The purpose of this study was to uncover and describe the key components of a "distinguished" National Academy Foundation (NAF) information technology (IT) academy and the nature of implementation to prepare students to be college, career and future ready. Based on 77 semistructured interviews of stakeholders of the academy, we found the following themes: a shared direction; tackling the challenge to promote college and career readiness; seizing on the high impact of work-based learning; and local capacity to adjust and deliver. Based on the case, we recommend leaders work to establish a culture of collaboration, utilize a balanced curriculum and ensure school-based internships are structured.