For A Bright Future Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Awardees for Single Parents
Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has proudly announced its 2024 Single Parent Household Scholarship winners. The scholarship program is committed to supporting deserving students from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. This year, the foundation awarded scholarships to four remarkable individuals: Kana DeCoste, Liam Fernandes, Mariyah Newman, and Nathalia Granger.
Meet the Awardees
Kana DeCoste, aged 19 from California, is studying Environmental Studies with a Minor in Studio Arts at Middlebury College. Despite the challenges of losing her father and her mother’s battle with stage 4 breast cancer, Kana has managed to excel academically while supporting her siblings. Her roles as president of the Art for Mental Health Club and captain of the cross-country team further demonstrate her dedication to her community and personal growth. "This award shows that my dedication to school, family, and my many passions have not gone unnoticed, and it will help ensure that my educational journey continues in the positive trajectory that it has started," Kana stated.
Liam Fernandes, also 19, hails from Virginia and is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Despite having moved multiple times due to financial constraints, Liam remained focused on his studies and excelled, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving the U.S. Department of Education President's Award. Being fluent in Urdu and English, Liam is also actively involved in community service and church activities. He remarked, "This award means a lot to me and my development, and it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of single parents who strive to create a better future."
Mariyah Newman, another recipient, is from Texas and is studying Chemistry at Huston-Tillotson University. After the tragic passing of her father due to COVID-19 and battling financial struggles, she graduated in the top 5% of her class. Mariyah's leadership as Senior Class President and her dedication to sports highlight her multifaceted talents. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "This scholarship is a blessing. It will allow me to continue my education so that I may make an impact on my community and be a blessing to others."
Lastly, Nathalia Granger, 19, from Illinois, aspires to study Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Maryland College Park. Raised in a challenging family environment, Nathalia has persevered primarily due to the support of her community. Her ambition to work in environmental consulting or law underscores her desire to give back. "When the going gets tough, I keep moving forward, and good things, like this scholarship, will cross my path," she shared.
About the Foundation
Founded by Louis Hernandez Jr., a prominent figure in the field of technology, the Foundation For A Bright Future is geared towards empowering underprivileged children through education, healthcare, and youth leadership. The scholarships provided by the foundation aim to uplift students hailing from single-parent households and others facing adversity.
The Single Parent Household Scholarship program plays a significant role in addressing the educational needs of these exceptional students, emphasizing the pursuit of excellence in STEM fields. In 2024, the foundation received an overwhelming response with nearly 6,000 applications, which highlighted the pressing need for educational assistance among these demographics.
The rigorous review process ensured that the scholarships were awarded to those who not only excel academically but also showcase genuine passion for community service. This initiative aims to pave the way for the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
The foundation expresses its gratitude to the Scholarship Committee for their dedication, particularly acknowledging Chairwoman Susie Hernandez, Vice-Chairwoman Jennifer Oddo, and various selection team members who contributed to the selection process. Their commitment helped identify talented scholarship candidates nationwide and facilitate the necessary resources for their educational journeys.
To learn more about the Foundation For A Bright Future, visit their donation page at www.forabrightfuturefoundation.org. Together, we can empower underrepresented communities and provide equal educational opportunities for all children, enabling them to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society.