Tag: scholarship winners

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And the Awards Go To…

Each year, we have the opportunity to award some deserving high school seniors with a $10,000 scholarship. We also select one of our winners to be our top winner; this individual receives an additional $5,000 to continue their project. Each applicant has completed a community improvement project, based on a need they saw in their community. We choose winners based on a few different criteria, with long-term potential for the project to continue benefitting the community being one of the main criteria. Every year, we are so inspired and moved by the many projects that are submitted– there is so much good in the world! This year was no exception, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 HGU Build A Better Future Scholarship.

TOP WINNER:

Parker Bohr- Pioneer Pantry

When the food pantry Parker was volunteering at closed down, those facing food insecurity in his community were left wondering what to do. Parker’s concern for these families pushed him to find a solution. Working with school staff, he was able to secure an unused room at the school. Soon, the Pioneer Pantry was born. He held food drives, created a website, and provided food for many families. The Pioneer Pantry will continue to bless the lives of people in the community because of the work and dedication Parker put into it. In addition to helping families in need, the life skills/transition class, which is right next door to the pantry, has been able to help out stocking shelves, preparing food to be given, and so on. This has allowed these students to be given some real-life experience, and has helped them gain important skills as they transition out of high school and into the adult world. 

Great job, Parker!

OTHER WINNERS:

Mason Below- Bilingual Buddies Program

Mason noticed a disconnect at school: many of the newly immigrated students weren’t attending extracurricular activities. After doing some investigating, he realized it was because there was a big problem with language barriers getting in the way. These new students were struggling to learn English, and therefore, not engaging in activities because they simply did not understand. Mason sought out to find a way to help this problem. Together with a counselor and teacher at his school, they created a list of newly immigrated students and what language they spoke. Next, they generated a list of established students who also spoke foreign languages. Finally, using those lists, they pair a newly immigrated student with an established student who spoke their language. These “Bilingual Buddies” help new students navigate academic and extracurricular things at school, thus helping the new students to feel more comfortable and more aware of what is going on around them. What a great idea, Mason! Every high school should implement a system like this!

Aditi Muduganti- Roots & Rise: A Youth Pocket Forest

Aditi noticed that students were learning about environmental issues, but didn’t really have access to nature to observe these issues in real time. Rather than sit back and let it continue, she got to work. Aditi authored a children’s book about sustainability and responsible environmental practices. She visited schools and read her book to the students there. She also noticed that there was a large patch of land that wasn’t being used at one of the elementary schools. She began formulating a plan: using this space, she would plant a pocket forest, using the Miyawaki method. Essentially, she would create a real forest that is compact and sustainable. This forest could then be used to educate students about nature. With the help of her community, she planned a planting day and planted the pocket forest. Students can now come and observe and learn from the forest in this new outdoor classroom. 

Great work, Aditi!

Samarah Agrawal- Recycle & Repurpose Initiative 

When she was only 14 years old, Samarah came across a story about a garbage truck catching on fire because of one improperly disposed of battery. She began to observe a gap between the dependence on batteries and accessible and proper disposal of those batteries. Samarah discovered that there were battery recycling options, but that those opportunities were few and far between. Realizing that there had to be a better way, Samarah began the Recycle & Repurpose Initiative. She created battery recycling boxes and began placing them around town. Soon, she began to see those boxes being used. So, she continued to press on, making more boxes, creating a website, and teaching the community about proper battery disposal. In the few years she has been working on this project, she has successfully obtained and properly disposed of over 40,000 batteries! She continues to leave boxes around her town, and people continue to use them.

Impressive work, Samarah!

Isn’t it amazing what one person can do? These brilliant young minds saw a need and found a way to address it, impacting their communities, and changing lives. We are so proud of these four seniors and their drive, determination, and passion. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about each winner and their project. 

