On Sunday January 14, 2018, 25 deserving Atlanta students gathered for what they thought was their group interview to enter Harvard Debate Council’s residential summer program at Harvard College…
What they would learn later that day is that not only were they already accepted, but they would also receive a partial scholarship!
So, how do you pull off a whole afternoon of secrets without one student (or their families) finding out? You bring in the finest community servants in Atlanta, and have them distract the students with exercises in networking and group debate exercises…
The itinerary of the day was facilitated by Brandon Fleming
The program included greeting from Newton Myvett, the President of the Art Institute of Atlanta, along with the announcement of the scholarship for the students who are accepted into the program, followed by a group debate project.
“We know that education, in all its forms, is a transformative force for the common good. We also know that it does start with a dialogue that uplifts, energizes, motivates, and enables young adults to embark on a path that will lead them to achieve their dreams …We are unleashing creativity, empowering people, and impacting the places where we live, love, and learn in unprecedented ways—giving shape to the boldest dreams and noblest causes.” -Myvett
It was refreshing to watch these bright young minds at work as they introduced themselves to potential mentors and public figures, then transitioning into a group debate that put their progressive ways of thinking on display. *Videos coming soon to our YouTube channel
The second part of their “group exercise” was to reach into the bags under their chairs, put on the shirt inside, and within 15 seconds, run to the front of the room and connect with other students with the same color shirt. The twist was that they ALL had the same shirt: A HARVARD COLLEGE sweatshirt!
After a few seconds of looking around at each other in bewilderment, the room was all of a sudden filled with confetti, the announcement of their acceptance, and the anthem we all love , “All I do is Win”!
The moments following the announcement were beautiful. The students congratulated each other, moms were crying, and positive vibe in the room was overwhelming!
The students were then seated to learn exactly what they will be experiencing this summer as a student of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project. Until June, students will receive intensive monthly training from Harvard instructors in preparation to study at Harvard college during the summer.
Student participants will not only study debate at Harvard, but also gain academic excellence, leadership acumen, and cultural pride. This program is also designed to provide students firsthand experience of residential life at Harvard University and an opportunity to learn from accomplished debate professors and coaches…
The day concluded with the students previewing their new blazers, receiving their new ties, and taking group pictures with their proud families!
Congrats again to the Inaugural Class of 2018 from Be Positive Media! (More pics and videos on our social media channels)
About HDCDP:
Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project is an Atlanta-based diversity pipeline program created to raise the young social and political voice in urban Atlanta and to matriculate African American students into the Harvard Debate Council’s residential summer program for high school students at Harvard College (in Cambridge, MA). The Harvard Debate Council is still seeking individuals, corporations, and organizations to join in their efforts to raise $88,000 scholarship dollars to cover tuition, room & board, and travel for the recipients
