Program Alumni

Democratic Republic of Congo

Daniel is from a town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region threatened by several militias and devastated by volcanic eruptions in 2002. As the oldest child in his family, he grew up with many extra responsibilities, including helping his parents with their small business. Despite these challenges, he excelled in high school and was admitted to Bridge2Rwanda, a gap year program in Rwanda where he learned English, leadership, and was introduced to the college application process and Dartmouth.

Daniel is excited about the opportunity to grow as a global citizen, learn about the numerous issues that our societies face, and explore his potential contribution to addressing these problems. He plans to study Computer and Engineering sciences and use the skills he gains at Dartmouth to help improve his community when he returns.

For Daniel, being named a King Scholar is the greatest college opportunity imaginable: "It is a door to tremendous possibilities, and I believe it is one of the programs that will make this world a better place. I now feel empowered and ready to fulfill my dreams."

Brazil

Born and raised in Itaborai, a town just outside of Rio de Janeiro, Juliana was greatly shaped by the social issues around her. Through her own personal experiences with poverty and lack of access to quality education, she became inspired to work for the social good in Brazil and throughout the rest of Latin America.

Juliana was immediately drawn to the supportive and welcoming community at Dartmouth: "I know how important it is for me to have a network of peers who will support me throughout my career, and I believe Dartmouth offers just that, combined with an unparalleled education." She looks forward to exploring languages and the arts while focusing on social sciences.

Juliana recognizes what an incredible privilege it is to be named a King Scholar and have access to both a Dartmouth education and the opportunity to give back to her communities. "It is a great responsibility that makes me slightly nervous, but I will do my best to make the most out of it for myself and for others!"

Rwanda

Transitioning from the under-resourced public schools of her early education, Juliet earned a scholarship to attend one of the best all-girls high schools in her country for A-levels. Even while attending her dream school, she was aware of students at neighboring public institutions who were struggling without the same resources. She decided to join a tutoring club to work with local youth, who taught her to always be grateful and instilled in her a passion for giving back to the community around her.

At Dartmouth, Juliet plans to study engineering sciences and looks forward to the many opportunities to get involved with research. Though not yet sure exactly where her studies may lead, she is driven by the desire to contribute to her country's development, both directly and indirectly.

Juliet feels blessed, grateful, and humbled for the amazing opportunity of being named a King Scholar. It is an investment that she looks forward to capitalizing on as she grows as an individual and works to make the world a better place.

India

Dev grew up in a small industrial town in the Indian state of Haryana, earning a scholarship to attend an international boarding school. The immense difference between these two settings helped him understand the significant hurdles in education and achievement that living conditions can present. "I've always had a passion for social justice, and issues of gender, sexuality, and race, but my experiences at boarding school helped me relate that all back to class and wealth."

Dev was drawn to Dartmouth because of its strong foreign languages and economics programs, the emphasis on undergraduate teaching, and the small student body. During his time here, he hopes to gain tools to critically analyse and determine public policy, take his spoken languages tally up to nine, see snow for the first time, and learn how to ski.

Excited to be chosen as a King Scholar, Dev looks forward to undertaking projects that help him gain more field experience, particularly in the developing world. He says, "I feel extremely honored to be here, and my biggest hope is that I do well enough to be able to pay it forward somehow."

Kenya

John is from Nairobi, Kenya, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Grateful for the opportunity to learn so much from the diversity of its people, he is interested in promoting awareness of the importance of mental health, a large issue he feels is not addressed in his community.

An economics and German major, John spent a summer teaching computer coding to residents of Kibera, Kenya's largest slum and plans to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany for a term. Outside of class, he is also the events coordinator of the International Students Association, a member of the Great Issues Scholars Program, and enjoys playing soccer for fun.

As a King Scholar, John hopes to learn from the myriad opportunities offered here at Dartmouth, as well as to create a solid network from the internships and leadership conferences to which he has access. "A big responsibility lies ahead of me," he says, "but with the right guidance and attitude, I believe I am up to the challenge. I grew up under the watch of a father who was very hardworking, and to him giving up was and has never been an option. That kind of attitude keeps me going."

Internships & Projects:

• Tunapanda Computer Literacy Project, Nairobi, Kenya
• Election intern, Kenya

Rwanda

Growing up in Kigali, Rwanda, Patrick's parents emphasized the importance of education, in spite of limited resources. With their encouragement of hard work and perseverance, Patrick applied and was accepted to Bridge2Rwanda, an organization that helps promising students pursue pre-college gap-years abroad.

At Dartmouth, Patrick is interested in studying architecture, engineering, and psychology before returning to Rwanda to address developmental stagnation. "Infrastructure is key to the developing world. I am interested in finding a way to connect a country's infrastructure to its culture. Too often, I have seen infrastructure alienate the very people it is supposed to benefit."

As for being a King Scholar: "I am excited about having this educational experience. This opportunity and privilege is not just for me to enjoy; it translates into a responsibility to go back and give back, not in terms of just philanthropy, but also in enabling and establishing things that set the next generation up for success."

