From Haiti to Harvard: How Marc Ruben Claude is Changing Lives Through Scholarships
Access to quality education in Haiti has long been a challenge, with less than 1% of students attaining a university degree. But Marc Ruben Claude, a determined scholar and visionary leader, refused to let these odds define his future. His journey from Haiti to Harvard, fueled by a Chevening Scholarship, is a testament to the power of international education and mentorship in transforming lives.
Breaking Barriers with a Chevening Scholarship
Marc’s dream of higher education seemed almost impossible given the financial and systemic challenges in his home country. However, in 2015, he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study MSc Political Science and Political Economy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This opportunity gave him firsthand experience of the life-changing impact of global education.
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 determined to democratize access to scholarships for aspiring students from low-income backgrounds.
Founding Maximax: Helping Students Secure Scholarships
Marc co-founded Maximax, a social enterprise dedicated to guiding students through the complex process of securing full scholarships to world-class universities. Understanding the barriers—confusing applications, financial constraints, and immigration challenges—he and his team developed a structured mentorship program to help students navigate the scholarship landscape successfully.
With the support of Chevening alumni and dedicated volunteers, Maximax has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 50+ students placed in top universities across North America and Europe
- $1.5 million in scholarships secured for students
- 250+ students mentored through scholarship information sessions in partnership with the American and British embassies
- 80% of mentees are first-generation college students, breaking cycles of poverty and creating new opportunities
Expanding Impact: From Harvard to Global Change
Marc’s dedication to educational equity didn’t stop with Maximax. To amplify his impact, he pursued a Master’s in Education Policy at Harvard University, where he was elected as the Harvard Graduate School of Education Representative in the Harvard Graduate Council. This leadership position allowed him to advocate for 14,000 graduate students, further proving his commitment to driving change.
His peers recognized his contributions, electing him Class Marshal for the 2023-2024 cohort, and nominating him for prestigious awards like the Carter G. Woodson Award for Excellence in Education.
Future Vision: Empowering Thousands More
Marc’s journey is far from over. His ambitious goals for Maximax include:
- Short-term goal: Help 100 students secure $2.5 million in scholarships within the next three years.
- Long-term goal: Expand across the Caribbean, assisting 1,000 mentees in earning $25 million in scholarships by 2030 and increasing the region’s university graduation rate by 5%.
A Story of Inspiration and Global Change
Marc Ruben Claude’s story is a shining example of how scholarships change lives—not just for individuals but for entire communities. His work with Maximax is bridging the gap in higher education accessibility and creating a pipeline of future global leaders.
His message is simple yet powerful: “Your achievement, our success.”
Through mentorship, community support, and determination, Marc is proving that education is the key to breaking barriers and building a brighter future for all.
