Canary Academy Online

How a Homeschooled Graduate Won $10,000 and Started a Non-Profit (Video Above)

At just 17 years old, homeschooled student Nasiyah Isra-Ul applied for a $10,000 entrepreneurial scholarship to start her own business.

She won.

Today, Nasiyah Isra-Ul is a shining example of what’s possible when homeschooling is approached with flexibility, intention, and trust in the student. Her journey—from being homeschooled K–12 to dual-enrolling in college to founding a national nonprofit—shows that homeschooling doesn’t limit opportunity. It expands it.

Watch the Full Interview

In the full video interview, Nasiyah shares:

• What homeschooling felt like from the student’s perspective
• Why flexibility mattered more than rigid schedules
• How homeschooling prepared her for college and entrepreneurship
• Why homeschoolers are uniquely positioned to make a real-world impact

🎥 Watch the full interview above to hear Nasiyah’s story in her own words.

Nasiyah Isra-Ul’s Homeschool Story

While Nasiyah is now a young adult, her education was rooted entirely in homeschooling—from early childhood through high school. Her parents didn’t homeschool because they lacked educational experience; in fact, they were seasoned educators who believed learning should be meaningful, values-driven, and responsive to the child.

During Nasiyah’s high school years, her mom began working for a family-friendly company. Instead of disrupting their homeschool rhythm, the company supported it. Nasiyah and her younger brother went to work with their mother and completed schoolwork in an office space provided for them.

This period became a turning point.

With her mom working full-time, Nasiyah stepped up to help her younger brother with his learning. As she worked alongside him, she noticed something important: his curriculum wasn’t working.

Rather than forcing him to push through ineffective materials, Nasiyah began looking for better solutions.

Creating Custom Curriculum—Before It Had a Name

As someone already interested in education, Nasiyah saw an opportunity to help. She began creating tailor-made educational videos and lessons tailored to her brother’s learning style.

The results were powerful.

Her brother thrived. Learning became engaging again. And before long, other homeschooling families in their community started asking for help too.

What began as a practical solution for one child became the foundation for something much bigger.

Applying for an Entrepreneurial Scholarship

As a dual-credit homeschooled high school student, Nasiyah applied for the Be-More Grant through the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

The competition included hundreds of applicants from around the world, including both high school students and adults. Nasiyah advanced through multiple live pitch rounds and ultimately won.

By winning the Be-More Grant, Nasiyah:

• Received $10,000 to launch her non-profit
• Gained access to mentorship and business guidance
• Validated her homeschool-born idea on a global stage

About the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)

The National Society of High School Scholars promotes academic excellence and leadership among students from diverse educational backgrounds.

NSHSS is one of the few national honor societies that welcomes homeschooled students, offering them:

• Lifetime access to mentoring and networking
• Exclusive scholarships and competitions
• Leadership, volunteering, and career opportunities

Through NSHSS, students like Nasiyah are empowered to Be More—academically, professionally, and personally.

What Is Dual Credit?

Nasiyah’s journey also highlights the power of dual credit in homeschooling.

Dual credit allows students to earn high school and college credits at the same time. When enrolled properly, one course can count toward both a diploma and a degree.

For example, a student might take biology through an accredited college and earn credit toward:

• Their high school transcript
• A future college degree

This approach can save time, reduce costs, and help students transition smoothly into higher education.

Liberty University Online Academy & Dual Enrollment

Nasiyah completed her dual-credit coursework through Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA).

She shares:

“I started at LUOA during my senior year of high school. They offered accredited curriculum with live teachers, which allowed me to prepare for college while still homeschooling and working on my business.”

Through LUOA’s dual enrollment program, Nasiyah:

• Earned 18 college credit hours
• Completed an undergraduate certificate
• Connected with students worldwide in a fully virtual environment

By the time she graduated high school in 2020, she had nearly completed her freshman year of college—and felt fully prepared to continue full-time.

From Homeschool Project to National Non-Profit

With scholarship funding and mentorship in place, Nasiyah officially launched Canary Academy Online, now Homeschool Empowered, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Canary Academy Online helps families:

• Identify what isn’t working in their homeschool
• Build a custom curriculum around student interests
• Create flexible routines that fit real life
• Balance online learning with hands-on education

This student-centered approach grew directly out of Nasiyah’s homeschool experience.

Styles of Homeschooling & Project-Based Learning

Nasiyah’s parents didn’t follow a single homeschool philosophy. They simply adapted as needed.

However, during her high school years, her education naturally evolved into project-based learning—with her non-profit becoming the ultimate real-world project.

At HomeSchool ThinkTank, we encourage families to Live & Learn Your Way™—because homeschooling isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Project-based learning, independent study, dual credit, and flexible schedules can all play a role in creating an education that works.

👉 Explore different styles of homeschooling and find what fits your family best.

Ready to Take Your Next Step in Homeschooling?

Stories like Nasiyah’s are inspiring—but they also raise important questions.

What would homeschooling look like for my child?
How do I know I’m doing this “right”?
What happens when we reach the high school years?

That’s where support matters.

Start with the Fundamentals (Free Course)

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure how homeschooling could actually work for your family, the best place to start is with my free homeschool course.

This free homeschooling course will help you:

• Understand the foundations that make homeschooling successful
• Gain clarity and confidence—no matter the approach you choose
• Learn how mindset, flexibility, and intention shape long-term outcomes

👉 Start the Free Homeschool Course
When you sign up for the free course, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a free homeschool consultation.

Recommended Resources for Homeschool Families

If Nasiyah’s story got you thinking about homeschooling, these resources will help you explore your options and move forward with confidence.

• Homeschool Consulting with Jackie—Get personalized 1-on-1 support to help you create a homeschool plan that fits your child, your family, and your long-term goals.
• Should I Homeschool My Kids?—A thoughtful starting point for parents who are weighing their options and want clarity before making a decision.
• Learn About Classical Education—Explore one of the most well-known homeschooling approaches and decide whether it aligns with your family’s values and learning style.
• Preparing for College as a Homeschooler—Watch this interview with College Flight Plan to learn how homeschool students can successfully plan for college and future careers.
• Get Homeschooling Support in Your Inbox—Join the HomeSchool ThinkTank newsletter for practical guidance, encouragement, and insights to help you homeschool with confidence.

Share This Story: What’s Possible After Homeschooling?

Know a parent who’s wondering what homeschooling can really lead to?
Share this story with them. Nasiyah’s journey is a powerful reminder that homeschooling is about helping kids grow into capable, confident adults.