Three Key to Change Students Begin Summer Studies at Harvard University

This week, three Key to Change students arrived on the campus of Harvard University to begin an extraordinary summer of academic exploration, personal growth, and leadership development through the Harvard Secondary School Program.

Justice Johnson, Avi Spillers, and Chris Ramirez-Eligio have earned admission to one of the nation’s most selective and competitive pre-college academic programs. Over the next seven weeks, they will live in Harvard residence halls, take rigorous college-level courses alongside peers from around the world, and experience life at one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education.

Their arrival on campus marked the beginning of a transformative experience and an important milestone in a growing partnership between Key to Change and Harvard University.

To welcome the students, Harvard hosted a special reception in the Dean’s Office, where they were greeted by Dr. Nancy Coleman, Dean of Harvard Extension School and Continuing Education, and Dr. Sandra Naddaff, Dean of Harvard Summer School. The reception provided an opportunity to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and recognize the significance of their academic journey.

For each of these students, admission to the Harvard Secondary School Program reflects years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Through the support of the partnership between Key to Change and Harvard, each student received a full scholarship covering tuition, housing, meals, and travel expenses, ensuring that financial barriers would not stand in the way of this life-changing opportunity.

At Key to Change, we believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Every day, we work to ensure that young people have access to experiences that expand their horizons, challenge them to grow, and empower them to imagine new possibilities for their future. Opportunities such as the Harvard Secondary School Program demonstrate what can happen when talented students are provided with the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to reach their full potential.

While Key to Change is best known for providing world-class music instruction to underserved students, our mission extends far beyond musical excellence. We are committed to supporting students as they develop into self-aware leaders, scholars, artists, and changemakers. Experiences like this one help students build confidence, independence, and the belief that they belong in spaces where important conversations are taking place and where future leaders are being shaped.

The significance of this moment extends beyond the accomplishments of three students. It represents the power of partnerships that create pathways to opportunity and the impact that can be achieved when institutions work together to invest in the next generation.

As Justice, Avi, and Chris begin their summer at Harvard, they carry with them the hopes of their families, schools, and communities. They also serve as powerful examples for younger students who may one day follow a similar path.

We are incredibly proud of their achievement and grateful to Harvard University for its partnership and commitment to expanding educational access for talented young people.

Throughout the summer, we will share updates, reflections, and highlights from their experience as they continue this remarkable journey.