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Events & Traditions

At Uplift, the calendar is packed with moments that bring scholars, families, and our community together to celebrate big talent, hard work, and even bigger futures.

OUR SIGNATURE TRADITION

Senior Decision Day

Every spring, more than 1,000 Uplift seniors from across the Uplift Education network come together for Senior Decision Day, our biggest celebration of the year. Modeled after College Football Signing Day, each senior steps up to proudly announce their college, career, or military plans in front of fellow scholars, staff, and family.

For more than a decade, this tradition has overflowed with cheers, college colors, and happy tears, drawing more than 8,000 scholars, parents, and community members. It’s the moment our mission comes to life, and for younger scholars watching from the stands, it’s a first look at the day they’ll take the stage themselves.

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our story · 1:39 min

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Bringing Everyone Together

Hand in Hand Family Resource Fair

We kick off each school year with the Hand in Hand Resource Fair where all of our families are invited, and families learn about resources available to them within our school network and community. They also enjoy free school supplies, food, and lots of fun. Last year we went to the zoo!

College and Career March

On this exciting day each December, seniors march through their campuses to the fanfare of the entire school community and families, to the destination – a mailbox – where they symbolically deposit their first college and career applications. The event symbolizes the beginning of their march towards their future which has been years in the making as an Uplift scholar.

Block Party

We close out each year with food, activities, and performances celebrating the many cultures that make up the Uplift family.

Campus Celebrations

Each campus across the network hosts its own celebrations and festivals for its school community throughout the year. Whether it’s a trunk or treat, an international festival, or a campus talent show, each school’s culture and community come together for fun.

ARTS AND SCIENCE EVENTS

Celebrating Our Scholars’ Amazing Creativity

Spoken Word Showcase

Scholars take the mic to perform original poetry and prose, sharing their voices and stories with a crowd that cheers every word.

Science Fair

From primary through high school, scholars from every school work for months to develop and test a theory and build presentations to present their findings. The work comes together at the annual science fair, hosted in conjunction with UT Southwestern. Scholars present their projects to judges and awards are given. Top projects move on to regional and state competitions.

Fine Arts Show

Scholars in grades K–12 create their masterpieces in art class using a variety of 2D and 3D mediums. Top projects at each school see their artwork displayed at NorthPark Center in Dallas for several weeks each February. Works are judged by a panel of community volunteers, and the event culminates with an evening awards ceremony in the main concourse at NorthPark.

Fine Arts Showcase

Our dancers, musicians, actors, and visual artists shine in an evening exhibition and performance celebrating creativity across the Network.

SKILL SHOWCASE EVENTS

Enjoying Some Friendly Competition

IB Showcase

As an International Baccalaureate network*, scholars in the 5th, 10th, and 12th grade produce capstone projects showcasing an innovative solution to a global problem. Scholars with top projects from each campus get to display and present at the annual IB Showcase, where family, friends, and community members come together and top honors are awarded at the end of the day.

Esports Tournament

Teams of scholars go head-to-head in competitive gaming, building strategy, teamwork, and digital skills along the way.

Spelling Bee

Primary and middle school wordsmiths compete at their school level, then school winners step up to the microphone one letter at a time, competing for the Uplift Education network title and a chance to advance to regional and state competition.

Speech & Debate Tournament

Scholars sharpen their arguments and their public speaking as they compete against peers from across the Network.

Mock Trial

High School scholars step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses, building a case and arguing it in a courtroom-style competition with juries and judges.

COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION EVENTS

Preparing for the Future

Career Week

Guest speakers, workplace visits, and hands-on activities give scholars of every age a real-world look at the careers that could be in their future.

Tech Expo

More than 2,000 high school scholars explore the future of technology, engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and beyond with hands-on exhibits and industry experts.

JUMP (Junior to Undergrad Master Plan)

Juniors get a head start on life after high school, joining college and career representatives from across the country for sessions on applications, resumes, wellness, and career options

College and Career Fair

Exclusively for Uplift Education seniors, more than 100 college and career representatives help scholars explore options and make connections for life after graduation.

Join the Uplift family

Be Part of the Celebration

At Uplift, these traditions are more than events. They’re how we celebrate every scholar’s journey from their first day of kindergarten to the day they announce their future. Join us and become part of a community that cheers you on every step of the way.

Applications open · 2027-28

How to Apply

It’s easy! Uplift Education schools are tuition-free, but because space is limited, families apply through a random lottery. There are no entrance exams or academic requirements — just complete your application, and your registration if you’re offered a seat.

1

Apply

Create your free account and submit your application in about 5 minutes. You can choose up to 3 schools.

2

Accept your offer

Beginning February 1, families receive either a seat offer or a waitlist notification. If you’re offered a seat, simply complete your registration to secure your spot.

Creating and sustaining public schools of excellence that empower every scholar to reach their highest potential — in college, career, and life.

Uplift Education Central Management Office
3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (469) 621-8500

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Dr. Remy L. Washington

Chief Executive Officer

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Board of Trustees

Volunteer community leaders who govern Uplift Education and steward its mission. Meetings and Minutes

John McPherson · Katie Anderson · Alex Barsk · Latasha Archie · John Beckert · Dr. Michielle Benson · Tony Caesar · Simon Chen · Anthony Cobb · Adam Cox · Scott Ewing · Dr. Lauren Fine · Christine Frary · Mandy Ginsberg · Hanna Kim · Rev. Dr. Lael Melville · Harold Montgomery · Yanela Montoya · Dawn Moore · Christan Perkins · Todd Rapp · Nuria Rodriguez · Gio Sanchez · Jeremy Scruggs · Tracy Syler-Jones · Stefanie Tsen · Christine VanDeVelde Luskin · Dr. Walter Voit · Kelly Whaley · Pete Zwick

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