Global Scholars Academy (GSA) is a North Carolina (NC) public charter school in Northeast Central Durham that educates vulnerable youth by mobilizing social, cultural, and intellectual resources to support academic achievement. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios with eight students to every teacher, not including numerous community volunteers who share their time and expertise during the extended school day. Internationally renowned educator Dr. James H. Johnson Jr., the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at UNC Kenan Flagler Business School, has spearheaded this visionary effort to develop a 21st Century franchise model of public education that builds bridges to the economic mainstream for vulnerable students. GSA integrates an innovative model of strategic partnerships and research-based practices and it involves parents and caregivers in ways that contribute to the health and success of students and their community. GSA is a laboratory school; operating in association with local university and community partnerships for research, implementation, and evaluation of its education model. GSA is the only laboratory school in NC focused on developing teachers who can meet the unique needs of vulnerable youth and encouraging holistic student achievement through personal health, academic, and entrepreneurial education. GSA serves youth who are at the greatest risk of academic failure due to significant social, economic, and educational challenges. Many of these students reside in neighborhoods characterized by high rates of persistent and concentrated poverty, joblessness, and a range of other social ills. GSA’s extended day, extended year program is unique and key to engaging students and their families. To maintain academic engagement, intensive remediation and accelerated learning activities are offered on-site during three intercessions.