Aug 23, 2023 | Bakersfield, Education K-12, Features & Profiles, Front Page, Women

Closing Education Gaps and Fostering Leadership: Willie J Frink College Prep Charter School Approved

In a bold and visionary step towards educational equity, the Kern County community is set to welcome a groundbreaking institution that aims to transform the educational landscape and bridge critical gaps in opportunities. The Willie J Frink College Prep Charter School, slated to open its doors in 2024, carries a distinct mission that sets it apart. With a focus on closing educational disparities and nurturing civic and entrepreneurial leadership, this charter school is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in Bakersfield.

Members of the community congratulating Dr. Arleana Waller during the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District board meeting (Courtesy Photo)

By Philtrina Farquharson | Contributing Writer

Arleana Waller, the visionary behind Willie J Frink College Prep, encapsulates the school’s mission with this statement: “Our commitment reaches beyond regional boundaries to address nationwide disparities in education, placing special emphasis on narrowing the Black American opportunity gap. Education, as the great equalizer, forms the bedrock of our vision, aiming to empower students with a well-rounded foundation. Our curriculum focuses on fostering cultural understanding, promoting civic engagement, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills.”

Members of the community at the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District board meeting in support of the Willie J. Frink College Prep charter school (Courtesy Photo)

This journey has been going on for four years but the journey has truly just begun. Throughout this time, community engagement has been a cornerstone, amplifying voices, exchanging ideas, and forging alliances including insight from local churches, government leaders, and thought leaders in the space including Dr. Margaret Gertrude Fortune who has a network of charter schools. The opportunity to change lives of the future leaders is nothing short of remarkable: a school that authentically mirrors the aspirations and requirements of the community it dedicates itself to serving. The charter school was backed by more than 70 local businesses, and the endorsement of esteemed institutions such as California State University Bakersfield further accentuates the importance of this venture.

(From left to right) Dr. Margaret Fortune, CEO, Fortune School Network, Dr. Arleana Waller, Founder & Head of School, Willie J Frink College Prep, and Janelle Ruley, Partner/ Attorney at Young Minney Corr Law Firm (Courtesy Photo)

The school’s unique approach lies not only in its academic goals but also in its commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Black community and beyond. While the intention is to empower Black children through culturally relevant education, it’s important to emphasize that the school is open to all children, regardless of their background. This inclusive stance underscores the belief that children should learn history that mirrors their own lives, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and identity.

Waller brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table. As the founder of non-profit organizations including “ShePOWER Leadership Academy”.Walker has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering youth and closing socio-economic gaps. Her personal journey, combined with a passion for building leaders from an early age, has led her to undertake this necessary endeavor.

The Waller family (from left to right) Bentley Waller, Doc Waller, Arleana Waller, and Kadar Waller. (Photo: Christa Hunt Photography)

One of the distinguishing features of Willie J Frink College Prep is its commitment to small class sizes with no more than 20 students, ensuring that every student receives the attention and support they need to thrive. Each classroom will be staffed not only by a teacher but also by a substitute teacher, catering to various learning paces and styles. This emphasis on individualized instruction reflects the school’s dedication to nurturing every student’s potential.

The school’s location within the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District was carefully selected. Waller states, “The district’s innovative leadership resonates harmoniously with our school’s vision, creating an environment for revolutionary education.” This strategic alignment signifies a monumental step forward in a county where traditional charter schools are still taking root. Willie J Frink College Prep emerges as a trailblazing establishment, making history as the first brick-and-mortar charter school in the Panama-Buena Vista district, charting a path of progress under the guidance of a Black woman.

(Courtesy Photo)

As the opening of Willie J Frink College Prep Charter School draws nearer, excitement and anticipation build in Kern County. This endeavor is not just about classrooms and textbooks; it’s about closing gaps, fostering leadership, and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world. Arleana Waller’s resilience, determination, and passion have brought this dream to life, and with each passing day, the school inches closer to becoming a beacon of educational excellence and empowerment.

For more information and updates on Willie J Frink College Prep Charter School, visit www.frinkschool.com