Internships & Projects:

• Dalberg Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
• Mass Design, Kigali, Rwanda

Vietnam

As a high schooler, Bryce began teaching English to underprivileged children in the outskirts of the city of Hanoi. During her hours of volunteering at the youth center, she came to realize that there was no structure in place to ensure the preschoolers' long-term education. Believing that quality education is key to ending the cycle of poverty, Bryce has made it her goal to find ways to financially support impoverished children's access to important resources.

Bryce was drawn to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and focus on liberal arts education at Dartmouth. She is excited to explore courses ranging from astronomy to art history, but plans to focus on psychology and English literature. She will also continue her passion for dancing as a member of the school's open dance club, Street Soul.

Bryce was thrilled to learn she had been named a King Scholar, an opportunity she regards as both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. She says, "My position as a King Scholar motivates me everyday to work harder and to overcome whatever challenges I may come across on my path towards success."

Brazil

During high school, Sayuri developed a biodegradable Styrofoam-like packing material using sugarcane industrial waste. Her project was aimed at helping both the environment and sugarcane workers in her country, as the trays can be easily manufactured and sold to complement family incomes. Sayuri's research earned her a place in numerous science competitions around the world, and she was recently named a finalist of the most prestigious award for outstanding women in Latin America, the Prêmio Claudia.

A young female scientist, Sayuri is keenly aware of the gender disparities in this field and the challenges facing her throughout her professional life. At Dartmouth, she plans to study Engineering along with Women's & Gender Studies in order to enhance her scientific abilities and to better prepare herself to address issues of gender inequality in STEM fields. She is also excited to continue her research with faculty at the Thayer School of Engineering.

Sayuri feels extremely grateful to the Kings for this opportunity to not only receive a top-notch education, but also "to better understand my identity as a female scientist, so in the future I will be able to create opportunities for girls, who just like me, belong in STEM."

Ghana

Before arriving at Dartmouth, Awkasi founded a youth camp in his homecity of Kumasi that combines soccer and literacy drills to promote earlieracquisition of foundational language and reading skills. Citing illiteracy as one of the world's greatest problems, Akwasi sees himself as someone who can create change in his country and beyond by focusing on the education of African youth.

At Dartmouth, Akwasi hopes to study Engineering Sciences modified with Neuroscience, and is also interested in Biology and Chemistry. He hopes to eventually become a doctor in order to be in a position to give back to fellow Ghanaians and call on others to do the same.

As a King Scholar, Akwasi is grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with global classmates who are also concerned with poverty alleviation as he works towards future goals. He is also excited to be the first "King Scholar sibling," as he joins his brother Emmanuel Akosah '19 at Dartmouth.

Jamaica

Active in community service from an early age, Tyler was a member of his school's key club, environmental club, and ministry outreach club. He also served as a volunteer teacher in the student-run "Rise To Education" program, which offers free tutoring and personal development advice to children living in a dangerous urban area of Kingston.

Tyler was drawn to Dartmouth because he wanted to study in an environment that allowed him to explore both the arts and sciences freely, enabling him to determine the best pathway to his goals. Currently, he is interested in Engineering and how he can use skills from this field to effect positive changes in Jamaica.

On being named a King Scholar, Tyler says, "I feel extremely grateful; however, I am also extremely nervous, as I do have a great responsibility to fulfill."

Zimbabwe

Louis was born in the low-income suburb of Mkoba in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Following the elections of 2008, he witnessed record-breaking hyperinflation and violence, and saw many friends drop out of school due to financial concerns. This traumatic period cemented his dream of becoming a game changer for his country and inspired him to begin working with disadvantaged youth to develop math, science, and computer literacy skills, which he believes can help revitalize Zimbabwe's industries.

Louis is excited to study at Dartmouth because he views it as a place where one can shape his or her own studies according to individual interests. For him, this means a major in Engineering, with room to take courses in Economics, Political Science, and French.

Louis views being named a King Scholar as an incredible chance to explore, challenge himself, and grow in unexpected ways. He says, "I will be forever grateful to the Kings for this opportunity they have granted me."

Honduras

Jonathan was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, a city known for having one of the highest crime rates in the world, but lived much of his life in the capital city, Tegucigalpa. His mother's death from cancer left him an orphan at age eleven and also gave him a close-up view of the deficiencies of the public health system in his country. Raised by his grandmother, aunt, and uncle, Jonathan has always been keenly aware of the advantageous opportunities he has been afforded. Throughout extensive missionary work and volunteering in Honduras' orphanages, he came to see that education can provide a pathway out of poverty.

Naturally curious, Jonathan is drawn to math and science fields, particularly Biology. At Dartmouth, he hopes to study Biomedical Engineering to fulfill his own passion for discovering and exploring the planet's unknowns, while also looking for new ways to help people and give back. His dream is to help others overcome health and educational obstacles to pursue their own dreams.

On being named a King Scholar, Jonathan says, "I am profoundly grateful to the Kings for giving me an opportunity to pursue my interests with more motivation and passion during the next four years, and to one day be able to give back some of the many things I have so selflessly been given."

