Partners for Youth with Disabilities partnered again with GEICO this spring to award young adults with disabilities the GEICO Changemaker Scholarship to support their educational goals.
PYD granted $15,000 in scholarships to Junior and Senior undergraduates attending colleges and universities throughout the country studying Business, Finance, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and/or Marketing.
Selected scholars showed exemplary leadership experience, perseverance, and optimism, exemplifying the values and mission of PYD.
PYD/GEICO Changemaker Scholarship
Meet the 2024 GEICO Changemaker Scholarship winners:
Arisa Chue, Senior Computer Science major at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
“By awarding me the GEICO Changemaker Scholarship, you have allowed me to focus on my education, further explore the many opportunities available to me at Stanford and continue to be successful at school.”
Bess Hagan, Senior Computer Science major at Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX
“Being chosen as a recipient for the PYD GEICO Scholarship not only ensures my academic advancement as I begin my senior year at Southwestern University to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, it also allows me to pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth beyond the classroom. Moreover, this esteemed award represents a belief in my potential, and it affirms that individuals like myself are recognized as significant contributors to the future of STEM and technology. Thus, I am deeply grateful to the donors for their generosity, as their support empowers me to continue striving for excellence in both my academic and professional journeys.”
Christine Kim, Junior Informatics (human-centered data science) and Advertising major at University of Texas, Austin, TX
“As an upcoming junior pursuing a double major in Advertising and Informatics, along with triple minors in Computer Science, Business, and Integrated Design, my academic journey is both ambitious and demanding. Winning this scholarship means I can redirect my time, energy, and focus to fully dedicate myself to my passions. I hope to wholeheartedly delve into exploring the intersections of data analytics, business technology, and human-centered design. Ultimately, this scholarship empowers me to pursue my goal of becoming a bridge between human-centered media and technology, fostering both my education and personal growth. I am truly grateful for PYD’s and Geico’s generosity and support.”
Elina Crosby, Junior Marketing major at Bentley University, Waltham, MA
“Winning this scholarship is a tremendous honor. The scholarship will contribute to my study abroad semester at the University of Vienna School of Business and Economics where I will be immersing myself in learning to speak German and studying international business and the Viennese culture.”
Mohammad Rizvi, Senior Computer Science major at Colorado State University Global, Denver, CO
“I am very pleased to have been chosen as a recipient for this scholarship! Winning this scholarship is a reminder to me that, in spite of all the prejudice I’ve faced, my accomplishments are just as valid as my disability, even if it is not a visible disability. The scholarship will help me complete my degree without going into debt, and it will also serve as a form of validation of both my achievements and of my disability.”
Nolan Benner, Junior Computer Science major at Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
“Winning the scholarship means I will have an opportunity to achieve my career goals with minimal student loans or debt. This will allow me to seek out a career of my choice faster, which will allow me to make my mark on the world and change it for the better. With my education, my goal is to become a software developer and to improve the user experience so that it is accessible to people of all ages and with any sort of accessibility-reducing ailment.”
Sridatta Bapatla, Senior Computer Science major at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA
“Growing up with Autism, I faced many challenges everywhere. Winning the Changemaker Scholarship means a lot to me as it shows that hard work pays off and with perseverance and dedication, nothing is impossible. I attend Flutie Foundation events as an Autism self-advocate to raise awareness for Autism, creating a positive change in the community.”
Syedgull Noorali, Senior Physics major at Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA
“Winning the GEICO Changemaker Scholarship fills me with overwhelming gratitude and genuine joy, especially considering the journey I’ve traveled to reach this moment. Coming from a background of hardship in Afghanistan, where the scars of war and poverty were all too real, this scholarship represents far more than just financial assistance. It’s a beacon of hope, a reaffirmation of my dreams, and a testament to the unwavering support of organizations like Partners for Youth with Disabilities and GEICO. From the moment I lost my leg in the conflict to the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, every step of my journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of education. Receiving this scholarship is a validation of those efforts, a recognition of the hurdles I’ve overcome, and an affirmation of the belief placed in me by others. It’s a reminder that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, with perseverance and support, anything is possible.”
Zach Kuenzi, Senior Accounting major at Western New England University, Springfield, MA
“Receiving the Changemaker Scholarship is an honor for me, as it recognizes my hard work and dedication. This support gives me the time to fully concentrate on my studies which allows me to enhance my skills and knowledge in accounting. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a certified public accountant and making a meaningful impact in the field. This scholarship is an indication of the trust placed in me, and I am committed to honoring it through my future achievements and work in the community.”
Congratulations to all the winners!
We are proud to support these outstanding students and grateful to GEICO for their belief in inclusion and young people with disabilities.
The winners were honored at the National Disability Mentoring Coalition Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 23.