Values in Action: Back East Scholars Trip 2026

Greetings,

Grant Cambridge, our longtime school and foundation board chair, set out with a powerful goal: to inspire Value Schools students to aim for the most rigorous universities in the country—especially those on the East Coast.

These journeys East are more than accomplishments—they are proof of what is possible when opportunity, preparation, and belief meet generosity.

To make that vision real, he opened doors to exceptional academic programs in Boston and beyond, creating what is now known as the Back-East Scholars Trip (BEST). Through this experience, our students have gained exposure, access, and confidence to pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise imagined.

Since the first trip in 2013, BEST has grown tremendously. With the completion of BEST 2026, more than 130 Value Schools students have participated. Today, our graduates are currently enrolled or have graduated from institutions such as MIT, Johns Hopkins University, The Naval Academy, Brown University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Boston College, Northeastern University, Boston University, Swarthmore College, Vanderbilt University, Colgate University, and the University of Notre Dame. Following are inspiring BEST journeys of current students and Value Schools alumni who are turning opportunity into achievement.

Victor’s Story

Victor, a graduate of Downtown Value School and Central City Value High School, is a proud BEST alum. He was accepted to both Harvard and MIT, ultimately choosing to attend MIT, where he completed his undergraduate degree and later earned a master’s in Computer Science.

“Before BEST, I didn’t realize that schools like MIT could be so supportive and welcoming—it completely changed how I saw what was possible for me.”

Victor continues to live out our values by giving back—hosting campus tours for BEST students and mentoring those who follow in his footsteps. He embodies our fifth value:

It is the responsibility of an educated person to give back to the community.

Today, Victor lives in NYC, and works at Google.

Andrea's Journey

Andrea attended Everest Value School as part of its second graduating 8th-grade class and later helped build community at University Prep Value High School, graduating in 2020. After participating in BEST, she is now pursuing her PhD at Johns Hopkins University.

This spring, Andrea traveled from Baltimore to Boston to reconnect with the program that helped shape her path. She inspired our BEST 2026 students—offering guidance, encouragement, and insight during campus tours and a memorable dinner together.

Josue Gives Back

Now a senior at Brown University, Josue has long demonstrated leadership and service. As a student at Everest Value School, he contributed to the design and fundraising efforts for a new campus—knowing he would move on to Central City Value High School before construction was completed.

During BEST 2023, Josue supported students by providing a guided tour of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, continuing his commitment to building community and lifting others.