For A Bright Future Foundation Unveils 2025 Scholarship Awardees
The
For A Bright Future Foundation (FABF), a nonprofit organization founded by Louis Hernandez Jr., has announced the recipients of its
2025 Single Parent Household and Families Scholarship. This initiative aims to assist students hailing from underserved communities who show dedication to academic success and a desire to drive social change. This year's awardees are
Dulce Ponce-Rafael, Lily Waller, Nathan Okubazgi, Tamara Green, and
Taylor Green.
Meet the Awardees
Dulce Ponce-Rafael
Dulce, currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at
Florida Southern College, exemplifies resilience and determination. Her journey has been filled with challenges, yet she remains passionate about becoming a teacher in her hometown, intending to inspire future generations. "Receiving this recognition validates my efforts and my mother's dedication to providing for our family," Dulce expressed gratefully.
Lily Waller
Maintaining a stellar
4.0 GPA at
Southern Arkansas University, Lily is majoring in
Computer Science. She is actively involved in various extracurricular activities, showcasing her multifaceted talents. Next year, Lily plans to travel to Japan to immerse herself in animation, refining her skills to create meaningful narratives through her art. "This scholarship is crucial for my education and future plans to innovate in the tech industry," Lily remarked.
Nathan Okubazgi
A student of
Computer Science at
Virginia Tech, Nathan aims to bridge the educational gap with his envisioned platform,
ConnectEd, designed to provide free educational resources for low-income students. He recognizes the transformative power of this scholarship as a catalyst for his vision. "It reaffirms that my dedication is being recognized and fuels my ambition to enact change," Nathan stated.
Tamara Green
Studying
Nursing at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Tamara is inspired by her mother's struggles with a chronic illness. Her goal is to serve as a
pediatric travel nurse, delivering critical care to vulnerable communities. "This scholarship is not just financial; it's a recognition of my potential and hard work. It inspires me to swiftly achieve my career aspirations," she explains.
Taylor Green
Taylor, pursuing a degree in
Public Health at
Rutgers University, wishes to create impactful policies in maternal health. Her experiences with the healthcare system have motivated her to advocate for community health practices that empower mothers. "This scholarship represents hope and support for my daughter and me, assuring us that our efforts are noticed and valued," she stated passionately.
Selection Process
In total,
FABF received over
10,000 applications nationwide for the
2025 scholarships, illustrating the immense demand for educational support in today’s society. The selection process involved a thorough review conducted by industry experts, including Susie Hernandez and Jennifer Oddo, who, alongside a dedicated selection team, assessed the applicants based on their academic achievements and community focus.
A Commitment to Change
The
For A Bright Future Foundation stands firm in its mission to empower underrepresented youth through scholarships and mentorship programs. Founded by Hernandez to illuminate paths for students facing systemic barriers, the foundation aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders. To learn more or contribute, visit their website at
FABF.org.
FABF continues to highlight the importance of educational opportunities to foster sustainable community growth and development, emphasizing their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
By investing in the education of these remarkable students, FABF not only supports their individual aspirations but also aims to create broader social impact for generations to come.