Stay connected to the IRT community and help keep our records current by completing the alumni survey informing us about any updates to your name, contact, degree or employment information. This will help insure that you receive any relevant communications from the IRT.
This survey should only take about five minutes to complete – thank you for your time!
Category: Program
PA GIVING DAY
For the past several years, PA Giving Day – Phillips Academy’s annual community fundraising effort – has been very impactful for the IRT. Significant funds have been raised on this day in years past in support of our scholars and their critical work. When this event was last held, in March of 2019, over 100 gifts were designated to our program in a single day, many from IRT alumni.
On Wednesday, April 28, we will once again celebrate Giving Day, and hope that you might consider making a contribution. Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated, and will play a major role in unlocking $50,000 in match funds!
Our program is fueled by philanthropy, and we are most grateful for your consideration of support. Please save the date!
Demystifying the IRT Application Process
The IRT 2020 Cohort Is Underway

By Monica Reum, IRT Recruitment and Admission Programs Specialist
This year, we focused on transparency when explaining the IRT application components to prospective students. Knowing that some applicants were unclear and sometimes even overwhelmed by the application process, I hosted monthly webinars to serve as a support to prospective students. Research shows that often, first-generation college students tend not to reach out for help; therefore, my strategy was to provide an alternative avenue to answer student questions if they were hesitant to call or email directly. The webinar series covers application topics such as how to secure recommendations or how to have a successful interview. The sessions have helped to demystify the intricacies of the application process, expose students to some best practices and give them an inside look at the IRT application process.
Phillips Academy Honors Steve Frank’s Service to IRT

On Saturday, September 21, Steve Frank ’81, P’09 was awarded Andover’s Distinguished Service Award. Presented annually by decision of the Academy Resources Committee of the Board of Trustees, this award honors volunteers whose services to Andover have been distinguished by commitment, uniqueness, and effectiveness. Their efforts on behalf of their school provide an inspiring example of all Andover volunteers.
Deeply involved as a fundraiser and leader of the IRT nearly since its inception, Steve was the inaugural chair of the IRT Advisory Board, which he led from 2005 to 2014. He formalized the group’s responsibilities, created productive subcommittees, and oversaw the seamless transition from Executive Director Kelly Wise, the IRT’s founder, to successor Asabe Poloma. He also addressed board issues around governance, financial stability, organizational structure, and leadership; established and led an executive committee; initiated resolutions around board terms and annual financial support; and participated in national searches for the IRT director and executive director.
We at the IRT are incredibly grateful for Steve’s myriad contributions to the program and thrilled to see him honored in this remarkable way. Thank you and congratulations, Steve!
2018 Cohort Matriculation News
Over the past year, the IRT has assisted 94 students in their graduate school preparations in their pursuit of doctoral and Master’s degrees in the humanities, social sciences and education fields. We are excited to report that the 2018 cohort received nearly 353 acceptances to graduate school programs, and 70% received partial to full graduate school funding at the following institutions:
Auburn University*
Boston College
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Duke University
Emory University
George Washington University
Harvard University
Indiana University, Bloomington*
LeHigh University*
Michigan State University, Education


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