Roadrunner one of 20 students selected for Stanford University medical school prep program - Crafton Hills College

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Publish Date: July 1, 2025

Lyilah Pena & Judy Cannon

Lyilah Peña, who just graduated with honors from Crafton Hills College May 23rd, has been selected to participate in Stanford University’s six-week Medical School Preparation program this summer. Lyilah was among just 20 students selected out of more than 2,000 applicants.

The CHC Honors Institute member earned an impressive 3.9 GPA, completing a selection of highly challenging courses. She is also a member of the campus MESA program.

Lyilah’s achievement is even more remarkable considering the obstacles she has overcome to achieve at such a high level. Being the first in her family to attend college, she did not benefit from consistent motivation. But the Honors Institute and MESA program she participated in at Crafton helped keep her on track to excel. She said that the faculty and staff in these two programs were “very passionate educators that have motivated me to dream bigger. My experience at Crafton was one based on community. I look forward to continuing my interests in the STEM field.”

The college’s Honors Institute and MESA programs continue to encourage students to perform at their highest capabilities and value their communal experiences.v