In 2015, 17-year-old Harold Ekeh accomplished an extraordinary feat—he was accepted into all eight Ivy League universities. His academic excellence didn’t stop there, as all 13 institutions he applied to, including MIT and Johns Hopkins, also offered him admission.
Faced with an enviable choice, Ekeh ultimately leaned toward Yale, where he formed meaningful connections with fellow students that helped shape his aspirations. Even before college, he demonstrated a strong sense of community by founding a mentoring program to assist other students in gaining admission into top universities.
From Lagos to the United States
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ekeh moved to the United States with his family at the age of eight. Adjusting to his new environment was challenging, especially when it came to U.S. history classes. He often wondered why his family left a comfortable life in Nigeria, but his parents reminded him that the move was about seeking better opportunities.
Determined to succeed, Ekeh excelled academically, becoming salutatorian of his high school with an impressive 100.5% GPA. Despite initial struggles with history, he later aced the AP History Exam, proving that perseverance can turn weaknesses into strengths.
A Passion for Science and Medicine
While Ekeh’s academic performance was outstanding, his true interest lay in science. He initially planned to major in neurobiology or chemistry, aiming for a career as a neurosurgeon.
His research on the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on Alzheimer’s disease earned him recognition as a semifinalist in the prestigious 2015 Intel Science Talent Search. One of his proudest moments was sharing his findings with his family, knowing his work could contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
A Shift in Focus
Although Ekeh entered Yale with a focus on neurobiology, his interests evolved after discovering a passion for political science and government. This shift was influenced by his exposure to healthcare policy and civil rights issues.
During his sophomore summer, he worked as a legislative fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus, where he learned about challenges to the Voting Rights Act and their effects on marginalized communities. This experience fueled a new passion, leading him to co-found Every Vote Counts (EVC) in 2017—a student-led, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing voter turnout and expanding access to the ballot. EVC rapidly grew, reaching over 50 college campuses and advocating for civic engagement and pro-democracy reforms.
Making a Lasting Impact
Beyond activism, Ekeh’s insights on voting rights and policy have been published in The Washington Post, BuzzFeed News, The Hill, and Real Clear Policy. His work has also been referenced by major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Editorial Board, and USA Today.
Currently, he serves as special assistant to the president at the Brennan Center for Justice, where he focuses on legal and policy initiatives aimed at protecting voting rights. From excelling in academics to shaping policies that promote democracy, Ekeh continues to make a significant impact.
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