“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Albert Einstein
Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers (Harper Academy), hosted in partnership with the University of Michigan (UM) Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS), affords high achieving high school students matriculating into their senior year an opportunity to prepare for college while earning a generous stipend. Specifically, the Harper Academy program's primary focus is to expose and prepare students for a career fighting global greenhouse emissions as a nuclear engineer.
NERS has been rated as the best nuclear engineering program in the United States of America for the past several years. Highly skilled and renowned NERS faculty, dedicated UM administrators and nuclear industry experts will provide valuable insights and mentoring to afford Harper Academy summer program students with foundational knowledge to help facilitate successful entry and completion of the freshman year of a Nuclear Engineering undergraduate program.
Once completing a Nuclear Engineering degree program, the Harper Academy Alumni will be well-positioned to launch a globally oriented, rewarding, and well-compensated career in nuclear energy.
HARPER ACADEMY CLASS OF 2024 ALUMNI
“ALL-STARS”
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Class of 2026 at Mt. Sophia Academy
FTC Robotics Club, Chess Club, Math League
Greatest Inspiration: Jesus Christ and Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Physics
Mentor: “He is excited about most things science or math related and is one of the most enthusiastic and curious students I have ever known.”
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Class of 2026 at Forest Hills Central High School
NHS, Activity Coordinator for Spanish Club
Volunteer: Volleyball Coach, YMCA, Local Hispanic Soup Kitchen
Greatest Inspiration: Father
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “My enthusiastic endorsement is based upon my absolute belief in this outstanding young woman and my knowledge and understanding of the combination of qualities that must be characteristic of an individual seeking a STEM degree. Rachel is an outstanding young woman by all measures; she has positive qualities and enthusiasm for all aspects of her life. Fully committed, passionate, open-minded, and enthusiastic about learning and growing.”
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Class of 2026 at Northville High School
Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout Rank), Taekwondo, Marching & Symphonic Band, Chemistry Club
Greatest Inspiration: Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student at The University of Michigan majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “I have had the privilege of observing his academic, performance, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. He is highly collaborative, often helping peers understand difficult concepts, while maintaining a humble and eager-to-learn attitude. His work ethic, integrity, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious program.”
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Class of 2026 at Saline High School
NHS, Volleyball, Link Crew Leader, Student Council
Greatest Inspiration: Family
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering or Computer Science
Mentor: “I would describe Josie as a hard working, respectful, and engaging student. Josie works incredibly hard. In addition, she is incredibly respectful to not just me but her peers. She is oftentimes the leader of the group and will facilitate roles and discussion among her group members. I have always appreciated how she could work with anyone in the class and make them feel welcome.”
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Class of 2026 at Michigan Math Science Academy, Hidden Genius Project
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student Majoring in Radiology
Mentor: “I can confidently attest to his unwavering dedication, exemplary character, and commitment to excellence in all areas of his life. He embodies the values of the NHS through his consistent display of integrity, respect, and humility. His peers look up to him as a role model, and his teachers and mentors regard him as a dependable and sincere individual.”
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Class of 2026 at Hamtramck High School
NHS, Robotics Team, Student Council
Greatest Inspiration: Uncle
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering or IT.
Mentor: “I have had the opportunity to observe many students, and I can confidently say that Sher Hussain stands out as a dedicated and talented individual. His ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively is a testament to his diligence and intellectual curiosity. Among Sher Hussain's many skills, his leadership and public speaking abilities stand out. He communicates effectively and articulates his ideas with confidence, making him a respected voice among his peers.”
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Class of 2025 at Central High School in Maryland
National Honor Society
Regional Football Club; JROTC
Volunteers at Mission of Love Bags-To-School Charities Event, Children Miracle Network, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway
Greatest Inspiration: Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student at the US Naval Academy
Mentor: “What truly sets Simon apart is his character. He is kind, compassionate, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His integrity and strong moral values have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers alike.”
