LEAD’s Class of 2026 Kicks Off Senior Year With College App Celebrations
LEAD Southeast and LEAD Academy seniors are celebrating a major milestone: 100% of the Class of 2026 has applied to college!
Both schools recently hosted College Application Parties to mark this achievement. Seniors received certificates recognizing their accomplishment.
“When every senior submits a college application, it signals that doors are opening for all of them,” said Courtney McEwen, LEAD’s college and career director. “These celebrations honor their dedication and mark the first step toward the futures they’re building — futures we’ll cheer for again at Senior Signing Day in May.”
Where Are They Applying?
Every LEAD senior applied to at least one college, and some of the most popular colleges for our senior class include:
- LEAD Academy: Lipscomb University, Middle Tennessee State University, Nashville State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, and University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, with representatives from Army National Guard and the Marines.
- LEAD Southeast: Nashville State Community College, Tennessee State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Vanderbilt University.
College representatives from these institutions attended both celebrations, giving students the chance to connect directly with admissions teams and get their questions answered.
What’s Next?
In May, the Class of 2026 will take center stage at LEAD’s 13th annual Senior Signing Day. There, each graduate will publicly announce their post-graduation plans in front of family, friends, and the entire LEAD Network—a powerful moment of commitment and celebration.
