Layla Crofton, Lorain Preparatory High School Class of 2026, Oberlin College
Layla Crofton is a thoughtful and creative scholar whose passion for technology, storytelling, and social impact is shaping her path toward a future in computer science and game development. A proud graduating senior of Lorain Preparatory High School, Layla will attend Oberlin College to study Computer Science, where she plans to further develop her programming skills while exploring how technology can be used as a tool for emotional connection, education, and change.
As a member of her school’s Robotics Team, Layla has demonstrated both technical curiosity and a commitment to innovation. Beyond academics, she is deeply motivated by her desire to create meaningful experiences that help others better understand mental health, human emotions, and philosophical ideas through interactive storytelling. One of her long-term goals is to develop her own indie video game that shares her unique perspective on the world while encouraging players to reflect, connect, and grow.
Layla’s passion for ethical leadership and community-building is rooted in her belief that compassion, open-mindedness, and integrity are essential for creating positive change. As a Black queer woman who values social justice, sustainability, and human rights, she was drawn to Oberlin College’s history of inclusion, activism, and progressive leadership. “I dream of contributing and uniting people using ethical leadership,” Layla shares. “I believe Oberlin is the perfect place to do that.”
With her creativity, vision, and commitment to building spaces where people feel seen and valued, Layla is prepared to use technology and ethical leadership to inspire understanding and make a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
