$150 raised by 2 donors
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$35,000 Goal
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy (CCA) is a second-chance high school helping students ages 17-25 earn a diploma, discover their purpose and find pathways to success through rigorous academics, holistic case management and supportive vocational training. A faith-based high school, Cornerstone Crossroads Academy provides personalized education pathways and a community of support to students who face the greatest barriers so they can earn a diploma and discover their purpose.
Jim and Jane Beckett are the founders of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. Their involvement with youth began in the 1990s through volunteer work with Hope Literacy, a reading program in the Dallas juvenile justice system. The Becketts recognized that the incarcerated teens they were meeting would need a school to attend after being released. They envisioned a small school with caring teachers and individualized instruction where students could begin to make lasting life changes.
Following discussions with prison ministry volunteers, retired educator Celeste Hamaker and Pastor Chris Simmons, the Becketts' dream of reaching the underserved youth of South Dallas began to take shape. While the Becketts provided essential funding to start the program, Celeste contributed educational expertise and zeal, and Pastor Chris and Cornerstone Baptist Church agreed to provide space, materials, and additional volunteers. CCA opened its doors in 2006.
The Becketts retired as school directors in June of 2010, and the school was guided by the oversight of a new board of directors. The 2010–11 school year marked a new season of growth, when the seeds planted by the Becketts began to be watered by churches, foundations, and community members who joined in cultivating opportunities for students in South Dallas. Even after their retirement, the Becketts faithfully continued to sow into the mission of CCA until their passing in 2023 and 2024.
Over the years, the seeds sown by Mr. and Mrs. Beckett, along with countless faithful donors, volunteers, and supporters, have taken root and blossomed into a vibrant community where students can flourish. As of the 2024–2025 school year, we have nurtured 563 students, and 222 of those students have graduated with a high school diploma or GED.
We have seen hope grow here, and we have witnessed a harvest of lives transformed through seeds of opportunity. Young people who had once lost hope in school began to reinvest in their futures. Many who had previously struggled with attendance started to show up to school consistently. Students who once stood at a crossroads found pathways and opportunities for the future. Some began to envision themselves as college students after campus tours or discovered career options after hearing from guest speakers.
The mission of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy is develop urban youth through transformative education, equipping future leaders to impact their communities for Christ.
Soil, tools, and seeds for our school garden
Organization name
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy
other names
CCA
Causes
Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
Address
PO Box 151062