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Class of 2025 at Heritage High School in Georgia
Church Mentor and Youth Programs, Band
Greatest Inspiration: Parents, Grandparents and Brother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in engineering
Mentor: “It is my belief Jalen possesses exemplary qualities and skills for this amazing opportunity. …He is a student whom I believe is deserving of this opportunity to continue his scholarly career marked by dedication and excellence.”
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Class of 2025 at the Martha E. Stilwell School of the Arts in Georgia
Environmental Club, STEM Club, Jazz Band
Volunteer with Omega Power and Praise Ministry Outreach Program; Community volunteer with “A Circle of Love of Marrow” food drives, tutoring younger students and painting murals for local shops
Greatest Inspiration: Late Grandmother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in engineering (dealing with renewable energy systems)
Mentor: “He is responsible, and a leader, his skills have proven him to be a great asset as well as being a people person. Jordan is reliable, dependable, trustworthy, and dedicated.”
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Class of 2025 at West Lake High School in Georgia
Cheerleading; Track and Field
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student in preparation to be admitted into Dental School
Principal of Westlake High School: “As the principal of Westlake High School, I have had the privilege of witnessing Zoe's unwavering dedication, her sharp intellect, and her unquenchable passion for learning. Her commitment to education is truly inspiring.”
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Class of 2026 at Rochester Adams High School
Robotics (FRC, VEX, FLL), Skeet Shooting
Greatest Inspiration: Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: “Mark consistently demonstrated a solid understanding of key programming concepts and applied them effectively in his work. I believe Mark has a bright future ahead, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in any future academic or professional endeavors.”
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Class of 2026 at International Academy East
Bioengineering Club, Tennis
Volunteer: Local Bookshop, Teacher for Science Olympiad at elementary school
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student at the University of Michigan majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “I have been consistently impressed by her intellectual curiosity and commitment to her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Her dedication is evident through the extra work she willingly undertakes, benefiting not only her own understanding but also enriching the class. Fatima exhibits a commendable openness to various approaches, showcasing both resilience and a collaborative spirit by assisting her peers.”
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Class of 2026 at Dearborn High School
Math Corps, Captain of Debate Team
Greatest Inspiration: Grandfather
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: Ahmad demonstrated exceptional maturity, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for both mathematics and mentoring. His positive attitude, patience, and ability to connect with students made him a highly effective role model.
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Class of 2026 at Huron High School
Engineering OnRamp and MREACH at the University of Michigan, The Ross Program, Treasurer and Chinese Yoyo Branch Leader of APEX, Business Professionals of America, Golf
Volunteer: Secretary of local Chinese Schools Student Council, Secretary for Helping Hands Club for the Homeless.
Greatest Inspiration: Family/Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “She has an incredible amount of self-reliance and tenacity that further led her to be one of the stronger students in her class. Asia continually demonstrated a tremendous work ethic and grew throughout our time together becoming a model student. As a teacher, it is incredibly fulfilling to witness a student make this kind of a leap. I have not seen Asia be anything but kind, truthful, and honest in all her interactions with me or others.”
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Class of 2026 at Canton High School
Officer in Math Olympiad, Vice President of Key Club, Ambassador for National Society of High School Scholars, HOSA, School Principal’s Advisory Board
Volunteer for Women’s Shelters
Greatest Inspiration: Father
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “I believe that Lasya is one of the most hard working, resilient, determined and dedicated students that I’ve had. On an everyday basis, Lasya entered the classroom with a positive attitude and she was determined to be successful.”
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Class of 2026 at Washtenaw International High School
Capoeira, Board of Acapella Club
Greatest Inspiration: Family & Friends
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Biology
Mentor: “Noa excels in team settings, where her ability to contribute meaningfully and work effectively with others is invaluable. She always puts forth her best effort, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving excellence, no matter the challenge. Noa’s ability to remain undeterred by obstacles speaks to her resilience and determination.”
