Northwest Early College High School senior earns multiple Ivy League acceptances

Northwest Early College High School senior admitted to 4 Ivy League universities. 

Northwest Early College High School senior Jacob Lozano is facing the kind of dilemma most graduating seniors only dream of: which of the four Ivy League universities should he attend? 

Lozano, a student leader and a former Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees Student Advisors, was admitted to Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College. 

He received notice of his acceptance during Ivy Day last week, the day when the Ivy League schools announce which students earned admission to their schools – the most prestigious universities in the country. 

For Lozano, the moment his college decisions arrived didn’t feel real. Staring at his screen as acceptance after acceptance rolled in, he recalls questioning what he was seeing. 

“The first emotion I felt was definitely shock,” Lozano said. “I even started saying, ‘This is a prank, this is a prank,’ over and over again. But then I just felt incredibly grateful and I started crying.”

Those tears marked the culmination of years of hard work, determination and a willingness to aim higher than he once thought possible. On top of the four Ivy League schools, Jacob was admitted to seven other top tier schools. 

Lozano admits that applying to Ivy League schools wasn’t always part of his plan. That changed after participating in the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, a program that connects high-achieving Hispanic students with mentors and resources.

“They gave me the confidence and the practical skills to apply,” Lozano said. “Seeing other Hispanic students succeed in those environments made me feel like I could do it too.”

That sense of possibility and belonging proved transformative.

Lozano credits NWECHS for preparing him to thrive at the next level. The school’s unique structure, which blends high school and college coursework, helped him develop the adaptability and academic discipline required for elite institutions.

“My education at Northwest has really prepared me for college,” he said. “We get exposure to high school classes, college classes and even access to university classes at UTEP. That kind of environment mirrors what you’ll experience at schools like Harvard or Yale.”

Principal Frank Clark says Lozano’s success is a testament to both his individual drive and the school’s mission.

“Jacob is a shining example of what’s possible here at Northwest,” Clark said. “His achievements reflect not only his talent and work ethic, but also the supportive, high-expectations environment our students experience every day.”

While Lozano has yet to make his final college decision, his long-term goals are already clear. He plans to pursue graduate studies in law and eventually become a policy researcher, focusing on economic policy and healthcare, particularly mental health.

“I want to bridge the gap between economic policy and the real, human-centered effects it has on people,” Lozano explained. “Especially in mental health, where I’ve seen firsthand how the system can fall short.”

He is considering majors in political science or public policy, paired with neuroscience, a combination that reflects both his intellectual curiosity and his desire to create meaningful change.

For Lozano, this achievement is not his alone. He credits his family as his greatest source of strength throughout the journey.

“They’ve been my biggest support system,” he said. “We’ve never really had anyone in my family attend schools outside of Texas, so this is new for all of us. It’s exciting and I’m especially grateful to them for everything they’ve done.”

He also recognized the impact of former NWECHS students who helped pave the way.

“They really set the standard for me and gave me the confidence to try,” Lozano said. “Even after they graduated, they stayed in touch and helped me through the process.”

Lozano’s story is not just one of personal success, it’s a reflection of what’s possible when opportunity, mentorship and determination intersect. His journey is already inspiring the next generation of students at NWECHS to dream bigger and aim higher.

As he prepares to make his final decision and take the next step, one thing is certain, this soon-to-be Griffin grad isn’t just headed to an Ivy League campus, he’s on a path to make a lasting impact.

Congratulations, Jacob!

Jacob is a shining example of what’s possible here at Northwest. Clark said. His achievements reflect not only his talent and work ethic, but also the supportive, high-expectations environment our students experience every day.Frank ClarkNorthwest ECHS Principal