Courtesy of Stillman College
The I Dream Big Charter School and Stillman College, a Presbyterian-related institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the launch of the first partnership between an HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) and charter school in the state of Alabama.
Tuesday’s groundbreaking for the I Dream Big Charter School at Stillman College was a time to celebrate a first-ever partnership. (Photo courtesy of Stillman College)
The event, held on the Stillman College campus, marks a transformative milestone in education, equity and opportunity for families in Tuscaloosa and beyond.
Set to open in the fall, I Dream Big Charter School will welcome students in grades 6-8, adding a grade level every year. Already the school is generating high community interest; applications are currently being accepted, and some grade levels are at capacity and are operating on a wait list.
As Tuscaloosa’s first and only tuition-free charter school, I Dream Big Charter is Alabama’s only Big Picture Learning school, providing a personalized, real-world learning model focused on student passions and career exploration.
“We are excited to build a school that not only serves students today but shapes the educators and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Angela Lang, the founder and executive director of I Dream Big Charter School. “This partnership with Stillman College reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community transformation.”
Through its collaboration with Stillman College, I Dream Big Charter School will become a lab school, offering a pipeline for teacher development and early access to college and career opportunities for its students. This innovative model places students at the intersec
The Tuscaloosa community turned out for Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at Stillman College. (Photo courtesy of Stillman College)
tion of higher education, professional mentorship and hands-on learning from day one.
The new building will share a parking lot with Stillman College’s Houston H. Harte Center, which is home to Stillman’s School of Education.
“Our partnership with I Dream Big Charter School will not only be a successful resource for our student educators, but also helps lay the foundation for our Cradle-to-Career Model,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, Stillman College President. “Ultimately, at Stillman College, we believe in helping educate tomorrow’s leaders by preparing students from their early years for future careers.”
Technology innovation and entrepreneurship
At the heart of I Dream Big Charter’s mission is a commitment to technology and entrepreneurship. The school is launching a curriculum that prepares students to be creators, not just consumers, of technology. Through immersive courses in coding, digital design and business development, students will gain real-world skills to thrive in the innovation economy. With access to mentors, startup challenges and community-based projects, students will graduate with a deep understanding of what it takes to launch ideas, solve problems and lead in the 21st century.
About Stillman College
An accredited, four-year liberal arts institution, Stillman College offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically Black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities.
