Four Bard High School Early College Newark Students Selected for Prestigious Tufts University Global Leadership Program

NEWARK, N.J. – Four Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) seniors have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Tufts Initiative for Leadership and International Perspective (TILIP), a globally recognized leadership and cross-cultural learning program hosted by Tufts University.

Racheal Agha, Oluwadarasimi Akinlade, Cielo Tenezaca, and Myleen Lopez have been accepted to the program that prepares young leaders to confront complex global challenges through dialogue, research, and international collaboration. They will engage in coursework, facilitated discussions, joint research projects, and cultural exchanges with delegations from universities and academies throughout the world.

Superintendent León praised the students’ achievement, noting that opportunities like TILIP reflect Newark Public Schools’ commitment to cultivating global thinkers and civic-minded leaders.

“We are immensely proud of these four Bard students for earning a place in one of the nation’s most respected global leadership programs,” said Superintendent León. “Their participation in TILIP reflects not only their academic excellence, but their emerging leadership and readiness to engage with the most pressing issues facing our world. This is exactly the kind of opportunity envisioned in our 10-Year Strategic Plan; one that prepares Newark students to lead locally, nationally, and globally.”

This year’s program centers on the international symposium, “Risk and Resilience in an Uncertain World,” a thematic exploration of global issues including the rise of artificial intelligence, climate change, migration, geopolitics, and the evolving demands of global leadership.

Hasani K. Council, President of the Newark Board of Education, also offered his congratulations.

“This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates the extraordinary talent and potential in Newark’s classrooms,” said Council. “We commend these students for representing both Bard and Newark with such distinction, and we thank Tufts University for recognizing the brilliance and leadership capacity of our scholars.”

Dr. Rafael Inoa, principal of Bard High School Early College Newark celebrated the announcement, emphasizing the school’s mission to prepare students for rigorous academic and global engagement.

“Bard students are encouraged to delve deeply into issues shaping our world, and these four young scholars exemplify that mission,” said Principal Inoa. “Their acceptance into TILIP is a testament to their intellectual curiosity, strong character, and commitment to contributing meaningfully to the global community.”

The students are participating in virtual and collaborative programming this winter, culminating with their attendance at Tufts University’s EPIIC Symposium alongside international delegations of students.