(Black PR Wire) The University of the District of Columbia’s own Kayleah Shelton, a junior double-majoring in accounting and finance, has been named one of the 110 students selected as part of the 2024 class of HBCU White House Scholars. This program, part of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), highlights exceptional students from HBCUs across the nation who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and commitment to community service. This year marks the program’s 10th anniversary and includes students from 77 HBCUs, showcasing the diverse educational experiences found within these institutions.

From Portland, Jamaica to the Nation’s Capital

Kayleah grew up in the small community of Portland, Jamaica, where she attended Titchfield High School alongside her twin sister Kayleigh. The decision to study at UDC was influenced in part by her sister, who was recruited by the university’s track and field team, as well as the presence of a supportive Jamaican community at the school.

“We knew other Jamaicans from our high school who had gone to UDC, so we had that sense of home away from home,” Kayleah shared. “My sister and I wanted to go to the same school and have a sense of belonging wherever we went to college.”

Kayleah’s choice to attend UDC was further reinforced by the university’s reputation for fostering a close-knit, community-oriented environment. “I heard that it was a community environment with small class sizes, which gives that personal connection with your professors,” she explained. “It’s really interesting and different from most of the other schools I applied to, where it’s an opportunity to have a more intimate and supportive educational experience.”

Thriving at UDC: Leadership and Involvement

Although she describes herself as “very introverted,” Kayleah has immersed herself in campus life since arriving at UDC. “Since this is a smaller campus, it was easier for me to branch outside my comfort zone,” Shelton noted. “It really gave me the opportunity to put myself out there and get involved in different things.” Like the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) where she has served as secretary for two years.

In addition to USGA, Kayleah is actively involved with UDC’s chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants as well as the Caribbean Student Association, and she credits these leadership roles with helping her build the confidence to pursue opportunities like the HBCU White House Scholars program.

Becoming an HBCU White House Scholar

Kayleah first learned about the HBCU White House Scholars program at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute, where she met a fellow Jamaican student who was a current White House Scholar. Inspired, Kayleah researched the program and submitted her application, which was endorsed by UDC President Maurice D. Edington and supported by the university’s career services team.

“I’m really honored to be selected. It’s a great and prestigious honor, and it’s a chance to put UDC out there,” Shelton said. “I’m excited to represent my school and to showcase all that UDC has to offer, which is really something I hold dear in my heart.”

As part of her selection, Kayleah will attend the upcoming National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, where she will continue developing her leadership skills and networking with fellow scholars.

A Message to Prospective Students

For students considering UDC, Kayleah highlighted the university’s affordability, personalized attention from professors, and the wealth of opportunities available to students, even at a smaller institution. “UDC should definitely be a leading choice,” she said. “The opportunities you envision having at bigger schools – we have them, too, along with the individualized attention you get with smaller class sizes. It’s a gem in DC with a very family-oriented environment.”

Source: University of the District of Columbia