Asha is the first member of the MPA Class of 2026 to secure her college plans, achieving a full-tuition leadership scholarship to Oberlin College through the Posse Foundation, a nationally recognized organization that identifies, recruits, and trains students with extraordinary leadership potential. Congratulations!
She earned the prestigious Posse Scholarship after successfully advancing through three competitive rounds of interviews, a rigorous selection process designed to identify students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community.
Three other MPA seniors — Annabella, Eden, and Chloe — also were named Posse semifinalists, further highlighting the strength of Morgan Park Academy’s Class of 2026.
“This scholarship is a testament to Asha’s hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Em Joseph, Morgan Park Academy’s Director of College Counseling. “We are incredibly proud of her and our three Posse semifinalists.”
Posse Semifinalists
The Posse Foundation partners with leading colleges and universities across the country to award full-tuition leadership scholarships to students who will thrive in collaborative, diverse campus environments. Posse Scholars attend college as part of a supportive cohort designed to help them succeed and lead on campus and beyond.
Asha is the eighth MPA student since 2021 to attend college on a full scholarship, with institutions also including Northwestern University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Dayton, and Central Michigan University.
Last year, MPA seniors totaled $8 million in scholarship offers — an average of more than $330,000 per student.
In the past 15 years, MPA students have gained admission to 49 of the nation’s top 50 colleges and universities, including nearly all of what Forbes has dubbed “The New Ivies,” a group of highly selective institutions recognized for attracting top students and producing graduates who outperform many Ivy League peers in the job market.
“I’m still figuring out what I want to study, but I’m really drawn to physics,” Asha said. “While I’m at Oberlin, I can’t wait to take advantage of all the chances to study abroad and explore the world.”
Q&A with Asha
What drew you to Oberlin College?
What attracted me to Oberlin was its history of free thinking and its encouragement for students to embrace that mindset. Oberlin was one of the first schools to openly and publicly admit Black students. I am excited about the opportunity to attend Oberlin because it allows me to explore my identity and further my education. Additionally, the option to study abroad is something that truly excites me as well.
How did MPA help prepare you for college?
MPA really gives students a feel of what it is like to be on a college campus. Changing buildings to go to classes and having open periods are examples of that. MPA really values independence, which is something that is necessary and something that you have to be comfortable with in college. Also, all Upper School students start College 101 in their sophomore year, which helps make the college application process easier. In comparison to my friends from other schools, I had started writing my personal statement mid-junior year, which eliminated the stress of having to quickly write one to meet application deadlines.
What are some activities you’ve been involved with at MPA?
I try to stay involved in every aspect of my school, so I join a lot of clubs. An important factor in being in many clubs is actually showing up for them! At MPA, I have been an admissions ambassador, mathlete, Arts Council member, performer in chorus and theatre productions, soccer and tennis player, National Honor Society member, and so on. Outside of school, I dedicate a lot of my time to Ladies of Virtue, a program for Black girls that has opened many doors for me.
Why do you think you received the Posse Scholarship? What are some qualities about you that make you stand out?
In the first interview, the interviewers mentioned one of the reasons why I stood out as a candidate for the scholarship. They said they look for candidates who think outside the box and aren’t your average leaders. I am not a very conventional thinker, so that may be why I stood out.