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Class of 2025 at the Romulus High School in Michigan
National Honor Society
Varsity Basketball
Volunteers with Romulus High School 9th Grade Orientation and the Birdies for Eagles Golf Fundraising Tournament
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in sports medicine or nuclear engineering
Former Communications and Computer Applications Teacher: “She is an exceptional individual academically, socially, and personally...Madison Henley would be a well deserving candidate into your program. I believe Madison is a well-balanced individual and with the combination of good academics and good work ethic…”
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Class of 2025 at the Martha E. Stilwell School of the Arts in Georgia
Beta Club – National Honor Society; National Art Honor Society
Environmental Club; Art Club
Community volunteer with food drives, tutoring younger students and painting murals for local shops
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in biology or pharmaceutical science
Mentor: “She approaches her studies with a genuine curiosity and a strong desire to excel. Her ability to balance her rigorous academic schedule with her extracurricular commitments speaks volumes about her time management skills and dedication.”
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Class of 2025 at the Martha E. Stilwell School of the Arts in Georgia
National Art Honor Society
2025 Class President of Martha E. Stilwell School of the Arts; Founder and President of the Stilwell Environmental Club; Clayton County Youth Commission Chair
Small business owner – Evergreen Company
Greatest Inspiration: Family
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in city design or civic engineering
Former AP World History and US History Teacher: “Andy is an excellent student, who displays maturity, integrity, and a very strong work ethic...He is, without a doubt, one of the finest young people that I have had the pleasure of teaching in eighteen years of teaching.”
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Class of 2026 at North Farmington High School
DECA, Student Government Executive Board, Tennis Team
Volunteer: Mayor Youth Council- leading town events and clean up
Greatest Inspiration: Grandfather
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student at The University of Michigan majoring in Aerospace Engineering
Mentor: “Sarita is a highly motivated and driven student, and she is always looking for ways that she can better herself. Sarita has consistently scored top marks among her peers, and she is always willing to help a student in need if they do not understand an assignment or need extra help. She is detail oriented as well as always striving to do her best.”
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Class of 2026 at Early College Alliance at Eastern Michigan University
Entrepreneur, Track Club, Soccer
Volunteer: Community Action Network
Greatest Inspiration: Sister
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “He is an exemplary student. He is engaged and involved in lecture, and I have seen him go out of his way to help other students during group work sessions. I have full confidence that he would make a fine addition to your program.”
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Class of 2026 at M.E Stilwell School of the Arts
Environmental club, STEAM Club, Clayton State University Python Coding Bootcamp, Black Girls Code, Band Section Leader
Greatest Inspiration: Mother
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “I have had the privilege of witnessing her academic excellence, leadership, and passion for engineering firsthand. Ashlyn is also a natural leader, she has honed her skills in mentorship, collaboration, and discipline. What truly sets Ashlyn apart is her ability to tackle complex challenges with persistence and creativity. Her ability to grasp complex technical concepts, combined with her strong work ethic and leadership, makes her an outstanding candidate for this program.”
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Class of 2026 at Traverse City West Senior High
President- STEM NHS, Robotics Team, Math Counts
Volunteer: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundations Youth Advisory Council; Superintendent/Board of Education Student Advisory Council – Homeless Shelters, Indigenous Education and our Women’s Resource Center
Greatest Inspiration: Parents
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in Engineering
Mentor: “He also drives himself to a high standard of performance by dedicating himself to continuous learning. He has a strong sense of identity and that confidence gives others a safe space to fail and thus learn. I see the drive to enhance his personal skills and then share that knowledge effectively as a superior measure of Tucker’s personal character.”
HARPER ACADEMY CLASS OF 2025
“ALL STARS”
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Class of 2025 at the Martha E. Stilwell School of the Arts in Georgia
Beta Club - National Honor Society
Crochet Club; Jazz Band Member
Senior Center and Community Gardens volunteer
Greatest Inspiration: “My greatest source of inspiration, encouragement, and support in my life has been my sister, Ramatulai. She graduated high school as valedictorian and earned her master’s degree by the age of 21. Her achievements are a testament to her drive, focus, and dedication.”
Three (3) Year Goal: A college student majoring in computer science or engineering
Former Math Teacher: “She is a paragon of diligence, tenacity and unwavering commitment to her goals…Her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities set her apart, and her relentless pursuit of knowledge makes her an exemplary candidate for this program.”