The 2026 IRT Cohort – By the Numbers

On May 18th, the IRT welcomed the 36th consecutive IRT Cohort of 104 scholars. 

Despite the current and daunting educational climate in the United States, now, IRT Scholars remain steadfast in their desire to expand scholarship in their respective fields and make lasting changes to our K-12 and collegiate landscapes as diverse individuals and scholars who will push against traditional narratives that are perpetuated in their respective fields.  They are excited about their IRT journey, the reasons they do this work, and the trajectory of their careers.  They share their personal and academic dreams below and ruminate on why they engage in the messy work of education.

  • 29.5% identify as Black/African American
  • 35.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino
  • 22% identify as Asian
  • 14% identify as Native American/Alaskan Native, two or more races, other, and White. 
  • 54% identify as first-generation
  • 52% identify as low-income
  • 38% are first-generation and low income
  • Scholars represent 21 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and 9 countries
  • 54% live in four states including California, New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts
  • 78% are pursuing fields in the humanities and social sciences while 22 % are pursuing fields in education
  • Scholars attend 28 public universities, 32 private colleges/universities, 4 HBCUs, and two international universities. 

Continue reading “The 2026 IRT Cohort – By the Numbers”

Congratulations! – ¡Felicitaciones! – Félicitations!

June is a busy month for academic achievements, and we are happy to highlight the accomplishments of IRT Alumni in this celebratory post.


Nicollette Mitchell, IRT ’20
PhD, Learning, Teaching & Diversity
Vanderbilt University


Christian Walkes, IRT ’17
PhD, Education
Harvard University

Walkes defended his dissertation titled Landscapes of Freedom: Black Educational Architects & Historical Geographies of African American School Grounds.


Emerson Mayorga, IRT ’25
MA, Journalism
University of Arizona

Continue reading “Congratulations! – ¡Felicitaciones! – Félicitations!”

Alumni Accolades, June 2026

Leislie Godo-Solo, IRT ’91 and Savita Maharaj, IRT ’21
Leislie and Savita attended the play Lifted by Mfoniso Udofia, a graduate of Wellesley College, who has written the UFOT Family Cycle of 9 plays in May 2026 at the Wellesley College Alumnae Hall Auditorium. Lifted addresses Toyima Ufot’s path in academia, which was constructed upon her father’s previous academic research.  When she is accused of plagiarism, she travels to Nigeria to uncover her familial history and to find healing.  This play spoke to Savita and Leislie deeply, and they will attend the next play titled In Old Age in late June.

Leislie Godo-Solo, IRT ’91 and Kevin Olusola
In mid-May, Leislie had the opportunity to reconnect with Kevin Olusola, Phillips Academy alum ’06 of Pentatonix fame, who was a student Leislie mentored when he first came to Andover as an 11th grader.  Kevin and Leislie shared a commonality -they both lived in Kentucky; Leislie lived in Bowling Green, and Kevin grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky.  Kevin performed at Andover’s Cochran Chapel, sharing his unique style of beatboxing and cello musicianship, performing pieces from his new album titled Dawn of a Misfit. 

(L-R) Kevin Olusola, Pat Davison, a former Phillips Academy colleague, and Leislie Godo-Solo

Aroutis Foster, IRT ’02
Foster was named Dean of the Baker School of Education at American University. Congratulations!

Continue reading “Alumni Accolades, June 2026”

Impact of IRT on Your Life

Impact refers to a powerful lasting effect/influence that an event, person, or idea has on a situation.

Many alumni have formed lasting friendships, built lifelong connections, found new opportunities, had family members and children go through the program, or even found a partner through IRT. Whatever the impact, share your story with us. 

Share Your Story