St. LOUIS, MO (January 5, 2026) — Ancora High School, part of the Ancora network, has announced a new partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) to expand access to high school completion for adults across the region. Through this collaboration, ULSTL will fully sponsor tuition for eligible clients seeking to earn an accredited high school diploma through Ancora High School.
As the largest Urban League affiliate in the nation, ULSTL serves more than 200,000 individuals annually through workforce development, education, housing, health, and economic empowerment initiatives. This partnership strengthens the organization’s commitment to removing barriers to opportunity by providing a clear, supported pathway for individuals to complete their education and advance toward long-term economic stability.
“Our mission is rooted in creating access to opportunity and removing the barriers that hold people back,” said Michael P. McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “For too many adults, the absence of a high school diploma limits their ability to secure stable employment and build economic security. This partnership with Ancora High School allows us to change that narrative—opening doors to education, workforce advancement, and generational opportunity.”
Ancora High School is a Cognia-accredited online high school designed specifically for adult learners. The program offers flexible, self-paced coursework, academic coaching, and career-aligned support. Through the Urban League’s sponsorship, participants can earn their diploma at no cost while also accessing wraparound services that support long-term success.
In addition to diploma completion, the partnership creates a seamless pathway to higher education. Graduates of Ancora High School, sponsored by the Urban League, will be eligible for admission to Lindenwood University (LU) Accelerated Online, where they may receive a 15% tuition discount toward select bachelor’s degree programs, providing an affordable route to continued education.
“This partnership represents what’s possible when education, workforce development, and community investment come together,” said Gina Castleberry, Head of Ancora High School. “By connecting learners to flexible education and clear postsecondary pathways, we are helping individuals not only earn a diploma but build a future.”
The partnership is now active, with enrollment open for eligible participants.
For more information about enrollment or partnership opportunities, or to schedule an interview with Gina Castleberry or Tydrell Stevens, Regional Director of Save Our Sons & Sisters, please contact Silver Hogue at silver.hogue@hck2.com or 214-697-3113.
About Ancora High School
Ancora High School launched in 2022 to provide adult learners the opportunity to complete a high school diploma in a highly flexible, self-paced, completely online format. Ancora High School has earned accreditation by Cognia® and has partnered with McGraw Hill to provide courseware platforms that deliver personalized learning experiences allowing students to learn at their own pace. Ancora High School seeks to inspire and empower students to change their lives through our high school education completion and skill development opportunities. Learn more at ancorahigh.com.
About the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL)
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) is the region’s largest and oldest civil rights and social service organization, dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, workforce development, housing, health, and economic opportunity. Serving more than 200,000 people annually, ULSTL works to eliminate barriers to economic mobility and advance equity across the St. Louis region through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Learn more at www.ulstl.com.