allows me to finally sit back and study without having to worry about keeping a job to pay for the university,” she said.
Since she was a freshman at Cypress Lakes High School, Olufemi-Dada has been in the College Academy, a unique Dual Credit partnership program with LSC-CyFair in which students simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an associate degree. She said she leapt at the opportunity to get a head start on college, to challenge herself with classes that also seemed engaging and fun, and to explore classes that would align with a career she truly wanted to pursue.
Olufemi-Dada admitted that it can be extremely difficult attempting to balance school, work and clubs. As a sophomore, she dropped her band course, but still played the clarinet at church. As a senior, she dropped debate to obtain the hours she needed at work. Moreover, she said her College Academy teachers were understanding, listened with open hearts, and did their best to accommodate situations that arose.
“In some cases, you have to let go of other things to make room for what you deem to be more important,” she said. “Despite all the obstacles, I’ve learned to find time for myself and friends and live the high school experience.”
Now, ready to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in AI and Biocomputational Engineering, Olufemi-Dada is set on becoming a leader in Personalized Medicine.
Her career goal involves developing ways “to predict disease risks, identify optimal treatment options, and improve overall patient outcomes.” To achieve this, she plans to collaborate with experts in finding “innovative solutions that bridge the gap between computer science and biomedicine, thus exposing medical professionals to overlooked diseases and helping direct attention toward new research for those with less common illnesses.”
Cy-Lakes was the first Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District high school to offer the College Academy established in 2017. The program has since expanded into all 12 CFISD high schools. The first cohort of College Academy students at Cy-Lakes celebrated 85 candidates for graduation in 2021. This May, LSC-CyFair’s largest class of candidates for graduation includes 537 CFISD Dual Credit students, of which 510 are College Academy program participants who will simultaneously earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma. The inaugural College Academy graduates from Bridgeland and Cy-Ranch are expected in May 2024.
Source: Lone Star College - CyFair