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2025 Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Eva McIver-Jenkins & Ava Gonnella

Back in April, when our Build A Better Future Scholarship Applications were due, I was reading through submissions, finding myself very impressed with the caliber of projects that students had done. There were so many incredible projects submitted, and choosing winners was hard! A couple of projects really stuck out to me and the team, one of which was a project called “Laps for Philly”, and was spearheaded by Eva McIver-Jenkins and Ava Gonnella. 

First, a little about these two brilliant minds! Ava and Eva recently graduated high school in Pennsylvania. This fall, Ava will be attending Fairfield University, where she will be rowing and studying economics. She is the oldest of three, enjoys spending time outside, learning to play the ukulele, and ice cream. Eva will be attending Brown University, where she will be studying biomedical engineering. She has been swimming competitively for 12 years, loves math, and Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream (especially after a long practice).

Ava and Eva were given the opportunity to resurrect a project that had previously attempted to raise funds for swimming lessons at a community pool. The project, called Laps for Philly, was driven by the goal to provide swimming lessons for underprivileged kids. Ava and Eva felt passionate about this project because, as swimmers themselves, they understood just how important water safety is. They both noticed racial and economic disparities in access to swimming. Ava wrote, “I’ve seen firsthand how valuable swimming is—not only for safety but also for confidence, connection, and community. That realization inspired us to launch Laps for Philly, a project rooted in both equity and empowerment.” 

Eva began her swimming journey on a predominantly Black swim team. They practiced in a pool that was lacking in resources. This experience was part of the driving force behind Eva’s desire to provide accessible swimming lessons to children in similar circumstances. She said, “Laps for Philly serves young students in underserved Philadelphia communities who often lack access to affordable swim lessons, safe pool facilities, and consistent aquatic programming. These communities face systemic barriers to swimming access, including financial constraints, facility shortages, and historical underrepresentation in the sport. The project was created in direct response to this need, with the goal of providing swim education, promoting water safety, and building pathways for equitable participation in aquatics.” Ava also felt a pull to help young swimmers have the access they needed to succeed. 

Once they had the idea and goal of their project worked out, they needed to figure out the logistics— funding, locations, access to materials, and so on. They began by researching and learning how other organizations had approached the issue and looked into what resources were already available for them to use. From there, they began to network with their school, community members, coaches, and families. They developed a plan to raise awareness, raise funds, and even built a youth ambassador program. They raised money through a swim-a-thon and other creative events, encouraging community members to participate or donate to the cause. They reached out to their school for help as well, and used social media to spread the word about their cause. 

Eva and Ava didn’t let any roadblocks stop their dream from becoming a reality. Eva wrote, “One of our biggest challenges was finding space for our fundraisers and building partnerships with schools and pools. Coordinating with multiple organizations and aligning schedules took time and patience.” They learned to communicate, lean on each other, and to stay flexible. They also learned to adapt to needs as they changed or came up. These obstacles were learning experiences and eventually led to a stronger system and better leadership. 

Even both girls will be away attending college, Laps for Philly will continue to make an impact on young swimmers. Ava said, “we’ve been intentional about creating a structure that can grow with or without us. We’ve built a team that includes younger ambassadors who will carry on the mission, and we’re working on expanding our board and community roles so leadership is sustainable.” What a brilliant idea to structure the project to be able to continue to grow for years to come! 

The impact that has been seen through this project has been incredible. Ava wrote, “We also saw how the project helped people feel seen and valued, especially when they realized the work was being led by students who truly cared. This project has helped over 50 families learn to swim!” Involving the community is an excellent way to spread awareness and include all kinds of people. Eva wrote, “The community response was overwhelming in the best way. People wanted to help—through donations, volunteering, or signing their children up for swim lessons…. Laps for Philly became a movement that extended beyond our original vision.”

Not only did this project impact their community, both Eva and Ava said the personal impact was also great. They learned how to be leaders, work together, and work through challenges. They found that passion alone was not enough to sustain a project of this magnitude— they also needed community support and structure. Both girls found a sense of purpose through participation in this project, and are better people because of it. 

