Pomona College
Donald Abram is a Politics major at Pomona College, where he is a Posse Foundation Scholar. He is a minister at Greater New Mt. Eagle Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown, Chicago, Illinois. He is also a group facilitator at Pomona Partners, a mentoring program for middle schools students in Claremont, California. In addition to the ministry, Donald aspires to public office.
University of Denver
Osayande Aihie is an International Business and Socio-Legal Studies major at University of Denver. As a high school senior, he received the Ernst & Young Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award and he currently interns at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship in the Bay Area of California. Osa aspires to become a corporate CEO.
Davidson College
Rashaun Bennett attends Davidson College, where he majors in Political Science. He is a Davidson College Presidential Scholar and a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar. On campus, Rashaun is a senator in the Student Government Association and a consultant in the Davidson College Speaking Center, where he helps students improve their public speaking and presentation skills. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Rashaun aspires to become education lawyer.
University of Kansas
Caleb Bobo is a Political Science major at the University of Kansas, where he is in the Honors Program and University Scholars Program. He is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas. Originally from Ballwin, Missouri, Caleb aspires to become a policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Education.
Howard University
Derek Fitzgerald is a Biology major at Howard University, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA in the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. He is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity and the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club. He also serves as Sophomore Class Treasurer. Originally from Round Rock, Texas, Derek aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Brown University
Andrew Gonzales is a Political Science and Education Policy major at Brown University. He is a Questbridge National Scholar and volunteers at Making Moves, a mentoring and tutoring program for high school student athletes in Providence, Rhode Island. Originally from Richmond, California, Andrew hopes to become a lawyer or elected official.
Northern Virginia Community College
Edward Hill is a Business Administration major at Northern Virginia Community College. He is founder of the campus business club and president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. Originally from Dale City, Virginia, Edward hopes to become an accountant. Edward is the first community college student selected to participate in the Institute. His acceptance is contingent upon his enrollment in a four-year college or university.
Brown University
Joshua Jackson is a Political Science and Ethnic Studies major at Brown University. He serves as Minority Peer Counselor at the Third World Center and Executive Board Member of Brown Democrats. Joshua hopes to become a human and civil rights lawyer.
Swarthmore College
Louis Laine’ attends Swarthmore College, where he majors in Philosophy and Political Science. He volunteers in Dare 2 Soar, where he tutors students ranging from 6 to 15 years old in math and reading comprehension. He is also involved in Swarthmore’s Writing Associates Program and Senate Assembly. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Louis hopes to become an attorney.
Yale University
William Searcy is a Political Science major at Yale University. Upon arriving at Yale, he was selected to participate in the Dwight Hall Urban Fellows Program, which affords him the opportunity for civic engagement in the city of New Haven. He is founder of the Black Pre-Law Association at Yale College and represents the Afro-American Cultural Center on the Yale Intercultural Affairs Council. Originally from Dacula, GA, William aspires to become a lawyer and elected official.
Villanova University
Elliot Williams is a Communications major at Villanova University, where he is a Presidential Scholar, the highest and most prestigious designation. He is involved in RUIBAL- Villanova Campus Ministry and Project R.E.D. (Retention Empowerment & Development). While he aspires to become a broadcast journalist, he remains passionate about educating young people. He has served as a mentor and tutor through various programs in the Philadelphia area.