Six Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Students Receive Inaugural Congressman Cleaver Scholarships to Study Abroad

Six high school students from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, have been awarded inaugural Congressman Cleaver Scholarships to study abroad this summer.

The students were honored by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri’s 5th District, CIEE President and CEO James Pellow, and school officials during a ceremony and press conference on May 31.

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy officials, CIEE President and CEO James Pellow (fourth from left), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (third from right), and CIEE Vice President of Global High School Programs Matt Redman (far right) honored the Congressman Cleaver Scholars at a ceremony and press conference.

These exceptional students – who were selected based on academic merit and eagerness to learn how to navigate a new language, connect with people from a difference culture, and impact global issues – will each receive a scholarship covering the full cost of attending a CIEE Global Navigator high school abroad program.

The students receiving scholarships and their chosen study abroad programs are:

• Alexandra Thompson – Language and Culture, Nanjing, China
• Cheyenne Clopton – Language and Culture, Toulouse, France
• Cindy Le – Service and Leadership, Beijing, China
• Denon Martinez – Language and Culture, Tokyo, Japan
• Derek Colato – Global Discovery, Seville, Spain
• Irma Reyes – Language and Culture, Toulouse, France

The Congressman Cleaver Scholarships are representative of CIEE’s effort to increase access to study abroad by breaking down the barriers of cost, curriculum, and culture. They are part of nearly $3 million provided through CIEE’s Global Navigator Scholarship program, which is dedicated to providing access to summer study abroad experiences for high school students across the country.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II

 Scholarship recipient Cheyenne Clopton said, “It felt amazing to be selected, because I've never traveled anywhere outside of the Midwest region before. I was elated to know that I would be given the opportunity to travel abroad. I can't wait to bring back that new perspective to my friends.”

“Lincoln Prep Academy students are at the top of their classes – yet most may never have the chance to study abroad. We want to change this, and with the support of Congressman Cleaver, we are doing just that,” said CIEE President and Chief Executive Officer James Pellow. “Together, we recognize the important work Lincoln Prep Academy is doing to prepare capable, creative, and ethical leaders and are proud to offer life-changing international experiences to help their students on their journeys to positively changing the world.”

From left to right: Lincoln Prep Academy Interim Superintendent Al Tunis, James Pellow, Congressman Cleaver Scholars (center and front row), Congressman Cleaver, Lincoln Prep Academy Vice Principal Steve Evans, and Matt Redman

“It is a remarkable opportunity for these students to see the vast and culturally diverse world in which we live – especially those in the urban core who may not otherwise be afforded this chance. I thank CIEE for selecting these students from Missouri’s 5th District. May their travels be safe and inspiring,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.

Lincoln Prep Academy Superintendent Al Tunis said, "The Kansas City Public Schools are committed to academic excellence and cultural competence and because of the generous financial support from CIEE, we are pleased to have deserving Lincoln Prep Academy students who are now able to continue their academic endeavors abroad and learn the rich lessons that come along with foreign immersion.”

CIEE Board of Directors member Ambassador Johnny Young (far left) reflects on his first time abroad in Lebanon and the power of an international experience with former CIEE Board of Directors member Ambassador Kenton Keith, the Congressman Cleaver Scholars, Congressman Cleaver, and Matt Redman.
From left to right: Al Tunis, James Pellow, one of the inaugural Congressman Cleaver Scholars, Congressman Cleaver, and Matt Redman