What an incredible, powerful project! You can tell that both Eva and Ava are passionate about water safety and proper swimming technique. They want to share that knowledge and passion with others who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Their impact has been great, and will continue to be so as their organization keeps growing and changing! Good work, girls!

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Drumroll, Please! 2025 Scholarship Winners

The winners of our HGU Build A Better Future Scholarship have been chosen! There were so many amazing projects submitted. I was amazed by the dedication, time, and passion that went into each project. It was so hard to choose the top five; I spent a couple of weeks going through each application, making notes, going back through applications, and working with our HGU team to narrow it down. It was tough, but we finally settled on our decisions.

And the winners are…

Ryleigh Brenamen-Trumbull

Project: ALS Awareness Campaign

Ryleigh is passionate about ALS research and care. She is seeking to provide a better experience for patients in the throes of ALS diagnosis and treatment. Through her dedication and time, she has hosted several fundraising events that have raised over $29,000. The money has been donated directly to Hoenselaar Clinical Trial Program in Detroit, Michigan. She says, “In my community, the impact of ALS became deeply personal when three individuals, including my grandmother, were diagnosed with the disease. This experience highlighted a significant issue being the lack of research and funding dedicated to ALS. Despite the devastating nature of the disease, which progressively affects mobility, speech and breathing, ALS remains underfunded and receives limited attention compared to other diseases. The lack of resources for ALS research is a critical concern. While families like mine are left to cope with the emotional and physical toll of the disease, there is insufficient investment in scientific research and treatment development. The current pace of progress is slow and the options available for those affected by ALS are limited. It is clear that more funding and support are needed to improve the lives of those diagnosed with ALS. Increased awareness and investment in research are essential to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Advocating for more resources is vital to ensuring that individuals and families affected by ALS have access to better care and hope for the future.”

Maria Avila-Silva

Project: Pathfinders

Being an immigrant herself, Maria knows how difficult it can be to find the appropriate resources for accessing higher education. Her project aims to help immigrant students like herself build confidence and access to the resources needed for post-high school education. She says, “Growing up in my community, I’ve seen so many talented immigrant students held back by obstacles like self-doubt, lack of resources, and the belief that higher education is out of reach. I’ve watched friends with incredible potential question if they’re “good enough” or wonder how they could afford college, and it breaks my heart.

As someone who came to the United States from Venezuela at the age of nine, I understand these struggles firsthand. I’ve been in their shoes, feeling like an outsider and unsure of where to turn for help. That’s why I’m passionate about my work with Pathfinders, where I help immigrant students find their path to higher education. Through this program, I’ve shown students that college is not just a distant dream, but an achievable goal. Whether it’s guiding them through applications, offering mentorship, or reminding them that their passion matters. I’m driven to help students overcome the barriers that hold them back and empower them to believe in themselves and their futures. Every student deserves the chance to believe in themselves, and I’m committed to making that happen.”

Eva McIver-Jenkins and Ava Gonnella

Project: Laps for Philly

Eva and Ava knew more could be done for underprivileged kids who wanted to learn more about swimming. Together, they teamed up to create an amazing organization that provides swimming lessons and gear for kids who need it. Eva wrote, “I grew up on the pool deck, surrounded by the sharp scent of chlorine and the joy of teammates cheering each other on. My first swim team, based in West Philadelphia, was small, spirited, and predominantly Black—one of the few in the city where I felt I truly belonged. But as I moved to more competitive teams, I began to notice how rare that space was. Often, I was the only Black swimmer at the meet. It made me ask: Why aren’t there more kids who look like me in the water?

The answer wasn’t talent—it was access.

In response, I co-founded Laps for Philly, a grassroots initiative to bring aquatics to underserved communities. We fund swim lessons, lifeguard certifications, and gear, and partner with schools and centers to host workshops that reframe swimming as more than just a sport. Swimming is a life-saving skill, a source of joy and recreation, and for many—like me—a pathway to scholarships and academic opportunity.

