Taleia Frederick, now a senior at Dudley High School, transferred from Smith High School and experienced the challenges many students face when adjusting to a new school environment. Early in her transition, she introduced herself to Communities In Schools of Greater Greensboro (CISGG) Site Coordinator Mrs. Cheryl Donahue-Wright, seeking connection, resources, and opportunities to help her thrive in her new school community.

Recognizing Taleia’s passion for engineering, Mrs. Donahue-Wright connected her with the TRIO Upward Bound program. Taleia’s interest in STEM began years earlier at Blueford STEM Academy, where she was the only girl in the robotics program — an experience that taught her confidence, resilience, and comfort in spaces where she was underrepresented.

Throughout her junior year, Taleia became a standout participant in Upward Bound. She joined multiple college tours, visiting South Carolina State, FAMU, Edward Waters, Bethune-Cookman, Savannah State, and — her dream school — North Carolina A&T State University. These visits allowed her to meet campus leaders and gain clarity on the steps needed to pursue her goal of becoming a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer. She draws inspiration from Katherine Johnson, the pioneering NASA mathematician whose work made U.S. crewed spaceflight possible.

Taleia is always seeking enrichment and leadership opportunities. She ran for Miss Dudley, performs as a Pantherette, and serves on Color Guard. When she’s not performing, she trains with JROTC, where she hopes to earn the rank of Officer by Spring 2026. Her long-term aspiration is to join the Air Force, another reason NCA&TSU remains her top choice. Outside of school, Taleia volunteers at the Greensboro Coliseum, where she earns tips that she diligently saves. This semester, when students were required to pay to participate in college tours, CISGG stepped in to sponsor her trip — ensuring financial barriers didn’t stand in the way of her dreams.

Taleia comes from a large, loving family of six siblings, including an “Irish twin” born nine months before her, identical twin younger brothers, a 10-year-old brother, and a 2-year-old brother. Both of Taleia's parents are NCAT alumni; her mother studies Biology, and her father holds a degree in Nanoengineering — a path Taleia proudly follows.

What she values most about CISGG is the safe, supportive space it provides. Whenever she struggles to connect with teachers or navigate challenges at school or work, Mrs. Donahue-Wright is always there. Taleia embodies tenacity, resilience, and laser-focused determination — qualities that will carry her far.

Update: Taleia received her NCAT acceptance email on Christmas Day!!! She was accepted into their Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering program!!! 🤗 Her grandmother paid her deposit as her Christmas gift, so she is AGGIE bound!!!

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