#United States #Le Mars #Space to Succeed #Emma DeRuyter #A Chance to Dance

Iowa State Keeps Shining: Scholarship for Service

In a remarkable achievement, Emma DeRuyter, a junior studying psychology and criminal justice at Iowa State University, has been recognized as one of the three national winners of the esteemed Fall Space to Succeed Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by The Storage Center, focuses on celebrating students who have made significant contributions to their communities. Emma stood out among thousands of applicants, showcasing her passion for social change and commitment to youth empowerment.

A Chance to Dance

Emma's dedication is vividly illustrated through her nonprofit initiative, A Chance to Dance - Le Mars. This organization was born out of her conviction that dance can serve as a healing outlet for children, especially those facing anxiety and other challenges. Recognizing the limited access some children have to extracurricular activities, Emma established her organization to ensure that every child has a chance to experience the joy of dance without the burden of financial constraints.

Through A Chance to Dance, Emma provides full-tuition dance scholarships, costumes, and gently used dancewear to underprivileged children. She has not only raised an impressive $8,500 for her cause but has also gathered over 300 used leotards and 100 pairs of dance shoes to support those in need. The program’s exponential growth, which has catered to every student who applied over the past three years, is a testament to her hard work and the community’s support.

Impact Beyond Dance

Emma's initiative does more than teach children how to dance. It helps instill essential life skills such as accountability, resilience, and teamwork. Parents have noted significant improvements in their children's confidence and overall happiness, especially visible during recitals. Emma’s goal is to expand her initiative beyond Le Mars, reaching nearby communities and offering more children the enriching experience she believes every child deserves.

Looking to the Future

Emma’s academic pursuits align closely with her philanthropic efforts. By studying psychology and criminal justice, she aims to become a forensic psychologist. Her vision is to integrate her understanding of behavior with law enforcement practices, ultimately aspiring to analyze criminal behavior and contribute to crime prevention strategies. In her view, activities like dance play a critical role in reducing risks among youths and enhancing community well-being.

Recognition and Support

Robby Piper, Principal at The Storage Center, praises Emma's proactive approach, stating, "Emma didn't just identify a need; she built a solution." Her discipline and community-focused mindset resonate deeply with the values upheld by the Space to Succeed Scholarship, which seeks to charm and support future leaders.

As Emma embarks on this new chapter supported by a $5,000 scholarship aimed at furthering her education, she embodies the spirit of giving and leadership. Scholarships such as these are essential not only for students like Emma but also for fostering a culture of nurturing future generations.

For those interested in discovering more about the Space to Succeed scholarship and its recipients, visit The Storage Center.

About The Storage Center

For context, The Storage Center is a leading organization managing over 55,000 storage units across more than 70 facilities in six states since its inception in 1986. The center focuses on providing accessible and secure storage solutions across various needs, further extending its impact by recognizing and supporting charitable initiatives like the Space to Succeed Scholarship.