Building opportunity. Honoring a legacy. Transforming young lives.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy represents LINC's vision for a future where young men who have struggled in traditional educational settings have a new pathway to achievement. Building on the experience of LINC's L.I.T.E. initiative, the Academy will combine education, career training, mentorship, and residential support to help young men discover their potential and build a foundation for lasting success.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy is more than a building. It's a vision for helping young men discover their potential through education, mentorship, career preparation, and a supportive community. Watch how LINC plans to turn that vision into opportunity.
Hisan J. Polk was a young man whose life reflected the promise of LINC's mission. A participant in LINC's L.I.T.E. initiative, Hisan went on to become a business owner and mentor, demonstrating what can happen when young people are given encouragement, opportunity, and someone who believes in their potential. His life was tragically cut short in 2014, but his legacy continues to inspire LINC's commitment to creating pathways for young people to succeed.
Named in his honor, the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy will carry that commitment forward. Through the transformation of the former Princess Place Fire Station in Wilmington, LINC envisions a place where education, career training, mentorship, and residential support come together to help young men build meaningful, productive futures. The Academy will be both a tribute to Hisan's life and an investment in generations yet to come.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy represents more than a new educational opportunity. It is an investment in young men whose potential deserves to be recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. By creating a place where education, career preparation, mentorship, and community come together, LINC is building a foundation for lasting change.
You can help bring this vision to life. Through the Legacy Builders Campaign, individuals, businesses, and community partners can make a meaningful investment in the Academy's future. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a place where young men can discover new possibilities and build lives filled with purpose and opportunity.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy is envisioned as a residential educational and workforce development program that will provide young men with the structure, guidance, and opportunities needed to build successful futures. The Academy's proposed model brings together academic instruction, career and technical training, life skills development, and mentorship in a supportive environment.
The project centers on the transformation of Wilmington's former Princess Place Fire Station into a place of learning, personal growth, and opportunity. Building on LINC's experience serving young people and returning citizens, the Academy represents a long-term commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and the broader community.
As planning, fundraising, and development move forward, LINC continues working to bring this vision to life through community investment and collaborative partnerships.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy is a planned residential education and workforce development initiative of LINC, Inc. Building on the experience of LINC’s L.I.T.E. program, the Academy will provide young men with a supportive environment that combines academic instruction, career and technical training, life skills development, and mentorship.
The Academy is envisioned for Wilmington’s former Princess Place Fire Station, transforming an existing community landmark into a place where young men can gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to build successful futures.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy is designed to serve young men who would benefit from an alternative educational environment, individualized guidance, and a structured pathway toward academic achievement, career readiness, and personal growth.
The Academy’s residential model will combine education with mentorship, life skills, and practical career preparation. Specific eligibility requirements, admissions procedures, and enrollment information will be provided as the Academy moves closer to opening.
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy’s proposed educational model combines academic instruction, career and technical training, and practical life skills to prepare young men for continued education, employment, and independent living.The Academy is envisioned to offer individualized academic support, hands-on workforce preparation, mentoring, and opportunities to develop essential skills such as financial literacy, communication, decision-making, and personal responsibility. Through collaboration with educational and community partners, LINC aims to help participants identify their strengths, explore career pathways, and prepare for meaningful opportunities beyond the Academy.Type your paragraph here
The Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy is being developed through a combination of public funding, private philanthropy, and community partnerships. LINC is working to secure the resources necessary to renovate the former Princess Place Fire Station and establish the Academy’s educational and residential programs.
The Legacy Builders Campaign invites individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to invest in the Academy’s future. Funding commitments and project development will continue to evolve as planning and fundraising progress.
Every contribution helps advance LINC’s vision of creating new opportunities for young men and strengthening the community for generations to come.
You can help bring the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy to life by making a contribution to LINC’s Legacy Builders Campaign. Gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners will help advance the Academy’s development and create lasting opportunities for young men.
Become a Legacy Builder — Make a Gift
Every gift is an investment in the next generation and the future of our community.
The following documents provide background on the Academy’s planning, architectural development, community engagement, and public review process. They are presented as historical project records and may not reflect the project’s current schedule or final design.
Planning & Assessment
Space Needs Assessment — Princess Place Fire Station Adaptive Reuse, Sawyer Sherwood & Associate Architecture, March 25, 2022
Neighborhood Meeting Invitation, September 30, 2022
City Review & Public Meetings
City of Wilmington General Rezoning Case Summary, March 5, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Recording, March 6, 2024, Agenda Item 4 (starts at 1:49:25)
Planning Commission Supporting Documents, March 6, 2024
City Council Meeting Recording, April 16, 2024, Public Hearings 3 and 4 (starts at 3:12:29)
City Council Supporting Documents, April 16, 2024: Public Hearing 3 and Public Hearing 4
Architectural Designs
Schematic Designs, Mark Loudermilk Architect, March 31, 2025
Want to learn more about the Academy?
Download the Complete HJP Academy FAQ (PDF)
For additional information about the project, please contact LINC directly.
