The St. Paul’s Foundation Scholarship Programme offers opportunities that go far beyond the chance to study at St. Paul’s School. Scholars can also open other doors during their academic journey and, among them, is the Harvard MLAB – a programme aimed at low-income youth that connects them with Harvard students. Two of our scholars had the chance to participate in this initiative and below they tell us more about their experiences.
Since 2012, the Mentoring and Language Acquisition Program in Brazil (MLAB), led by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University, has offered one-on-one mentoring that helps young low-income Brazilians develop confidence, critical thinking and English language skills. The programme provides an enriching opportunity for young people to learn from older peers, express common interests and exchange experiences. The St. Paul’s Foundation managed to connect two of our scholars – Letícia and Analú – to participate in the programme.
At MLAB, students have individual virtual meetings with their mentors, and also a period of face-to-face meetings in São Paulo. The programme included a three-day retreat for the entire group to interact in the countryside of São Paulo, close to nature, and also participate in cultural activities, such as a samba school rehearsal and a visit to the Paraisópolis Art Gallery. For Analú, this was the best moment of the programme, as “we were able to come in close contact with the participants and learn a little more about my own city and country”.
Regarding the individual meetings, Analú also highlights how she took this as an opportunity to learn more about the admission process at an international university. “One of my central goals for participating in the programme was the opportunity to ask questions about the college application process abroad, and I took advantage of these close meetings with my mentor to talk about this experience.”
For Letícia, the experience served to expand her worldview. “Having contact with students from abroad – from a school as renowned as Harvard – and being able to talk to them face to face, it was an experience that made it clear to me that opportunities outside Brazil are not as far away as they seem.” In addition to connecting with international students, she was also able to learn about the stories and struggles of nine other Brazilian students participating in MLAB.
She also adds that “[the programme] has taught me to “take more risks”, and to try – for the first time or not – something that is different, or that you normally wouldn’t even consider doing.”
Experiences like these reinforce how the scholarship programme is transformative in the lives of our students. This work is only possible due to the joint effort of the St. Paul’s Foundation and our donors. To learn more about our mission and how to support us, visit our website.