Our mission is simple: go to where the people are—not just physically, but with understanding and respect. Through Laps for Philly, I’ve seen kids fall in love with swimming and realize the water has always been theirs, too.”

Fowwaz Moeen

Project: Food for Friends

Fowwaz became aware of the problem of food insecurity, and sought to do something about it. Using resources available to him, as well as securing additional funding, he was able to build several garden beds and restore a damaged greenhouse on his school’s campus. The garden beds are maintained by fellow students, and the crops grown and harvested are donated to local food pantries. Fowwaz wrote, “When I first walked into room C311 as a shy freshman, I never imagined the UNICEF club would define my high school experience. As I progressed from member to President, I expected my impact would be contained to UNICEF. However, the defining moment of my leadership came during the 2022 monsoon floods in Pakistan, which left 1/3 of children with malnutrition. I launched an urgent campaign to raise awareness and funds. Yet I didn’t have to look past Houston to see food insecurity firsthand.

In Houston, nearly 30% of low-income residents live in food deserts (areas where access to fresh, affordable food is scarce). In one of the most multi-cultural cities of the country, this issue impacts a diverse community—over 644,710 people in my home county of Harris alone. It affects the most vulnerable members of our community, impacting their health, well-being, and—for the 1 in 4 children in Houston who are food insecure—even their education.

Access to fresh and healthy produce is a basic human right, and by addressing food insecurity, I realized I could bridge socio-economic divides in my city. That’s when the idea for Food for Friends was born.”

Japteg Singh-Bamrah

Our top winner this year was Japteg Sing-Bamrah. In addition to the scholarship award, Japteg will also receive an additional $5,000 to continue work on his project.

Project: Solar Mech Machine

Japteg saw a need, and sought to make it better. In an effort to make farming more efficient and sustainable, Japteg designed, created, and implemented an innovative renewable energy solution. He wrote, “India, being an agrarian country, faces two major challenges in rural development: electricity availability and post-harvest losses. In many areas of my community in Punjab, over 40% of post-harvest produce is lost due to inadequate electricity, lack of dryers, and insufficient cold storage facilities. These losses lead to severe financial setbacks for farmers, contributing significantly to the growing number of farmer suicides.

There is an urgent need to adopt renewable energy solutions that can operate in standalone, hybrid, or combined heat and power (CHP) modes. However, without adequate government support, such technologies remain unaffordable for most farmers. After conducting cost and feasibility analyses—considering renewable sources, economic viability, and mean sunshine hours—I discovered the potential of a Stirling cycle-based CHP system to convert external heat into mechanical power.

Following my selection at the Jigyasa Hackathon, I received mentorship at CSIR-IIIM Jammu. Through extensive design analysis, load calculations, and CAD modeling, we developed a functional prototype—SolarMech—a solar CHP system using air pressure as the working fluid. This innovation presents a promising, sustainable solution to the dual challenges of power scarcity and post-harvest losses in rural India.”

Congratulations to this year’s winners. Stay tuned for coming posts spotlighting each of our winners, with more details about their projects!

To learn more about our scholarship and what was required of these amazing winners, click here.

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And The 2023 Winners Are…..

I know I say this every year, but this year’s winners were especially hard to choose because the quantity and quality of submissions we received were incredible. Our team spent two full weeks discussing each and every application, calling references, hearing these kids’ stories from the teacher’s perspectives, and verifying information. It was hard to make the final decision on our top five winners, but alas, we were all able to agree on who should receive the $10,000 college tuition money.

So without further ado, meet our 2023 scholarship winners!

