At just 19 years old, Haley Taylor Schlitz has made history. The Texas native recently earned her law degree from SMU’s Dedman School of Law, becoming the YOUNGEST black person in the U.S. to graduate from law school.
Haley’s journey started early. After her parents realized public school wasn’t challenging her as a gifted student, they made the pivotal decision to homeschool her starting in 5th grade. That shift unlocked her full potential: she graduated high school at 13, finished college by 16, and was accepted into nine law schools.
Driven by her own educational experiences, Haley majored in education during undergrad and is now focused on reforming education policy—especially for girls and students of color. She’s currently preparing for the bar exam while fielding multiple job offers.
Haley’s story is a reminder to keep pushing, keep dreaming, and never let anyone define your potential.
