YHS junior attends Harvard Summer Program

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a Yuma High School junior to sample an Ivy League education for the summer was made possible by her outstanding academic achievements.

Jessica Tibbs-Tacke, 17, was one of 1,000 students from all over the world selected to participate in Harvard University's Secondary School program June 20 to Aug. 8.

"I was overwhelmed by the variety of classes, over 100 to choose from," Jessica said. "I was really excited and decided to focus on history."

Jessica is studying the American Revolution and the U.S. in the 20th century, which she will receive eight college credits for when she passes her final exams.

"I'm not sure I want a career in history but I definitely want to study history in college."

For the previous four years, Jessica said, she attended a similar program at Northwestern University. Last year she studied global conflict and world religion, while prior to that she took up international relations and debate. But the Northwestern program was "more like advanced high school while Harvard's is college preparation," she noted.

Even though the Northwestern classes were for gifted students, Harvard had more stringent requirements, she said. To be accepted into the program, she had to submit a transcript with minimum grade-point average requirements, several essays and teacher recommendations.

Jessica ranks number one in her class presently, is enrolled in dual credit classes at Arizona Western College, participates in the Academic Decathlon interscholastic competition, is a National Honor Society member and president of Yuma High School's Young Democrats.

Harvard provides a portion of the program's funding, and students must make up the difference. For Jessica, participating now is perfect timing since she is entering her senior year.

"We dorm with high school students but classes are with people of all ages and actually there's some graduate students in my class. I want to do really well in the courses, meet a lot of people and get an idea of what it's like to go to college."

The program is definitely meeting her expectations, she said, and while the coursework is interesting, it is a lot of work, requiring nine textbooks for just two classes.

When not in class, she enjoys exploring the Northeast, visiting other college campuses. Last week she toured Brown University and even if it is not her top choice, she would definitely consider it. Later this month, she will see both the Yale and Amherst College campuses.

"It's my first time in New England and it's been pretty cold and raining since I've been here, but I'm pretty set on going to college in the East. I'm really interested in history, and New England is the roots of our country's history."

Beth Tibbs, Jessica's mother, music appreciation professor at AWC and founder-director of the Yuma Youth Choir, said they were both excited about Jessica's opportunity to attend Harvard because not only will it be an awesome experience, she will receive coaching in the college application process including how to best write essays and interview.

"It's so challenging, it will really push her to her limits," Tibbs said. "She loved the sessions at Northwestern but at Harvard it will spark her to so much higher academic levels."

Jessica definitely recommends the program to other high school juniors.

"If students want to get a feel for university life, they should try it. They get to meet and room with people their own age and with similar interests."