CURRENT SCHOLARS

2025-2026 COHORT

MEGAN BALDEMOR
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

Project: Santa Clara Kids ARTopia

Santa Clara Kids ARTopia provides accessible arts education to elementary students in Santa Clara County, addressing the underfunding of arts programs. Through monthly after-school workshops and an affordable summer camp, children will explore traditional, digital, and performing arts, fostering creativity and growth. By partnering with local schools and Santa Clara University, we also connect college students with youth through teaching and mentorship. Our goal is to make arts education accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

EMMA BERMAN
UC BERKELEY

Project: Listen Up: Hear Here, Changing the Social Stigma on Hearing Loss

Listen Up: Hear Here’s mission is to create a community education and outreach program for
hearing health by destigmatizing the current social narrative surrounding hearing loss. At its core,
combining public health and community creativity, Listen Up: Hear Here will host weekly campaigns to teach individuals about the importance of hearing health and change the social narrative surrounding the use of hearing aids. Following the development of educational resources with the help of UC San Diego’s Facial Nerve Clinic Team, undergraduate students will volunteer on a weekly basis at open community spaces such as Farmers’ Markets, libraries, and recreational centers to 1) facilitate engaging, meaningful conversations about the reality of this growing issue and provide free hearing tests, and 2) organize creative spaces for community members to design and contribute to novel hearing accessories. By involving community members of all ages -- from young children and teens to adults and senior community members -- our project will provide a platform for all individuals to collectively design and create wearable hearing accessories that will be prototyped by our team. We will start in Berkeley, CA, and plan to expand within the state and beyond to create a new image surrounding hearing wearable technology together.

NAYA DUKKIPATI
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Project: SafeWeb

At the University of Southern California, I am organizing a service project that will raise awareness about sex trafficking and internet safety, while enabling students to get involved in the fight against trafficking. The proposed project aims to expand the pilot program (conducted twice) and bring this event and workshop to college campuses across Southern California, the biggest hub of sex trafficking on the West Coast. The approach involves partnering with the Traverse Project to organize educational events that will shed light on the dynamics of sex trafficking, provide information on internet safety measures, and offer opportunities for individuals to get involved in prevention efforts. These events will consist of presentations, Q&A sessions, as well as a digital safety workshop enabling attendees to acquire knowledge, participate in discussions, and potentially volunteer with the Traverse Project. To ensure program enhancement, feedback mechanisms will be implemented, and collaboration with USC's CARE-SC will guarantee comprehensive and sensitive presentations. Finally, we will work with the Traverse Project to create a documentary about the rise of cyber trafficking and the rise of digital harm in the United States and create a media awareness campaign. Ultimately, the main objective of this project is to educate, empower, and mobilize college students in the battle against gender-based harm and online sexual exploitation, thereby fostering a safer and more knowledgeable campus community and creating quantifiable action at a state to national level.

CRISTOPHER ESPINO
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (UCLA)

Project Title: Fostering Connections Mentorship Program

"Fostering Connections" is a mentorship program designed to support Transitional Age Youth (TAY), particularly those with a background in foster care, in their journey toward higher education. This program connects UCLA college students with TAY in the Los Angeles area who have aspirations to attend college but lack the necessary guidance and mentorship. Over three academic quarters, participants will engage in tailored workshops, interactive events, and field trips focused on building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships and providing both academic and emotional support. In the fall quarter, workshops will focus on the importance of mentorship, fostering relationships, and sharing personal stories. In the winter, mentees and mentors will participate in group events designed to deepen their understanding of each other. The spring quarter will include field trips to foster community, inspire college aspirations, and solidify the mentor-mentee bonds. The program aims to address the unique needs of foster youth by providing mentorship that is both college-centered and specifically tailored to their experiences, ultimately empowering them to navigate their educational path with confidence and support.

MARIELY FLORES-MIRANDA
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Project:

SOMOS: A Program to Support the Academic and Emotional Success of Students of Mixed-Citizenship Status Families

SOMOS: Supporting Opportunities for Mixed-Status Organization & Success is a proposed program dedicated to empowering first-generation Latine college students from mixed-citizenship status families by addressing the unique challenges they face in higher education. The program focuses on five key areas: academic support, financial guidance, counseling, community building, and career development. Services will include scholarship assistance, financial literacy workshops, mental health support, storytelling groups, and cultural resilience activities. Through mentorship and advocacy, SOMOS aims to foster a sense of belonging, resilience, and self-affirmation, empowering students to navigate systemic barriers and celebrate their identities. With a detailed implementation plan, community engagement, and strong academic and professional support, SOMOS seeks to create sustainable change for students while addressing the compounded pressures of systemic exclusion and familial responsibilities.

