At VOA High School, we’re proud to partner with Warrior Academy—a life-shaping program that supports young men in their academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. This collaboration was made possible through the longstanding relationship between La Shawn Ray, VOA High School Administrator, and Jeremiah Harris, Warrior Academy Partner.
Harris’ decision to bring Warrior Academy to VOA HS was deeply intentional. “My inspiration for bringing Warrior to VOA HS is due to the lack of such programs within alternative school settings. I wanted to make a direct impact in a smaller setting. Knowing that VOA HS provided a unique opportunity for young people to obtain their high school diploma within a format that speaks to their individual needs provided the perfect landscape of our partnership.”
Designed to align with VOA’s health instruction, students receive additional health credits for attending the warrior academy sessions. The Academy offers a unique blend of group learning and individualized mentorship to cultivate strong leadership, discipline, and purpose-driven living—skills essential for leadership, personal growth, and professional success.
Harris shares, “I want the students to understand the importance of taking care of their mental, physical, and emotional health. I want the young men to know that they are valued and needed. I want them to know that they can accomplish anything as long as they stay disciplined and maintain a mindset shift from, I have to...to I get to go to school, work, provide for myself and my future family.”
Hope isn’t a rare occurrence in Warrior Academy—it’s a weekly reality. One student reflected that, before joining the program, he felt like he was just going through the motions, showing up to school only because he had to. Through Warrior Academy, he began to reflect on his future and recognize the value of his education. Now, he’s exploring a career in the trades and has already taken steps forward by applying for two jobs.
Warrior Academy is more than a program—it’s a space where young men are seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Through mentorship, reflection, and a focus on holistic well-being, students are gaining the confidence to shape their futures with purpose. As Harris puts it, “I want them to leave my program with the tools to walk through life with a refreshed confidence and an energy that inspires others.”
We’re grateful for our partnership with Warrior Academy and the opportunity it creates for students to expand their mindsets, build essential skills, and lead with purpose—both within VOA High School and beyond.