Harlem Students Spend Summer Experiences On Iceland Expedition And Studying Medicine In The U.K.

This summer, two Harlem students had the unique opportunity to pursue their passions outside the classroom and worldwide 2,699 miles from Harlem.

Through Success Academy’s Summer Experience Program, Leonardo Risaliti, an 11th-grader from Success Academy High School of Liberal Arts-Harlem, spent the summer on an expedition in Iceland.

Every day, he hiked for about six and a half hours, carrying a 35-pound backpack, and slept in a tent. A big highlight of his trip was the time he spent on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland’s Southern Highlands.

“One thing I learned in the Iceland backcountry is to ‘be comfortable being uncomfortable’,” said Risaliti. “Outside of my comfort zone, I was able to experience things I could never do in the city. I’m so privileged to have been able to do this with my summer.”

Another student from Success Academy High School of Liberal Arts-Harlem, Ermina Khan,
studied medicine at Oxford Royale Summer School in the United Kingdom where she attended classes taught by academic experts and professional trailblazers.

At the end of her experience, she wrote a research paper introducing a revolutionary medical technology for Type 2 Diabetes and presented her project at an exhibition in front of professors and other students.

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“The program was a great, immersive experience that introduced me to amazing, new friends worldwide. The courses were intense and vigorous, but helped me understand what it might be like to attend medical school someday,” said Khan.

Success Academy is committed to 60 percent of its students graduating from college with
STEM degrees.

Success Academy’s Summer Experience Program provides access to learning opportunities out of the classroom that broaden knowledge, build skills and resumes, and provide exposure to immersive, unique environments.

After undertaking a rigorous application process that mimics the one they will need to master for college admission, accepted scholars have the chance to participate in STEM, humanities, arts, talent, and outdoor leadership opportunities – all over the world!

Success Academy is the largest public charter school network in NYC with 57 schools including 10 in Harlem.

A majority of the over 20,000 students are from low-income households in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

To date, 100% of graduating seniors have been accepted to a four-year college or university.

Photo credit: 1-6) Success Academies.