SRAVAN KRISHNA KODALI
STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Project: The California Rural Archives Project: Expanding Access to Ethnic Studies to Boost Civic Engagement Amongst Rural Youth

In 2021, California passed A.B. 101, requiring all high school students to complete at least one semester of ethnic studies to graduate. However, rural schools face significant barriers to implementation, including limited access to primary sources, educator support, and relevant curricula. Research has shown that ethnic studies and social justice history linked to students’ identities can inspire civic action, and rural communities in California are facing seriously dwindling civic engagement rates. My commitment to youth civic engagement and education equity began in rural Central New York, where I co-founded Empower CNY, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to expanding educational access for rural, refugee, and immigrant students – which is still active 5 years later. Additionally, my work with CNY March for Our Lives mobilized hundreds of youth to advocate for safer schools. Now, The California Rural Archives Project builds on these efforts by equipping rural students with curated historical materials and research opportunities that strengthen civic identity and historical literacy. Selecting Stanford’s Department of Special Collections and University Archives as a key strategic partner, my project will oversee the mobilization of a team of undergraduates to lobby for copyright clearances and digitize scores of previously inaccessible primary sources. Additionally, this project will develop a modern technology platform that can search and generate on-demand lesson plans based on classroom demographics. We will also earmark 3 years of funding for (1) an annual awards program for rural high schoolers who engage in civic research and action based on our primary sources and (2) a stipend-based Rural Collections Fellowship for Stanford Undergraduates to continue developing this project.

ALEXIS LOPEZ-RODRIGUEZ
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

Project: Soñando Sin Miedo

Soñando Sin Miedo originated as a free essay-editing program for low-income students in San Diego County. Through editing and by partnering with AVID, our program has impacted 200+ students. It began expanding in January 2024 through its consistent social media presence and unique website. We consistently upload scholarships and/or college resources on Instagram (@sonandosinmiedo). We are seeking Strauss funding to expand this mission to Los Angeles County and to target its significant Latinx population, which is disproportionately impacted by educational barriers. In addition to scholarship and college application help, we are going to partner with the Interfaith Food Center (IFC) in Santa Fe Springs, CA. According to the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative, there is a population of 6,511 people experiencing homelessness in planning area 7, with IFC at its heart. Over 71% of people experiencing homelessness in this planning area are Hispanic, and almost 78% are unsheltered. The lack of funding, local homeless shelters, representation, and political awareness of the needs of this community demands for a change. There are many aspiring scholars and professionals among this population who are gravely misrepresented. Through the generosity of college students and alumni, Soñando Sin Miedo seeks to remove the financial burden of attending college by hosting programming events with an enthusiastic community food center. Interfaith Food Center has agreed to host our events over the 2025-2026 school year, including the distribution of professional clothing, free mobile showers and haircuts, and technological assistance. We aim to maximize community involvement to increase ethnic capital and diversity for aspiring scholars.

MICHELL MAMOMBE
POMONA COLLEGE

Project: UNBOUNDED, the Girl Child who Embraces Her “Louding” Voice

Gender inequality and geographical barriers are persistent challenges for women in Zimbabwe, particularly for those in the third largest city, Gweru. The lack of exposure to opportunities like science fairs and high school scholarships, which can transform lives, impacts their representation in society later. To curb this, I propose UNBOUNDED, a girl club that aims to make a meaningful impact by equipping 35 girls, ages 13 - 18, in STEAM, with research methods, coding (Python) and social entrepreneurship skills. They will use the skills they learn to identify problems in the community, ideate solutions, propose prototypes, pitch their ideas, and implement their solution to the community. The tutors and volunteers will groom agents of change and well-rounded candidates for prestigious high school scholarships, and participate in science fairs all over the country. These rewards will give them an advantage when applying to universities in Zimbabwe and outside the country. Even if the students are not successful in their applications, they will still gain priceless skills in problem-solving and critical thinking that they can apply to multiple environments. To ensure sustainability, the first cohort will mentor the second cohort by guiding them on how to look for opportunities. The girls will use their voices to make an impact in their community and beyond.

VIVIAN NGUYEN
STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Project: Advancing Educational Equity in Crisis Areas: Empowering Girls’ Education and Mentorship in Ukraine/Gaza

My project, "Advancing Educational Equity in Crisis Areas: Empowering Girls’ Education and Mentorship in Ukraine/Gaza," provides STEM education, career mentorship, and emergency health training to girls in conflict zones. Through The Formula Project, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded, we will run a ten-week virtual mentorship program connecting trained mentors with girls in Ukraine, Gaza, and refugee communities in Lebanon. In partnership with Tent Schools International, which provides local volunteers and logistical support, we will work with displaced students in Bucha, Ukraine, and Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, ensuring access to critical education. The curriculum, which includes CPR, wound care, coding, and leadership training, is designed to equip girls with life-saving skills and pathways to professional development. I am also mentored by Dr. Paul Wise, a Stanford expert in child health equity and international security, to align our approach with best practices in humanitarian education. With Strauss Foundation support, we will expand this sustainable, peer-led model, empowering young women as future leaders and first responders in their communities.

