Enrichment

A visit to some of New England’s most elite and prestigious institutions

Dart Scholars Nathan Alston, Siri Batta, Jake Fagan, Kyla Machingambi, Jade Robinson and Alison Owens will never forget this year’s Dart Scholar enrichment trip—a summer adventure touring some of North America’s finest universities.

Joined by chaperones Glenda McTaggart, senior manager of education programmes at Dart, and Dr. Kirsten Ebanks, a 2014 Dart Scholar alumni and graduate of Northeastern University, the high school students ventured to Boston and Providence RI for a memorable academic expedition.

Boston, Massachusetts

The group’s first stop was Boston, a city famous for its rich academic and cultural heritage, and home to the iconic campuses of Harvard University, MIT and Northeastern University – each on their tour list.

First up on the university tour was Northeastern University, known for its pioneering cooperative education programme, which integrates rigorous academic coursework with real-world professional experience. The university also emphasises global learning through its system of 13 campuses, offering students the chance to study and work in various countries. As a graduate of Northeastern, trip chaperone Kirsten Ebanks provided the students with valuable insight into campus life and shared her experiences about life in Boston.

Harvard University was the next stop on the campus circuit and its sprawling and historic grounds provided a glimpse into the rich heritage that has shaped so many influential leaders. While the university’s prestige and reputation for intellectual rigour are well known, the students witnessed how the dynamic extracurricular scene in the town of Cambridge blends seamlessly with college life, making it a uniquely vibrant community where academic excellence meets limitless possibilities.

At MIT, the scholars were offered a fascinating peek into the campus where innovations and groundbreaking research inspire future engineers and scientists. As one of the most renowned institutions for science and technology, MIT’s interdisciplinary approach to education drives work in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and quantum computing. The students had an opportunity to explore the facilities and meet some of the brightest minds shaping the future.

Providence, Rhode Island

After the Boston university visits were complete, the scholars and their chaperones took the scenic train ride from Boston to Providence for a visit to Brown University. Like Harvard, Brown is an Ivy League school with a long list of accomplished and influential alumni.

During their visit, the students walked through the picturesque campus, admired its historic buildings and learned about the university's commitment to fostering independent thinking and interdisciplinary study.

Friendship and fun
Beyond the campus visits, the students enjoyed sightseeing around Boston, immersing themselves in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. They strolled along the Freedom Trail, exploring landmarks like the Boston Common and , Museum of African American History which brought their lessons in American history to life. On their weekend itinerary was a visit to New England Aquarium, a non-profit research and conservation organisation and home to thousands of aquatic animals.

No visit to Boston is complete without watching a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The students learned of the deep passion Bostonians have for their beloved Red Sox, the team where Babe Ruth began his career.

During the trip, the Dart Scholars bonded over their shared experience and expanded their knowledge, developing a deeper appreciation for travel and learning.