NeeAli Scott, a 17-year-old senior at Savannah Arts Academy, has achieved a remarkable milestone. Before walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma, NeeAli earned her associate of science degree from Savannah State University. This impressive feat was driven by her ambition to get a head start on her education and take advantage of Georgia’s dual enrollment program, which offers 30 free college credits to high school students.
“I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free,” NeeAli explained. “In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free. So that’s already half of the associate’s degree.”
NeeAli’s academic journey has been anything but typical. Balancing high school coursework with college classes, she faced challenges that tested her resilience. “Definitely, some classes gave me a little more of a challenge than others,” she admitted. When Savannah State didn’t offer all the classes she needed, NeeAli took additional courses at Georgia Southern University to complete her degree.
But NeeAli’s busy schedule didn’t end with academics. After school, she worked at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club and attended dance practices, showcasing her commitment and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Looking ahead, NeeAli has her sights set on becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. She aspires to work in an inner-city hospital, giving back to the youth in Savannah or wherever her journey may take her. Though she has not yet decided where to pursue her further education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are at the top of her list.
As she prepares to graduate from Savannah Arts Academy, NeeAli leaves a legacy of inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and support, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.
Read more about NeeAli and her incredible journey.