“I understood firsthand the power of how one program, one class, or one instructor can completely shift the possibilities and trajectory of a young person’s life. I am deeply proud not only of the students who graduated from the program, but also those who went on to graduate from college and begin exciting new chapters of their own.” 

These are the words of Tyler alum Hazziza Abdullah (MFA ’20), who worked as the first program specialist for the Creative Scholars Program when it began in 2021. The Creative Scholars Program is a year-long, full-scholarship art program for talented students attending public and charter high schools in the School District of Philadelphia.  

This year’s graduating class includes the first cohort of Tyler grads who participated in the program as high school students. Not only is it a moment of celebration for the grads, but also for how far the program has come since its inception.  

“Hazziza really helped lay the groundwork for how the program is today,” said Tomie Wilson, the program’s current program specialist. “She was very involved with outreach and advocating for the students.” 

According to Wilson, the early days of the Creative Scholars Program were filled with promise and optimism. Wilson was just an instructor then, helping create the foundation for the program alongside Abdullah while also working with students. Abdullah helped reach out to local schools and encourage art teachers to nominate their students. She knew she was building something that had the capability to change lives. 

“What drove me was fighting for the ability to provide resources, exposure, and opportunities to students who are too often denied access to those experiences. To watch them grow, excel, and continue to further educate and refine their skills made every challenge worthwhile," Abdullah said. 

Abdullah’s efforts to recruit students to that first cohort reached the classrooms of Said Manuel Nunez Lopez (BFA ’26) and Emily Ramos (BFA ’26) and brought them into the Creative Scholars Program. The program served as their first introduction to Tyler School of Art and Architecture, where both students eventually enrolled. 

“We were a small group of AP art students, and Hazziza reached out to ask for nominations and people who were interested,” Lopez said. “My class was nominated because we had good grades and were creative.” 

Lopez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, moving to Philadelphia when he was 11 years old. After settling in the city, he went through middle and high school and was introduced to the Creative Scholars Program through his AP art teacher, who nominated him and several of his peers. It was the start of a new adventure for Lopez. 

“Back then, they were still figuring out how the program should work, and that was a cool learning experience. It was a Saturday program, and we were all committed to going. There were only a few classes at the start, but then it grew into the program we have today.” 

"Hazziza was one of the people that pushed me to apply,” Ramos said. “She spoke very highly about Tyler.”  

Emily credits the program for introducing her to Adobe design tools that would become a mainstay for her development as a graphic designer, preparing her for college, and connecting her to a group of peers that would serve as a supportive force throughout her educational career.  

“It was mentioned that we would have access to Adobe Creative Cloud, which at that point I had absolutely no access to. I was excited to try them out,” she said. “When I first met the other students, we were all pretty shy, but as we started getting to know each other more, it became sort of like a studio setting. It was great seeing everybody's art slowly progress throughout the program based on the feedback we got from our instructors. As the semester went on, we got better at supporting one another.” 

The Creative Scholars Program allows students to work directly with faculty who guide them through studio courses and collaborative workshops at local institutions of art like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There is also a yearly exhibition where students get to showcase their artwork in the Temple Contemporary gallery.   

“We got to experience the courses and workload we would have in college while having the support of our instructors,” Ramos said. “I think college can be frightening as a high schooler because you don’t know what to expect. Being able to work with the faculty demystified college in a good way. It made college seem a lot more attainable and less intimidating.” 

The program also offers portfolio reviews where students meet with admissions counselors and prepare for the college application process. Being prepared for what to expect in college helps students feel empowered and confident to take that next step. 

“The portfolio reviews were really helpful,” said Lopez. “The faculty aren’t harsh or anything. I remember telling one of my peers who was worrying about the reviews that this process is just an opportunity to improve—the professors are really supportive.” 

Ramos had a similar takeaway, mentioning how the program allowed her to get a head start: 

“A lot of the professors introduced topics that I would end up learning in my freshman year, so it gave me a boost. I think all of the faculty were pretty great, if I'm being honest,” she said. 

Today, the Creative Scholars Program serves over 45 students—triple the number from its beginning in 2021. Wilson credits this growth to the student-focused curriculum and the emerging alumni network as the source of the program’s continued success. 

“Overall, I think having an outlet for the students to get out of their world for a day helps them grow as people,” Wilson said. “There's a network. Said was part of the program and is now one of our instructors. He loves the program and has helped the program grow in ways that he doesn't even realize,” Wilson said. “The students really take to him because of his care and support.” 

After graduating from high school and enrolling at Tyler, Lopez stayed connected to the Creative Scholars Program, working as an instructor and providing guidance to a new generation of high school students. Lopez takes pride in his role, as it reminds him of the cherished memories he made during his time as a student.  

“The feeling I had while in the Creative Scholars Program is something that I still try and give to my students. I try and make sure that they have fun and feel supported,” he said. 

Through the Creative Scholars Program, Ramos and Lopez explored different career paths and built essential skills they will carry into the workforce. After graduation, they plan to begin their careers as graphic designers, specializing in UI/UX and marketing. They both shared an appreciation for the opportunity to grow alongside their peers and create memories they will cherish for years to come.  

For students considering whether to join the program, here’s what they had to say:  

“There are going to be people, tools, and a lot of different advisors that will be there for you whenever you need. They’re here to guide and motivate you,” Lopez said. “I still think about my experience and the lessons I learned from it to this day.”  

“I'd say do it. You're in high school right now, and that's the perfect time to start thinking seriously about college,” Ramos said. “It was absolutely worth it for me to take the program. Tyler really does set you up in so many different ways. So, I'd say just do it. Get in there. It’s a wonderful experience.”  

For more details on the Creative Scholars Program, visit this page.