NYC Gazette

Yeshiva University (YU) has announced the latest participants in its Honors Leadership Society’s YU-Einstein Medical Scholars Program. This initiative, a collaboration between YU and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM), offers high school seniors a path to both an undergraduate education at YU and early assurance for medical training at AECOM, provided they meet program requirements.

Two students from YU's high schools have joined this cohort: Rivka Sullivan and Aaron Sisser. Both are graduates of Yeshiva University's secondary schools, with Sullivan attending Yeshiva University High School for Girls and Sisser attending Yeshiva University High School for Boys.

Rivka Sullivan is now studying at Stern College for Women after spending a gap year in Israel. She engaged in numerous STEM activities during her high school years, including participation in the Science Institute, where she focused on microbiology research. Her project on bacteria in sourdough won first place at the Nassau County Community College Honors Science Fair. Sullivan chose YU because it combines strong secular studies with Jewish education, stating, "Not only does YU have amazing secular studies classes, but the ability to have all that while continuing my Jewish education is something that was really important to me when I chose where to attend college."

Aaron Sisser spent his gap year studying in Israel before starting his education at YU. His interest in sciences was sparked by a forensic class during his senior year of high school. He also completed EMT training and shadowed various medical professionals to explore different specialties. Sisser expressed that as an Orthodox Jew, "it is the perfect place to maintain and foster his religiosity," while pursuing professional development.

Both students appreciate the support from their families and teachers throughout their educational journeys. Sisser acknowledged the encouragement he received at MTA: “During my time at MTA, everyone was very supportive of me achieving whatever I wanted to achieve.”

The Honors Leadership Society aims to cultivate future leaders across diverse fields by selecting students based on academic excellence and potential.

For more information about the Honors Leadership Society and its programs, visit go.yu.edu/academic-scholarships