Alpha Scholars is a rigorous social science research program that teaches college-level research, writing and presentation skills to high school students in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students work one-on-one with Harvard student mentors in advanced study and research of a topic related to their chosen SDG, culminating in a 15-page research paper and 15-minute presentation.
Congratulations to all Fall/Winter 2023-2024 medal winners on the quality of your research papers!
Gold Medal
Aguirre, Kiara. Innova Schools Bertello, Peru. “Unveiling the Peruvian Coca Leaf Trade: A Comparative Study of the Impact of the National Coca Enterprise in the VRAEM vs La Convencion”
Laanait, Tristan. Fulton Science Academy, USA. “An Analysis of the Barriers Facing the Implementation of Duckweed Wastewater Phytoremediation Systems in Low-Income Developing Countries”
Wu, Jasmine. Taipei Wego Private Senior High School, Taiwan. “Examining the Impacts of Debt-for-Nature Swaps: Insights from Peru, Indonesia, and Brazil”
Silver Medal
Chun, Kaylee. La Canada High School, USA. “Variation of Involuntary Hospitalization Rates in America: A Florida Case Study”
Cruz, Valentina Vale Farias. Colégio Militar de Fortaleza, Brazil. “Promoting Quality Education: Introducing Academic Olympiads as a Mechanism for Accomplishing Global Citizenship in Brazil”
Malinović, Desanka. Barry Goldwater High School, USA. “Post-war Posts: An Exploration Into How Instagram May Aid in Relearning the History of the Yugoslavian Civil War”
Pereira, Yasmim Gabriel. Colégio Militar de Campo Grande, Brazil. “Future Political Agenda: An Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Implications on Teenage Students’ Mental Health in Brazil”
Bronze Medal
Bobbala, Aadhya. Keystone School, USA. “Education is a Need, Not a Want: A Descriptive and Comparative Analysis of Obstacles to Girls’ Education in India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan”
Fernández, Martina. 4-004 Mercedes A. de Segura, Argentina. “From Tango to Capoeira: Unmasking the Rhythms of Diverse Socio-cultural Factors of Domestic Violence in Brazil and Argentina”
Levine, William. University High School, USA. “Agriculture in Haiti: An Analysis on the Impact of Colonial History and Foreign Intervention on Agricultural Systems”
Loyola, Angelo. C.T.E Jesus Obrero, Peru. “Extracurricular Activities: An Ally for Education and Socioemotional Development”
Stover, Joshlyn. James Madison High School, USA. “Agroforestry in Brazil: The Possibility of Agroforestry Systems to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Cattle Ranching in the Amazon While Preserving Brazil's Economy”
To learn more about the Alpha Scholars program and apply, please visit alphascholars.org, or follow us on Instagram @alpha_scholars_research.