A Better Chance

Anabelle Anulika Harry, a graduating senior at The Field School in Washington, DC, and an incoming freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, is a member of the A Better Chance community. Born into a Nigerian-American family in Louisville, Kentucky, Anabelle has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, athletics, and aviation. After discovering her passion for flying through gliding, she trained with the Washington International Flight Academy and Aim High Flight Academy, where she earned flight hours while working toward her Private Pilot License. As a Pioneer Academics Scholar, Anabelle completed advanced college-level research in partnership with Oberlin College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, engaging in original research and scholarly writing. In addition to her academic achievements, Anabelle is a varsity and travel volleyball scholar-athlete and team captain who has earned multiple honors, including Potomac Valley Athletic Conference Best Player. She also founded The Field School Debate Club, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking among her peers. Anabelle is also a student glider pilot and member of both the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). Recognized as a 2026 Montgomery County Commission for Women “Women Making History” honoree, she represents the power of ambition, perseverance, and leadership. She will attend Washington University in St. Louis, where she plans to major in physics and minor in astrophysics. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in the years ahead. Join us in celebrating Anabelle and her fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j

Hasin Shaykat, a senior at The Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, and an incoming freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a member of the A Better Chance community. Originally from Bangladesh, Hasin has demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific research, innovation, and leadership. His work has explored topics ranging from Bell’s Theorem in quantum mechanics to climate-adaptive infrastructure, and his research has been published in an international high school science journal. Beyond his academic pursuits, Hasin founded the nonprofit CodeForChampions to expand access to technology education and has led several student initiatives at his school, including Math Club and Eco-Sweep, a robotics project dedicated to environmental cleanup efforts. In addition to his work in science and technology, Hasin is passionate about writing and filmmaking, using creative expression as a complement to his academic interests. Hasin represents the power of curiosity, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. He will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall, where he plans to study physics or aerospace engineering. We look forward to all that he will accomplish in the years ahead. Join us in celebrating Hasin and his fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j

Every spring, my colleagues and I at A Better Chance brace for the questions that come with college admissions season. This year, they sound different. The Scholars and families that we work with aren't just asking "Where will I get in?" They're asking: Where are the jobs actually going to be? What do I need to know to stay competitive? How does AI change this? Honestly, I find those questions clarifying. Our young people already sense that something fundamental is shifting. They want to be ready for it. And it's made me think differently about what "access" really means for the work we do. For over six decades at our organization, expanding opportunity meant expanding access to rigorous schools and to college and career pathways. That's still foundational. However, AI fluency is an equity issue. Students who grow up understanding these tools and who learn to use them critically and ethically (not just as a quick means to an end) will have a real advantage. So what does that mean practically for organizations like ours? A few things I keep coming back to: - You can't guide young people through tools that adults in your organization don't understand. Adult learning has to be prioritized. - Critical thinking and AI use have to be taught together. Not just one after the other. - No one has to figure this out alone. The right partnerships can accelerate everything. Access gets you in the room. Fluency enables you to lead in it. I go deeper on all of this in my Forbes Nonprofit Council piece: https://lnkd.in/ezjjtTG3 What are you seeing in your work? #FutureofWork #ABetterChance #Leadership #EducationalAccess

Yasmeen Romero, a student at The Brearley School and an incoming freshman at Columbia University, is a member of the A Better Chance community. Yasmeen has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, creativity, and community engagement throughout her academic career. At Brearley, she has contributed to the performing arts both on stage and behind the scenes, serving as Stage Manager for Peter and the Starcatcher and performing in The Crucible. As an active member of LUNA, the Latin American affinity group, she has worked to promote cultural representation and community connection informed by her background and experiences. Beyond the classroom, Yasmeen has supported youth development through her work with Woodside on the Move and her leadership role as General Secretary of Sporting Astoria Soccer Club. She has also pursued academic enrichment opportunities, including the Yale Young Global Scholars program, where she developed a capstone project focused on microloans for entrepreneurs in the rural Philippines, and the Morgan Stanley Finance Academy, where she was a finalist in a client pitch competition. Yasmeen represents the power of globally minded leadership and a commitment to sustainable impact. She will attend Columbia University, where she plans to major in Financial Economics and minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in the years ahead. Join us in celebrating Yasmeen and her fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j

