Fuel Liberia’s Young Health Leaders: Keep Camp xSEL Alive!

Anna Harrison is organizing this fundraiser.

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Support Camp xSEL (Excellence in Science Education for Liberia)!

I'm a graduate student at Vanderbilt pursuing my Master in Public Health and Master in Education. For the past two years, I've worked with my colleagues in Liberia to execute and run this summer camp. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Liberia and help with the kick-off and first weeks of Camp xSEL.

Camp xSEL is a five-week intensive math and science camp designed for secondary students interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences. The camp targets 11th and 12th grade students interested in health science careers, with the goal of preparing them for the rigorous curriculum they’ll encounter at the university level.

Students are selected annually through a rigorous testing and interview process, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The selected students then spend one month during their summer vacation taking courses in biology, chemistry, math, and English, as well as participating in extracurricular activities such as debates and talent shows to build soft skills alongside classroom knowledge.

The program aims not only to equip Liberia’s future health workers to meet the country’s healthcare needs, but also to build a workforce that is more representative of all Liberians: the Camp prioritizes having at least 50% participation by female students and representation from all 15 counties. Since its creation, Camp xSEL has welcomed 200+ students, and has trained dozens of high school and university instructors.

For the past 8 years, The University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, with USAID’s support, has been transforming health science education and healthcare through its innovative programs like Camp xSEL. With recent U.S. policy changes, these life-changing initiatives are at risk of shutting down—disrupting education, halting professional training, and impacting lives across Liberia. Please support us as we raise money to be able to continue Camp xSEL in 2025!