The African Diaspora College Access Program (ADC), formerly known as IEA Councils, is a nonprofit association established to address the growing achievement gap of East Africans in developed countries. Managed by regional directors, the councils serve a broad scope of East African youth, utilizing a culturally sensitive framework to ensure their matriculation into higher educational institutions.
Spotlight on Success Stories
ADC is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and leadership skills among its participants. Here are a few examples of students who have excelled through the program:
- Mary Belay (ADC 2026): Co-authored a 41-page documented research paper on the cutting-edge applications of biotechnology in treating complex genetic diseases-most notably Alzheimer’s Disease. This work directly led to her selection as a research assistant at the National Institutes of Health, where she will join a molecular biology team this fall.
- Feven: Over the course of an intensive four-week residential program, Feven immersed herself in advanced coursework and hands-on research aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. She co-authored a 20-page scientific paper, designed a professional poster and infographic, and delivered a high-impact presentation to a panel of experts - ultimately winning 1st Place for Best Presentation at the program’s Global Symposium.
- Meklit: Out of 250 delegates from across Virginia, Meklit was one of just six nominated for Girls Nation, a highly selective national program. Her advocacy earned her the position of Secretary of Health and Human Resources in the mock government, serving on the governor’s cabinet.
- Solomie: Analyzed ecosystem health in protected vs. unprotected suburban areas across Texas, Maryland, and California.
- Joel Gojela (ADC ’26): His project, *“Detained by Design,”* examined how systemic inequities in the K-12 education system fuel mass incarceration-particularly in the post-COVID era.
These achievements reflect the program's commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for students to excel in various fields.
Our community did something amazing. A thank you from ADC.
Empowering Through STEM and Leadership
The program places a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and leadership development. As a dedicated member of the STEM for Her Student Advisory Council, Leiyu helps shape programs that empower girls across the DMV to dream boldly and pursue STEM careers.
Trailblazing civic engagement at the high school level, Eyob Kassa serves as Co-President of his school’s Congressional Lobbying Club, where he has mobilized over 30 students to personally lobby Congress more than 15 times - securing meetings with top lawmakers like Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, and Rep.
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ADC was recently invited by Rice University to engage in an important conversation on recent developments.
Real-World Learning Opportunities
Students in this program benefit from a range of real-world learning opportunities-from study abroad experiences in Morocco and South Africa to internships with social justice and cultural heritage organizations. Undergraduate research is a core part of the program, with students examining everything from diaspora literature to community activism.
One example of this is Feven, who was assigned to a research team of four, where she led efforts on a cutting-edge project focused on agrivoltaics - the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy production. This elite program not only deepened her expertise in sustainable agriculture, but also showcased her ability to lead, innovate, and communicate complex ideas on a global stage.
Another student, as an 11th grader, traveled to Boston to join a select cohort of students for an intensive, 5-day experience led by Harvard mentors. Her team developed and presented a high-impact proposal to revitalize a struggling Harvard Square business - offering actionable solutions, forecasting outcomes, and addressing real-world consequences.
African and African Diaspora Studies Program
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the African and African Diaspora Studies Program (AADS) invites students to explore the rich histories, cultures, and experiences of African peoples on the continent and across the world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program equips students with the tools to critically analyze the legacies of colonialism, migration, resistance, and creativity.
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African and African Diaspora Studies is a cross-disciplinary minor designed to enable students explore, examine and critically analyze the African presence in a global context. Students are provided with the background and tools to investigate the agency, experiences, and movement of African and African Diaspora people that span time and place and bridge academic disciplines.
Cross-disciplinary studies include an integrative component such as a common course or requirement. At the discretion of the specific cross-disciplinary studies committee, students may complete the St. Mary’s Project in the study area, provided they secure the approval of the department in which they are majoring.
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