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ADC ADC (known as IEA) is a nonprofit organization providing college access for African immigrants.

The Institute for East African Councils on Higher Education (IEA Councils) is a nonprofit association established to place students of East Africans heritage living in the United States to competitive independent colleges & universities.

SARAH KASSA | ADC 2027 was selected for a highly competitive Johns Hopkins University School2Lab cancer research interns...
09/29/2026

SARAH KASSA | ADC 2027 was selected for a highly competitive Johns Hopkins University School2Lab cancer research internship. She is already stepping into the world of cancer research, artificial intelligence, and biomedical innovation before even beginning her senior year of high school.
Over the course of the two-month program, Sarah worked alongside professors from Johns Hopkins University and Howard University, conducting research on how artificial intelligence could be used to support the early detection of cancer in pediatric patients.
But Sarah’s experience went far beyond the laboratory. She presented her research findings to scientists from both universities, participated in research retreats and Q&A sessions, and ultimately presented her work to members of the Howard University community and professors interested in her research.
At the same time, Sarah expanded her technical and academic skills by completing programming coursework, developing an educational webpage to help students learn about cell organelles, and taking calculus and applied physics courses to prepare for her senior year.
From researching the future of pediatric cancer detection to building technology and presenting scientific findings to university researchers, Sarah is already making her mark at the intersection of medicine, technology, and research.
And she’s just getting started.
Sarah Kassa. ADC 2027. Future scientist.

ADC 2027 Scholar Adonna Dawit is conducting cutting-edge cancer research at George Washington University.Adonna was sele...
09/24/2026

ADC 2027 Scholar Adonna Dawit is conducting cutting-edge cancer research at George Washington University.
Adonna was selected for an 11-week research internship at the Chiappinelli Lab at the George Washington University Cancer Center, where she dedicated more than 300 hours to investigating potential epigenetic therapies for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.
Working alongside a PhD researcher, Adonna investigated epigenetic regulators that influence tumor immunogenicity, examining the relationship between critical cancer-related genes such as p53 and enzymes including UHRF1. Her work gave her hands-on exposure to the complex molecular mechanisms underlying cancer and the search for new therapeutic approaches.
Her research was selected for presentation at GW’s annual Summer Undergraduate Research Poster Session, where she presented her findings and received feedback directly from cancer research professionals.
Adonna also extended her impact beyond the laboratory, leading a hands-on demonstration on enzymes and gene mutations for Upward Bound, introducing students from low-income families to the world of biomedical science.
300+ hours. Cancer research. PhD-level collaboration. A professional research presentation.
Adonna isn’t just learning about science, she is already contributing to the scientific pursuit of better treatments for cancer.

Yohanna Seife (ADC 2027) was selected as one of only 18 students nationwide for the prestigious PBS News Student Reporti...
09/22/2026

Yohanna Seife (ADC 2027) was selected as one of only 18 students nationwide for the prestigious PBS News Student Reporting Labs Fellowship, an opportunity that brought together emerging young journalists from across the country.

During the fellowship, Yohanna spent a week at Georgetown University working alongside professional journalists and fellow student reporters. She helped research, interview, film, and produce You Are a Masterpiece, a documentary highlighting Washington, D.C. artist and educator Blu Murphy and her use of art to help students embrace their identities.

The documentary went on to receive national recognition, earning a selection for broadcast on PBS NewsHour and becoming one of just 700 films selected from more than 2,500 submissions to the All American High School Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Documentary at the Student World Awards.

Beyond the accolades, the fellowship gave Yohanna the opportunity to develop her voice as a journalist, collaborate with reporters from across the country, and gain hands-on experience telling stories that explore identity, history, and the impact of art on communities. 18 students. 2,500+ submissions. 1 powerful story.

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | BIRUH YILMA (ADC 2027) was awarded the Fairfax County Student Peace Award in recognition of his comm...
09/21/2026

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | BIRUH YILMA (ADC 2027) was awarded the Fairfax County Student Peace Award in recognition of his commitment to peer-to-peer peacemaking and addressing important issues affecting students and his community through journalism.
Through thoughtful interviewing and compelling writing, Biruh has created space for students to better understand sensitive issues and engage with challenges affecting their school and community. Using journalism as a tool for peace, dialogue, and community impact.
His work demonstrates the power of student journalism to inform, connect, and build understanding.
A journalist. A peacemaker. A voice for his community.

