Cristina Hill
Leadership Program Helps Community College Students Transfer and Earn Four-Year Degrees From Top Colleges and Universities
The Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF) celebrates the latest college decisions from its 19th cohort of scholars in its Kaplan Leadership Program (KLP).
Established in 2006, KEF’s Kaplan Leadership Program helps high-potential, low-income, and underserved community college students complete their associate degree, successfully transfer and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree at the nation’s most highly-selective schools. The program focuses on a holistic approach – providing extensive tutoring, academic advisement services, leadership and career training, stipends for living expenses, and other resources and support to help them expand their personal goals, and eventually attain leadership roles in their professions and communities.
College decisions for the 2026 Kaplan Leadership Scholars are as follows:
● Nura Baalla–Borough of Manhattan Community College, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
● Pamela De León Berroa–Queensborough Community College, Yale University
● Nataly Briones–LaGuardia Community College, Brown University
● Mame Fall–LaGuardia Community College, Princeton University
● Cristina Hill–Westchester Community College, Princeton University
● Kenny Lin–LaGuardia Community College, Georgetown University
● Ty Porter–Borough of Manhattan Community College, Brown University
● Emmanuel Rodriguez–Hudson County Community College, Cornell University
● Kelly Constante Yanzapanta–UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, Pomona College
This year’s Scholars earned admission to more than 34 top schools nationwide.
“Twenty years ago, KEF set out to prove that talent abounds in U.S. community colleges; it just needs a door opened. Our scholars embody the exceptional, yet often overlooked talent in community colleges, including non-traditional age learners, recent immigrants, and first-generation college students,” said Nolvia Delgado, Executive Director, KEF.
“This year’s KLP cohort is the latest example of what’s possible when talented students get the support they need, with scholars headed to several of the nation’s top schools. As we celebrate this year’s cohort, we are not just marking their individual achievements, but honoring KEF’s 20-year legacy of transformational impact.”
Since KEF’s inception, Kaplan Leadership Scholars have been accepted to the country’s most competitive schools. 92% percent of Kaplan Leadership Scholars earn a bachelor’s degree. In stark contrast, data from the Aspen Institute shows that while 80 percent of community college students dream of transferring to a four-year school, only 14 percent actually earn a bachelor’s degree – even fewer who come from low-income families.
KEF’s programs include KLP plus:
- The Bridge Program, which prepares high school students for a successful community college experience and future transfer through workshops, campus visits, early mentorship and practical resources
- The Transfer Hub, a digital platform that centralizes key resources and simplifies the transfer process, connecting students, advisors and institutions to help underserved learners navigate their path forward.
For more information on the Kaplan Leadership Scholars and how to apply to be a scholar: http://www.kaplanedfoundation.org