Jalen Coleman: Jalen is our top winner and will receive $5,000 in grant money to further his project. He worked with his city and sponsors to refurbish basketball courts and host tournaments for kids to play in at no cost to the player. He writes,

“The game of basketball belongs to everyone. If you have a ball and a hoop, you have a game. Unfortunately, the sport of basketball for kids has been privatized and commercialized into pay for play model, where travel, cost, and fees are required before kids ever get to see the ball go through the basket. This has created a demand for gym space, coaches, players, playing time, and winning which has caused the stakes to raise, and the culture of sports to become hyper-competitive. I seek to return the game to its roots. We invite all skill levels, youth ages, and genders to play at newly refurbished courts for FREE. Outside J allows all who want to hoop, the ability to hoop without the hyper-competitive, money-driven baggage that comes with sports.”

Austin Picinich: He was set out to help the salmon spawning in Juanita Creek by designing and carrying out the painting of multiple murals around Washington. He writes,

“My goal was to not just create a mural that’s nice to look at – but a mural that teaches my community to protect salmon, and engages my community in creating it. I truly wanted to involve the entire community. I developed a unique “Community Paint Day” format that was interactive and educational. I first designed, outlined, and color-coded my salmon-themed design onto the blank wall in advance. Then, in April 2022, I hosted a Community Paint Day leading 170+ volunteers, ages 4 to 74, to “paint-by-number” my design – transforming the 112-foot wall into a vibrant mural.

Gitanjali Rao: She is a innovator that not only works on research projects, but also adopted an educational outreach program. She writes,

“My work broadly involves 2 main areas, research/innovation, & educational outreach. They are symbiotic and complement each other to achieve the end goal of developing my solution. Within my research initiative, I have developed few products such as a patented lead detection in water, early diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction and launched an anti-cyberbullying technology service in partnership with UNICEF. While working on these, I developed a process to take a solution from an idea to reality, that is proven and repeatable. In the spirit of developing a community of innovators, I started sharing this with my community peers and received excellent feedback. A peer student-led session proved to be effective in environments across the globe. The workshop supplemented any efforts to introduce innovation and social empathy earlier in a student’s education. I started with 10-12 students and slowly expanded it to 300 students per session. Today I conduct about 3-5 sessions a week with about 200 students weekly. I take feedback on them and have been continuously improving the interactive nature of the sessions so that at the end of it, the students have an idea, solution and a process with them to refine on their own.”

Victor Caceres: He was inspired to remodel his town’s food pantry. He writes,

“My project is to renovate and refurbish Martha’s Pantry at my local perish of St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church. Saint Bridgets has been my local parish and I know the community very well. Along with that, St. Bridgets is also where my troop meets. I believe my project will help the community by providing an adequate space to distribute perishable and non-perishable food and goods for free to many of the less fortunate in the area. I believe my project will not only benefit the church community at St. Bridgets, but many of the people who live in the Van Nuys area, especially the elderly who frequent Martha’s Pantry throughout the year for their food and goods.”

Fiona Lu and Esther Lau: These two girls have set their eyes on politics to change laws to better their low-income community (among other bills they have been working hard to pass!) and they are working to promote low-income youth to get involved with legislate processes as well. They write,

“Basic Needs Now bridges the gap between the large number of low-income and impoverished youth and their low level of engagement in advocacy. We do this in two ways: policy advocacy and grassroots advocacy. Through policy advocacy, we hope to provide opportunities for low-income youth to participate in bills that support access to basic needs, whether that’s through proposing policies, pushing them through the legislature, or other forms of involvement. At the same time, we’ll hone in on on-the-ground work by creating a chapter infrastructure that mobilizes youth nationwide to form strong connections with their local communities in need. We’re changing the advocacy landscape by giving a platform to low-income youth to fight for issues that affect themselves, while existing organizations often fail to represent our particular community. Moreover, our simultaneous emphasis on both top-down and bottom-up approaches to engage and prioritize impacted communities sets us apart. By working with and building upon the strong network of legislative trailblazers and pioneering advocates we’ve created in the past year through SB 260, California’s Menstrual Equity Act of 2023, we’re excited to uplift the voices of our own community, empowering youth like ourselves to join the movement for economic justice.”