Welcome the Harpswell Class of 2026!
February 9, 2023: Almost two weeks ago, Harpswell welcomed thirteen students to the Cambodian Women’s Leadership program as the Class of 2026! Staff and students were eager to receive these newest members of the Harpswell family in our annual New Student Welcome, complete with dorm tours led by alumnae, a traditional Cambodian wishing dance, roommate assignments and much more. Every year, this is a day of incredible emotion - from the pride of family members and nervous excitement of new students to the eager anticipation of current students and staff. Read on to learn more about this incredible group of young women leaders.
Harpswell Cambodian Women’s Leadership recruitment remains a highly competitive process. The pandemic transformed our recruiting process from largely in-person events and referrals to virtual information sessions with an online application. This shift has allowed even more highly motivated students to seek out the program on their own. Of the 103 online applicants for the Class of 2026, 85 were interviewed based on their performance in an essay submission. From this pool of applicants, 35 were short-listed and asked to submit their national exam scores. Finally, 13 exceptional young women were selected.
The Class of 2026 is made up of future architects, engineers, pharmacists and nurses, and most are the first in their family to attend university. All 13 students intend to pursue their studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), a trend in line with Cambodia’s recent secondary education investment to promote career paths into the STEM fields. This shift further reinforces the importance of Harpswell’s in-house Core Curriculum, which focuses on building critical thinking and leadership skills in all fields.
We are so grateful to be able to bring this stellar group of young women to Harpswell’s dorms through the continued support of our community. We are especially thankful for our ongoing partnership with the Asia Foundation, which has committed to sponsor the five Class of 2026 students planning to study Information Technology. We are confident that like the 15 classes of Harpswell alumnae before them, the Class of 2026 will inspire us with their commitment, drive and ambition during their time at the dorms and beyond.