East Side High School Senior Yasmim Barros Earns Full Scholarship to Harvard University

NEWARK, N.J. – Yasmim Barros, an 18-year-old senior at East Side High School, has been accepted to Harvard University on a full, four-year scholarship, where she plans to major in government with a focus on political science. A proud Latina immigrant who came to the United States without speaking a word of English, Yasmim’s journey has taken her from a rural Brazilian village to one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

“This opportunity means I can keep dreaming big without the fear of financial burdens,” said Barros, who also plans to attend Harvard Law School after earning her undergraduate degree. “It means I can pursue my passion for law and use my education to help protect people’s rights and work toward a fairer government.”

Yasmim was raised in a close-knit village of fewer than 100 people in Brazil.

“Everyone knew each other,” she said. “I spent my childhood without the internet, under the sun, surrounded by an entire community that felt like family.”

Yasmim and her family moved to Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood at age 11. She lives with her mother, who works in house cleaning; her stepfather, who installs hardwood flooring; and her older brother. Members of her extended family – including aunts, uncles, and cousins – also live nearby.

She credits her love for government and politics to a world history class she took her freshman year – just after emerging from pandemic lockdown. That course opened her eyes to global affairs and the role of government in shaping justice and opportunity.

At East Side, Yasmim has made a lasting mark through academics, athletics, and leadership. She is captain of the varsity cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field teams, president of the yearbook and student council, and a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She also gives back through street cleanups, fundraising efforts, and community walks for important causes.

“Yasmim is a brilliant student and a deeply compassionate leader,” said Superintendent León, who proudly announced Yasmim’s acceptance to Harvard at last week’s regular Board of Education meeting. “She is an inspiration not just for East Side, but for the entire Newark Public Schools community. Her future is incredibly bright, and we are so proud of her.”

“Yasmim Barros has a deep sense of purpose. Her acceptance into Harvard reminds us that when we invest in our young people and believe in their potential, there is no limit to what they can achieve,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council.

 “This is what is possible when resilience meets opportunity,” said East Side High School Principal Carlos Rodriguez of Yasmim’s acceptance to Harvard. “Yasmim is a role model for our students and a true testament to what hard work and heart can accomplish. Because she has been such an integral part of the East Side High School community, we will miss her very much. But we are looking forward to all that Yasmim will accomplish in the future.”

Barros expressed deep gratitude to her family, teachers, and mentors for supporting her, especially during the challenging college application process. “Facing rejection after rejection was discouraging, and there were moments when my hopes felt incredibly low,” Yasmim said. “But not once did the people around me let me give up. No one allowed me to settle, even for a moment, and no one ever made me feel like I couldn’t achieve my dreams.”

When she’s not studying or running, Yasmim enjoys hiking, visiting new cities, people-watching, and late-night food runs with friends. “Honestly, I have the most fun when I’m surrounded by people I love and embarking on new adventures,” she said.