Makayla Harrison L’23

Makayla is a Toll Scholar and Skadden Youth Advocacy Scholar dedicated to advancing the rights of youth in Philadelphia. The Skadden Youth Advocacy Scholarship (previously known as the Flom Youth Advocacy Scholarship) is administered as part of the Toll Public Interest Scholars Program.

Makayla is pursuing a law degree and a master’s degree in education policy. During her time in law school, Makayla has advocated for youth through her experiences working with several public interest organizations in Philadelphia, including the Education Law Center, the Youth Justice Project at Community Legal Services, and the Support Center for Child Advocates. She has participated in the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic, the School Discipline Advocacy Service, and the Christian Legal Clinic. Makayla currently serves as a Certified Legal Intern with the Interdisciplinary Child Advocacy Clinic. Before law school, Makayla was a teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.

Makayla attended the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences. As the first woman of color to become Class President at Penn, Makayla used her platform to advocate for greater access for underrepresented students at Penn. She increased funding for low-income students to access class-wide events, worked alongside university administration, and led initiatives with Active Minds Penn to promote mental wellness on campus. She also volunteered in West Philadelphia schools as a tutor and mentor.