Lamont Newell, a 17-year-old South Los Angeles student, has garnered national attention after overcoming homelessness and family hardship to gain admission to 65 colleges. The valedictorian of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School graduated with a 4.4 GPA and has chosen to attend Columbia University on an alleged full-ride scholarship to study industrial engineering. According to local reports, Newell spent part of his childhood sleeping in the car with his family, yet continued to excel academically while teaching himself coding and pursuing a future in STEM education.
Journey from homelessness to getting admission in 65 elite colleges
Newell grew up in South Los Angeles with his single mother and siblings, facing financial instability from an early age. There were times when the family experienced homelessness and relied on sleeping in the car for shelter. Despite the uncertainty, Newell remained focused on academics and school activities.His family was also affected by gang violence and imprisonment, circumstances that made it more difficult to achieve educational success. Newell has said that he wanted to break this cycle and become the first male in his family to graduate from high school.One of the most important moments in Newell’s journey came during a summer camp program in South Los Angeles, where he was introduced to coding. The experience sparked his interest in technology and engineering, ultimately shaping his academic goals.Coding classes gave them exposure to STEM subjects and encouraged them to think beyond the boundaries of their environment. Over time, he developed a keen interest in industrial engineering, a field that combines mathematics, systems design, and problem-solving.Newell’s academic achievements culminated in an extraordinary college admissions season. He received acceptance letters from 65 colleges and universities across the United States, an accomplishment that immediately gained attention online.His 4.4 GPA and leadership at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School played a major role in the admissions process. School officials publicly celebrated her success and described her as an example of perseverance and determination.Although he had several options, Newell ultimately decided to enroll at Columbia University in New York City, where he planned to study industrial engineering on a full scholarship package.
Why did Colombia stand out?
Columbia University is widely recognized for its engineering and research programs, particularly through Columbia Engineering. Industrial engineering at the university focuses on systems optimization, analysis, operations, and technology-driven problem solving.For Newell, the university represented more than academic prestige. Their decision reflects a long-term goal of using education and technology to create opportunities for underprivileged communities.Beyond college admissions, Newell has spoken about his desire to give back to the community that has shaped him. He hopes to create a STEM program for Black youth, helping kids gain access to coding and tech education at a younger age.Her story has resonated with many people online because it highlights the role of guidance, educational access and community support in changing lives. From learning coding at a local summer camp to preparing for an Ivy League education, Newell’s journey has become an example of resilience and ambition in the face of adversity.