For Roland Wright, a high school senior from West Virginia, education has always needed to be as dynamic as his dreams. With aspirations to play college golf, Roland found the perfect fit in BYU Independent Study—an accredited program that gave him the freedom to train year-round without falling behind academically.

From Setback to Solution

When Roland’s Catholic high school suddenly closed, his family faced an unexpected challenge. “We didn’t want to return to public school, and after an internet search, found BYU Independent Study,” says his father, Eric Wright.

That decision quickly turned into a pivotal opportunity. Roland was able to relocate to Florida for five months during the winter to train intensively while continuing his high school coursework online.

“Without the online courses and its transferable credit, my son wouldn’t be where he is today,” Eric explains.

Flexibility Meets NCAA Readiness

The program’s flexible, self-paced model allowed Roland to learn on his own terms while meeting NCAA eligibility requirements for student-athletes. He successfully completed twelfth-grade English and pre-calculus courses.

“It makes you feel like you’re actually going to a high school,” Eric says, praising the user-friendly platform and structure.

Roland stayed on track academically while honing his skills on the golf course—laying the foundation for college recruitment and scholarship opportunities.

Supported by the HOPE Scholarship

Financial accessibility also played a key role. The Wright family used West Virginia’s HOPE Scholarship, a state-funded program that supports alternative private education. Eric even helped BYU Independent Study become an approved provider for the HOPE Scholarship—ensuring families like his could benefit from the curriculum.

“It’s about finding what works for you,” Eric says. “BYU gave Roland the chance to follow his passion while still receiving a great education—and that’s something we’ll always be grateful for.”

Empowering Students to Take the Lead

For Roland, BYU Independent Study wasn’t just a backup plan—it was a launching pad. The program gave him the tools and flexibility to take charge of his future and chase his goals with confidence.

His story is a reminder that when education adapts to the student—not the other way around—remarkable things can happen. To learn more, visit is.byu.edu or explore West Virginia’s HOPE scholarship program at hopescholarshipwv.gov.