The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, a secondary school, will use a rigorous curriculum integrated with a service-learning model to adequately prepare students of all backgrounds for both college and career. Our curriculum will enable high school students to consciously contextualize their multi-layered identity, role, and value in the community while providing them with experiences where they can apply their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. Students will forge collaboration with local businesses, community organizations, and nonprofits to create innovative sustainable solutions for the community and prepare students for post-secondary opportunities. These proximate service-learning experiences place our students’ leadership at the forefront of our community and cultivate their commitment to stay engaged and committed to Sussex County. As concerned educators and community members, we want to address these gaps not only for our students but also for the future of our community.