Jai’Nye Beauford, a student at The Galloway School, is a member of the A Better Chance community. During her time at Galloway, Jai’Nye has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, engagement, and community building. Beginning as a student ambassador, she represented her school by speaking with prospective families and highlighting the student experience. She was elected by her peers as Student Representative for two consecutive years and later as Student Body President, where she has led efforts to elevate student voices and strengthen community engagement. Through initiatives such as grade-wide meetings, school events, and student-led programming, Jai’Nye has fostered a more inclusive and connected school environment. Outside of school, Jai’Nye has extended her leadership through the arts, serving as a director for youth theater productions and teaching tap dance to students of diverse skill levels. Jai’Nye represents the power of student-centered leadership and a commitment to uplifting others. She describes herself as a transformative leader focused on inspiring those around her to exceed expectations through meaningful engagement. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in the years ahead. Join us in celebrating Jai’Nye and her fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j

Happy Mother’s Day 💐 Mothers are the first champions—the ones who believe deeply, advocate fiercely, and inspire their children to dream bigger. At A Better Chance, we are committed to expanding access every day. We thank the remarkable mothers who empower their children to find their voice and pursue new educational possibilities. Your strength makes this work possible.

A Better Chance is proud to recognize Michael Opoku-Mensah of The Walker School as one of this year's Leadership Award recipients in the Southeast Region. As President of the Student Activities Union and a three-year varsity soccer goalkeeper and captain, he has led with consistency, humility, and purpose, earning national recognition for his academic achievement and his commitment to the people around him. He plans to study biology at Emory University and pursue a career as an anesthesiologist, bringing that same purposeful presence into the lives of future patients. Congratulations, Michael. We are proud of all that you have been able to accomplish and excited for the bright future ahead! #ABetterChance #KaleidoscopeBall #ClassOf2026

Malachai Erawoc, a Radnor A Better Chance scholar and student at Radnor High School, is a dedicated leader in her community. During her time with A Better Chance, Malachai has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and advocacy. As President of the Black Student Union, she has led initiatives that foster dialogue, celebrate culture, and promote greater equity within her school community, including outreach to the school board. In addition to her leadership, Malachai is a varsity athlete in track and field and cheerleading, where she has earned multiple honors and had the opportunity to compete at the Penn Relays. Her commitment to growth extends beyond the classroom. Malachai volunteers with the Amani Women Center and participated in the Experiment in International Living in Spain on full scholarship. She has also been recognized with the Simmons University Junior Book Award and attended the National Student Leadership Conference at Columbia University, where she studied forensic science through experiential learning. Malachai represents the power of purpose-driven leadership and a commitment to justice. She plans to pursue studies in biology, criminology, and law, with the goal of becoming a forensic lawyer. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in the years ahead. Join us in celebrating Malachai and her fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j

At A Better Chance, we are deeply grateful for the incredible teachers who believe in our Scholars, challenge them to reach new heights, and inspire growth every single day. Because of your encouragement, talents are discovered, confidence is built, and futures are shaped. We also celebrate our Alumni who have chosen to become educators themselves. Continuing the legacy of impact and paying it forward for future generations. Thank you for choosing to be educators and for guiding the next generation toward success. 🍎✨ #TeacherAppreciationDay

Tiger Combest, a senior at Saint Albans School and an incoming freshman at Emory University, is a member of the A Better Chance community. During his time with A Better Chance, Tiger has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service. Through programs such as Morgan Stanley Career Prep, career week, and ongoing mentorship, he has developed the confidence and skills to make a meaningful impact in his school and community. He has also pursued opportunities that reflect both academic excellence and global engagement, including conducting cancer research as a high school student and serving as one of ten U.S. student diplomats funded by the Department of State. Tiger represents the impact of access to opportunity and mentorship in shaping future leaders. We look forward to all that he will accomplish as he continues to pursue a career in the medical field. Join us in celebrating Tiger and his fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2jBmt4j