Shafer Scholarships Afford Minority High School Students a Taste of Campus Life

Five students from New Haven public high schools are continuing their education this summer at Yale University as Shafer Scholars.

This year’s students are: Toni Harris and Naa K. Pappoe from Hillhouse High School; Tanaya Hilton and Youssouf Kane (originally from Guinea, West Africa) from Wilbur Cross High School; and Syed Ahmed (originally from Bangladesh) from Career High School.

The Shafer family of New Haven has provided resources since 1980 to fund a number of scholarships for Yale summer programs. In 1991, Mark Shafer, a former Hillhouse High School and Yale student, established an endowment that guaranteed the longevity of these scholarships. The endowment makes it possible for four or five New Haven minority high school students to attend Yale summer programs each summer.

Students apply to the program through New Haven high schools and their guidance counselors. Students are selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential. The scholarships allow each student to attend two five-week courses during the summer, provide room and board in one of Yale’s residential colleges and give each student $450 for books and other expenses. All courses are regular Yale College courses.

To arrange interviews with students enrolled in the Shafer Scholar program, please contact William Whobrey, director of summer programs and assistant dean of Yale College, at 432-2430.