CYNTHIA ORTIZ
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

Project: Soñando Sin Miedo

Soñando Sin Miedo originated as a free essay-editing program for low-income students in San Diego County. Through editing and by partnering with AVID, our program has impacted 200+ students. It began expanding in January 2024 through its consistent social media presence and unique website. We consistently upload scholarships and/or college resources on Instagram (@sonandosinmiedo). We are seeking Strauss funding to expand this mission to Los Angeles County and to target its significant Latinx population, which is disproportionately impacted by educational barriers. In addition to scholarship and college application help, we are going to partner with the Interfaith Food Center (IFC) in Santa Fe Springs, CA. According to the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative, there is a population of 6,511 people experiencing homelessness in planning area 7, with IFC at its heart. Over 71% of people experiencing homelessness in this planning area are Hispanic, and almost 78% are unsheltered. The lack of funding, local homeless shelters, representation, and political awareness of the needs of this community demands for a change. There are many aspiring scholars and professionals among this population who are gravely misrepresented. Through the generosity of college students and alumni, Soñando Sin Miedo seeks to remove the financial burden of attending college by hosting programming events with an enthusiastic community food center. Interfaith Food Center has agreed to host our events over the 2025-2026 school year, including the distribution of professional clothing, free mobile showers and haircuts, and technological assistance. We aim to maximize community involvement to increase ethnic capital and diversity for aspiring scholars.

ERIN NICHOLSON
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

Project: Creating Object Biography Oral Histories of WWII-Era Japanese Incarceration in the USA

My project, in collaboration with Dr. A.J. Faas and the Japanese American Museum in San Jose is focused on the collection, analysis, presentation, and preservation of oral histories in context to Japanese internment during World War I. We are serving the museum by creating a video exhibit that highlights the object biographies of chosen items in the museum’s incarceration exhibit. It is our goal to support the museum in their efforts to expand education, access and community through historical injustices such as incarceration. This video exhibit will be used in person and online as an educational tool for students and an effort to encourage engagement with Japanese Americans and other marginalized groups. With our partnership with JAMsj, we are able to highlight and present the diverse experiences of Japanese Americans and celebrate the similarities and differences that unify one another in the community. Through our use of anthropological research methods and community engagement, we are aiding JAMsj in their efforts to educate, engage, and inspire Japanese Americans and beyond.

SIONA SAMANTA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS

Project: Th(D)is Ability of Mine

Students with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are collegiately seen as unviable. Out of the 420,000 college-age students with ID, only 2% are likely to attend college after high school. Out of the 98% of individuals who don't attend college, only 15% have paid employment (National Core Indicators 2023). Programs like the Redwood Seeds Scholar Program (RSSP) change the trajectory for these students by believing in them, by telling them that they are capable, that they will be successful, by single handedly challenging the negative narrative that is often associated with this community. With support from RSSP and the Donald A Strauss Scholarship, I intend on rolling out a 3 phase project that allows our scholars with IDs to use varying mediums to communicate their stories with the rest of the world. Phase I relies on RSSP mentors supporting our scholars through their individual creative journeys - starting from writing their own novels to producing their own visual-arts program, the goal is for these scholars to use these creative outlets to share their personal experiences, hardships, and overarching messages. In Phase II, our scholars and their projects will be connected to high school students with disailities from Da Vinci Charter Academy High School in Davis, CA. Workshops will be hosted to allow our scholars and mentors to discuss the importance of pursuing post-secondary education and the various resources/opportunities available to these students to ensure their success. These high school students will be encouraged to create their own mini versions of the projects our scholars created in Phase I, allowing them to explore different mediums and storytelling processes. In Phase III, all the projects made over the course of the 2 phases will be promoted through various school and city newspapers as well as social media pages in order to increase awareness of our scholars, their stories, and the purpose of this project. With an inherently self serving cycle, this project has the potential to leave a profound, lifelong impact on the trajectory of our scholars and high school students, which is exactly what I intend to do.

JASMINE VU
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

Project: Santa Clara Kids ARTopia

Santa Clara Kids ARTopia provides accessible arts education to elementary students in Santa Clara County, addressing the underfunding of arts programs. Through monthly after-school workshops and an affordable summer camp, children will explore traditional, digital, and performing arts, fostering creativity and growth. By partnering with local schools and Santa Clara University, we also connect college students with youth through teaching and mentorship. Our goal is to make arts education accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.