Access to education in Haiti is one of the country’s big challenges. Chevening alumnus Marc Ruben Claude was determined to change the narrative - not just for himself, but for countless others like him.
Marc dreamed of a brighter future, but with less than 1% of students in his country attaining a university degree, he faced daunting barriers.
In 2015, Marc was awarded a Chevening scholarship to study MSc. Political Science and Political Economy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, allowing him to experience the power of international education firsthand.
Inspired by Winston Churchill’s words, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give,” Marc returned to Haiti with a mission: to democratise access to education for aspiring students from low-income backgrounds.
Recognising the challenges faced by international students – confusing applications, prohibitive costs, and complex immigration processes – Marc co-founded Maximax, a social enterprise dedicated to helping students secure full scholarships to world-class universities. With the support of the Chevening alumni community, Marc found mentors and allies who shared his vision. Together, they forged a network of support that transcended borders, empowering students to pursue their dreams.
Since it began in 2016, Maximax has achieved remarkable success.
With the help of dedicated volunteers and Chevening alumni, Marc and his team have placed 50 mentees in top-tier universities across North America and Europe, securing a staggering $1.5 million in scholarships. They partnered with the American and British embassies to host information sessions in Haiti, guiding 250 attendees through the intricacies of Fulbright and Chevening scholarships.
Most notably, 80% of their mentees are first-generation college students, breaking cycles of poverty and inspiring future generations.
Marc’s journey hasn’t stopped there. To further amplify his impact, he pursued a master’s in education policy at Harvard, where he was elected as the representative for the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the Harvard Graduate Council. His leadership role allowed him to advocate for 14,000 graduate students, showcasing the influence of the Chevening community in shaping global leaders. His peers recognised his dedication by electing him Class Marshal for the 2023-2024 cohort and nominating him for prestigious awards, including the Carter G. Woodson Award for Excellence in Education.
Today, Marc continues to inspire others, coaching former Chevening fellows and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of leaders.
His vision for Maximax is ambitious:
Marc’s story is a testament to the profound impact of the Chevening alumni community. Together, they are not just changing individual lives; they are fostering a new generation of global leaders from underrepresented communities. As Marc often says at Maximax, “Your achievement, our success.”
Through collaboration, mentorship, and unwavering support, they are building a more equitable global education landscape, proving that with determination and community, dreams can become reality.
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