 

Zimbabwe

Linford was born in Mufakose, Zimbabwe, and raised by his grandparents. While in high school, he co-created Rehoboth, a group founded on the principle of the Hebrew word which means, "God has given me my own place," to provide other orphans with the support and funds necessary for success. Even when Linford had to leave high school for a year to support his family, he persevered in growing Rehoboth and pursuing his education on his own.

Linford is passionate about expanding employment and education opportunities for fellow Zimbabweans, especially in rural areas. He believes that while his country is currently dependent on others, "we have the minds and the people." He hopes to return and venture into education.

Nairobi, Kenya

Cherrie chose Dartmouth for the caliber of education made possible by small classes and caring, talented teachers. Her time at Dartmouth has been impacted by the community she found while living in the Global Village in McLaughlin Hall her freshman year. Outside of class, she devotes her time to writing, film, and Soyeya African Dance Group.

Following graduation, Cherrie plans to return to Nairobi to help her country and community through her interests in creative writing and the humanities. Pointing to Kenya’s natural beauty and diverse culture, she says, “There is so much potential for tremendous growth.” She credits the King Scholars program for giving her the chance to make an impact on Kenya and to “become a thousand times better version of myself.”

Internships & Projects:

• Amalion Publishing, Dakar, Senegal
• Film documentary project, Kenya

Eldoret, Kenya

Faith applied to Dartmouth because she wanted a college with the facilities of a big research university, but small enough to be a community. As a King Scholar, Faith has taken advantage of opportunities to attend conferences in Washington, D.C., meet professionals in different fields, and intern with organizations like the World Justice Project. But she also notes a different kind of opportunity: “Dartmouth has given me an American family. The Kings are amazing people. It has been wonderful to spend time with them.”

A math and economics major, Faith hopes to pursue a career in actuarial science and later use these skills in the field of economic development. She is also passionate about education and addressing the issues girls in her community face. She plans to open an educational rescue center for girls at risk of early marriage and genital mutilation, which is still practiced in some areas of western Kenya.

For Faith, being a King Scholar means that this plan is closer to reality: “It’s going to be possible to start planning my school while I’m an undergraduate. We’re funded during our third year to go back home and work on a project—to start creating something, which is an amazing opportunity.”

Internships & Projects:

• World Justice Project, Washington, D.C.
• Poultry farm start-up project, Mt. Elgon, Kenya

Kigali, Rwanda

When Eric was four, his father was killed in the Rwandan genocide, so his mother moved Eric and his three siblings to a village in eastern Rwanda, where he tended neighbors’ cows in order to sell milk for the family to survive, an experience he greatly enjoyed: “It felt good having responsibility at a young age.” Later, Eric lived with his mother’s friends in Uganda to attend school, but never forgot his time in the village and the way his mother held their family together.

After high school, Eric’s interest in studying abroad led him to learn about Dartmouth and, eventually, the King Scholar Program. “The responsibility that comes with being a King Scholar was very appealing to me,” Eric says. A Film and Media Studies major, Eric hopes to return to Rwanda after graduation to help his countrymen improve their communities and better their lives.

“What the Kings are trying to do through this program is noble and inspiring to me. I feel blessed to be a King Scholar.”

Burkina Faso

Marc chose Dartmouth because of its rural setting and small size, which enabled him to work closely with classmates and professors throughout his college career. Through new connections at Dartmouth and the King Scholars Program, he seized on opportunities to participate in several off-campus experiences: a social innovation internship in Doringbaai, South Africa, an Economics program at the University of Warwick, and an internship with the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index in D.C. He also credits his Dartmouth connections with an increased ability to problem-solve and use teamwork to address complex issues.

An Economics major, Marc hopes to take all the skills and tools he acquired at Dartmouth to help people in his home country of Burkina Faso start their own businesses, so that they can learn to be independent, rather than relying on the government to provide what they need.

As a King Scholar, Marc has been most excited to meet and be inspired by the like-minded individuals who make up the program: “Even though we all come from different places, our countries face the same issues: high unemployment and a high rate of poverty.”

Post-graduation: Helen Keller International – Washington, D.C., Burkina Faso, & Guinea, 2017-Present

St. Catherine, Jamaica

Theo was raised in a rural area of the St. Catherine Parish in southern Jamaica. His neighborhood is plagued by violence, deteriorated roads, and a scarcity of job opportunities. Theo hopes to use his experiences as a Dartmouth student and King Scholar to address issues like those in the area where he grew up, focusing on education as well as renewable energy.

An Economics major, Theo was always active throughout campus and took advantage of opportunities to work on research projects with Professor of Education Emeritus Andrew Garrod, study economics in Peru, and intern at home in Jamaica with Portland Private Equity, which makes investments in the Caribbean region.

“Being a King Scholar has been immensely helpful in my academic and social life, has allowed me to live in a learning community that focuses on important issues to me that I want to address back home; it has also provided me with an extraordinary family,” he says. “I am thankful for the generosity of the King family and I am proud to be a King Scholar.”

Post-graduation: Capital Group – Los Angeles, CA 2017-Present