09/20/2026

ADC SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | ELSHADAY FASIL (ADC 2027) has dedicated her high school years to fighting period poverty and advancing menstrual health equity in her Baltimore community.
Through the Baltimore Hunger Project’s Period Equity Initiative, she organized period product drives that collected more than 8,000 products and worked directly with schools to understand and address students’ needs.
When Elshaday identified a critical gap in distribution during the summer months, she took action. After receiving the Elizabeth H. Broadus Community Service Project Award, including a $3,000 grant, she partnered with the Baltimore Hunger Project to establish period product pantries at local Boys & Girls Clubs, extending access to hundreds of students across multiple locations.
In February 2026, she presented her work to more than 400 students and teachers, sharing the importance of menstrual health equity and community-driven service.
Elshaday didn’t just identify a problem—she built a solution. Turning a commitment to menstrual health equity into measurable community impact.

SIBRAT DUGASSA (ADC 2027) contributed to a conceptual mission for on-orbit spacecraft refueling through Johns Hopkins’ S...
09/20/2026

SIBRAT DUGASSA (ADC 2027) contributed to a conceptual mission for on-orbit spacecraft refueling through Johns Hopkins’ Space Exploration Internship.

As part of a four-intern team, she researched spacecraft materials and advanced sensors, then used Blender to model spacecraft, docking systems, thrusters, antennas, and sensor placements.

Through hands-on design work, engineering workshops, and mentorship from industry professionals, Sibrat gained valuable experience contributing to the future of space exploration.

An impressive accomplishment and an exciting step toward the stars.

DINAH ELIAS (ADC 2027) is recognized with the prestigious Harvard Book Award. Dinah was selected to receive the Harvard ...
09/19/2026

DINAH ELIAS (ADC 2027) is recognized with the prestigious Harvard Book Award. Dinah was selected to receive the Harvard Book Award, an honor recognizing her academic commitment, excellence in writing and journalism, and exceptional character.
Dinah was nominated by her AP English Language and Composition teacher and her school newspaper supervisor, who recognized her outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom—including her work as a writer and editor for her school publication.
This honor reflects more than academic achievement. It recognizes a scholar whose intellectual curiosity, dedication to her craft, leadership, and character have distinguished her among her peers.
A writer. An editor. A scholar. A leader.

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | ABIGAIL ERMIYES (ADC 2027) During the summer after her junior year and into senior year, Abigail Erm...
09/18/2026

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | ABIGAIL ERMIYES (ADC 2027) During the summer after her junior year and into senior year, Abigail Ermiyes (ADC 2027) was selected as a 2026 MITES Semester Scholar, selected from 5,700+ applicants, earning a place in MIT’s prestigious six-month STEM immersion program with an acceptance rate of approximately 3.5%.
At MITES, Abigail went beyond the classroom—immersing herself in robotics, C++ programming, Arduino engineering, circuitry, sensors, and scientific communication.
She also explored the intersection of AI and medicine, researching how artificial intelligence could accelerate drug development and interviewing a Northeastern University professor for her scientific writing.
In robotics, Abigail collaborated with a team to design, build, and program a fully functional Arduino-powered LED memory game, which they presented at the MITES 50th Anniversary Symposium.
From 5,700+ applicants to one of ~200 scholars, Abigail is already distinguishing herself as a STEM scholar, researcher, engineer, and innovator.
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ADC 2027 SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | ABEM SAMUEL Leading, representing, and creating impact in his school community. Abem Samuel...
09/17/2026

ADC 2027 SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT | ABEM SAMUEL Leading, representing, and creating impact in his school community. Abem Samuel (ADC 2027) was selected to serve as Historian & Outreach Director of his school’s Black Student Union, a leadership role he earned after being an active member of the organization since his freshman year.
Now, Abem is using his leadership to strengthen engagement, amplify the voices of African and African-American students, and leave a lasting impact on his school community.
From member to leader, Abem is turning years of involvement into meaningful action and service.
We are proud to celebrate Abem Samuel and the leader he is becoming.

ABIGIA MERSHA (ADC 2027) developed counterterrorism measures aimed at protecting the local community from the threat of ...
09/16/2026

ABIGIA MERSHA (ADC 2027) developed counterterrorism measures aimed at protecting the local community from the threat of Boko Haram. She received advanced intelligence and security training from former senior officials from the NSA, Pentagon, and U.S. Military and, for her work, secured a grant from professionals at the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, and FBI to support implementation of her security solution. Abigia did all of this as part of her National Security & Diplomacy Internship, partnering with Borno State University in Northern Nigeria.
And she did it during the summer of her junior year.
From a high school classroom to the forefront of global security—Abigia is already making an impact.🇺🇸

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3636 16th Street NW, AG#23
Washington D.C., DC
20010

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+12029976684

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