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Homeless Teen Defies Odds, Earns 65 College Acceptances and Full Ride to Columbia

From sleeping in shelters to Ivy League dreams: one student's relentless grit rewrites his family's future. His next mission? Lifting others with him.

The image shows a map of the United States with the percentage of people experiencing homelessness...
The image shows a map of the United States with the percentage of people experiencing homelessness in each state. The map is accompanied by text that provides further information about the data.

Homeless Teen Defies Odds, Earns 65 College Acceptances and Full Ride to Columbia

A high school student from New Orleans has made headlines after securing acceptance to 65 universities. Lamont Newell, who overcame periods of homelessness as a child, will attend Columbia University on a full academic scholarship. His achievements mark a historic milestone for his family and community. Lamont Newell’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing instability during his childhood, he maintained a 4.4 GPA throughout high school. His efforts earned him admission to some of the most selective institutions in the US, including the University of Notre Dame and Dartmouth College.

Columbia University, which accepts just 4.2 percent of applicants, offered him a full scholarship. Newell has chosen to study industrial engineering there, becoming the first man in his family to graduate high school and attend college. Raised by his mother, Antanika Barnes, Newell watched her work tirelessly as a single parent while putting herself through college. His own ambitions now extend beyond his education. He plans to establish an institution dedicated to teaching Black children STEM skills, aiming to create opportunities for future generations.

Newell’s story highlights determination and academic excellence in the face of adversity. He will begin his studies at Columbia in the autumn, with a long-term goal of empowering others through education. His journey reflects both personal triumph and a commitment to giving back.

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