For most students, their first year of college is about adjustment, learning a new environment, building community, and discovering their path. For Cameron Gaskins ’29, a freshman finance major with a sociology minor on the pre-law track from Atlanta, that first year has already become a defining moment.
Gaskins has been accepted into the highly competitive TRIALS Program, where he will spend the summer studying at Harvard Law School. This achievement places him among just 20 scholars selected nationwide.
What makes this milestone even more remarkable is that the program typically admits upperclassmen, graduate students, and college graduates. As a freshman, Gaskins has not only exceeded expectations but also made history as only the second freshman ever accepted into the program. The first freshman admitted went on to become the first African American mayor of Stockton, California, a legacy that underscores the weight and significance of this opportunity.
“I don’t take this moment lightly,” Gaskins said. “To follow in that lineage is both humbling and motivating.”
Gaskins is a Dr. Michael L. Lomax Student Success Scholar, an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, and a Howard Thurman Honors Scholar. He also serves as an intern for Mister Morehouse College and works as an equity analyst for BLK Capital Management. Each role speaks to a broader pattern, excellence paired with intentional service.
Beyond campus, Gaskins is the CEO and director of Capri Consulting, a financial literacy consulting business focused on equipping youth ages 10–16 with the tools to navigate economic systems. Through this work, he is already addressing the very inequities he hopes to challenge in his future legal career.
As an aspiring antitrust and economic injustice attorney, Gaskins sees the TRIALS Program as more than a summer program. It is a critical step in a much larger journey.
“TRIALS will sharpen my ability to challenge inequitable systems and advocate for marginalized communities,” he said.
That readiness is rooted in preparation. Gaskins maintained a strong GPA, conducted extensive research to identify opportunities aligned with his goals, and crafted a compelling application that reflected both his accomplishments and his purpose. His candidacy was further strengthened by strong letters of recommendation and a track record of leadership and professional experience, including internships prior to arriving at Morehouse.
The selection process itself was rigorous, consisting of three rounds of interviews that required deep critical thinking and self-reflection. Gaskins met each stage with clarity and confidence, ultimately earning his place in the final cohort.
While his résumé is impressive, Gaskins points to something deeper as the foundation of his success, faith.
“Throughout this entire process, I stayed grounded,” he said. “I relied on God, remained prayerful, and trusted in His plan.”
That balance between preparation and faith, ambition and humility, defines his approach. It also makes his story resonate beyond the accomplishment itself.
As he prepares for a summer at Harvard Law School, Gaskins carries not only his own aspirations, but also a commitment to create pathways for others.
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Student Success