The 2023 YouthCon Scholarship allows innovative high school students living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area with ideas to be actively involved with philanthropic work to make a difference in neighborhoods, with the support of AASuccess. We award innovative and driven students with the mindsets of giving back, and those seeking to strengthen their skills such as writing, presentation, and leadership.
- Timeline: November 2022 – February 2023
- Key Leads: Kingston Ho, Nathan Le, Leo Lue, Aashee Balani, Nathan Nguyen
- Goal: Encourage high school students to create a unique project based on an issue that is important to them. We also want them to take physical actions to solve their desired issue along with bringing awareness.
- How: Submit a 500-650 word essay in response to the following prompt: “At AASuccess, We find it meaningful for students to understand personal and societal adversities in order to discover their passion to give back to their community. This year’s theme, “Igniting the Spark”, symbolizes a journey initiated by a spark of aspiration to create an impact. With $300, how will you utilize your passion to develop a project that has the ability to serve your community while igniting the sparks of others?”
- Result-To-Date: The YouthCon Scholarship has been officially launched on October 27, 2022. 41 applicants have applied, 10 of whom were selected to go to the next Oral Presentation Round. The Presentation took place on February 19, 2023 at our office. Top ideas include:
- Purchasing supplies to enhance the Fort Belvoir’s Intrepid Spirit Center’s Garden which helps physical and mental relief for their patients.
- Start a club at school that is devoted to help this crisis of menstrual product cost and connect with others in the area to solve this problem.
- Create gift packages for the homeless or elderly people who may be isolated due to COVID-19.
- Utilize the $300 to develop a project that aims to educate and inspire community to act in protecting and preserving our natural resources.
- 2023 YouthCon Scholarship recipients:
- First place: Leilani Co, Senior, Robinson Secondary School. Idea: Reach out to high school girls in her community to join her in leading STEM workshops at community centers and schools.
- Second place: Sofia M’mari, Senior, Sidwell Friends School. Idea: Purchase hair products to help people braid their hair and build confidence.
- Third place: Bhargav Garre Venkata, Senior, Westfield High School. Idea: Start a certification program to give to restaurants that are based on multiple criteria, the certification would drive sales for that restaurant.
