14-Year-Old Liberian Girl Makes College History

Published: October 30, 2024

Monrovia – A 14-year-old Liberian student has set a new milestone, becoming the first high schooler from the country to gain admission to a U.S. college’s dual enrollment program. Mira Mapaderun, a 10th grader at Heritage International Leadership Academy, has been accepted into Arizona State University’s program after scoring an impressive 1100 on her SAT – a rare accomplishment for someone her age.

Mira’s academic achievement is only part of her story. Alongside her studies, she is an emerging entrepreneur. She founded her own cosmetics brand, Sade Cosmetics, and hosts a youth-focused talk show, Teen Tycoons Talk Show, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs. The show, which has been featured on TED Ed Youth, inspires young people across the country to turn their business ideas into reality.

Mira’s journey is supported by Crimson Institute, a college preparatory and career placement center in Monrovia. Founded by Catherine Togba Woyee, Crimson Institute is dedicated to nurturing Liberia’s young talents. Through programs like dual enrollment, SAT preparation, and career placement services, Crimson helps students gain the skills and experience needed to excel both in college and beyond.

This achievement highlights Crimson Institute’s commitment to its students’ futures. In addition to Mira’s acceptance, Crimson Institute has helped students earn over $2.2 million in scholarships, attend programs like the Yale Young African Scholars Program in Zimbabwe, and participate in the University of Maryland’s Summer Engineering Program. Their students have secured placements at prestigious universities, including UNC Chapel Hill, NYU, and USC.

The institute’s dual enrollment program combines academic rigor with real-world experience, offering internships at renowned companies like GE Aerospace, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Goldman Sachs, ensuring students not only excel academically but also gain practical skills.

Mira’s success represents a promising future for Liberia’s youth, as Crimson Institute continues to pave the way for the next generation of leaders, empowering them to reach new heights in education and entrepreneurship.