When Philadelphia, Pa., native James Northern ’29 started his Arcadia journey this semester, he already had a bachelor’s degree to his name, not from another college or university, but from his high school.

Philadelphia’s Central High School holds the distinction of being the only high school in the United States that has the authority to confer academic degrees upon its graduates. So, Northern’s graduation from Central earned him both a high school diploma and a Bachelor of Arts.

“To earn the degree, you have to graduate with at least a 3.7 GPA, which I did,” Northern said. “Although it holds no field-specific value, the bachelor’s degree is a testament to my hard work in completing a very unique and rigorous course load for the last four years of high school, which is also shown in college, typically being easier for Central alumni, compared to other kids.”

Northern, a Business Administration major, served as vice president of his school’s African American Student Union and earned a business award, reflecting his passion for entrepreneurship. His long-term goals include owning multiple businesses and launching a nonprofit in Philadelphia.

“The goal of the nonprofit would be to give back to the Black boys in the community and also make their childhood better, while hopefully simultaneously reducing gun violence,” he explained. “In my opinion, a part of the reason so many kids are involved in gun violence and gang culture is the environment they grew up in and the fact that they don’t feel like there are other paths, outlets, or ways. So I want the focus to be on Black boys’ and men’s mental health and aiding that, and additionally providing trades and other activities to them for them to practice or play, so that they see that there are other things to do besides playing with guns, and that they have a spot to call community and a second home.”

Northern chose Arcadia because of the strong sense of belonging he felt while on campus during his senior year. His twin sister, Jada, picked Arcadia as well.

“From my visit, I could tell people genuinely support one another,” he said. “Arcadia stood out as a place where I can build meaningful relationships, grow personally and academically, and be encouraged to reach my goals.”

On campus, he’s already involved with the Black Awareness Society, and hopes to get involved with the Uknight Dance Team and Student Government Organization. He enjoys dancing, baking, making jewelry, listening to music, shopping and thrifting, and spending time with friends.