Founder's Biography

Elijah Watson Founder

Elijah Watson is the Executive Director and Founder of the S.T.A.R.S. Math and English Academy.

Since March 2000, S.T.A.R.S. Academy has provided academic enrichment, life skills training, and mentoring to over 3000 students in Charlotte. Under his leadership, the Academy has offered much-
needed academic and enrichment support for grades 3-12 students. The Academy meets after school and on Saturdays in a safe, nurturing environment.

Elijah Watson is a National Board Certified Career and Technical Education teacher at Ranson IB Middle School in Charlotte, NC. Elijah was a 2023-24 Kenan Fellow through the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership and was the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year at Ranson IB Middle School. In addition, Elijah received the Our Children’s Hero Award presented by the Black Child Development Institute – Charlotte (2022).

Previously, Elijah worked in the Trust Operations group of Wells Fargo Bank's Wealth, Brokerage, and Retirement Division for 16 years. He earned an M.B.A. from Strayer University and a B.A. in Finance from Morehouse College. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Elijah was senior class president and valedictorian of his graduating class at John Marshall Harlan High School. In 2008, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory recognized Elijah with the "Charlotte Mentor of the Year Award" for his involvement in the S.T.A.R.S. Academy. Elijah was also awarded the Bank of America's "Local Hero" Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (2011), the Presidential Service Award by the Morehouse College National Alumni Association (2010), and the North Carolina Medallion Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service (2008).

Elijah is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Elijah Watson is blessed to be married to Tissh Watson, and they both attend St. Paul Baptist Church. Elijah and Tissh are proud parents to Lauryn.