Lead the way to a brighter future, starting with your own community.
Empower YOUth is a transformative four milestone journey designed for high school scholars to independently launch their own social impact project and make a difference in their communities.
Not a student? Learn how to get involved here.
Empower YOUth
The Empower YOUth Visionary Scholarships are specially designed to reward and support those ambitious leaders who successfully complete our program and demonstrate a strong commitment to making a significant impact within their communities.
Although our program is open to all students, these scholarships are available exclusively to First Generation, Low-Income participants who complete the Empower YOUth program.
At the end of your journey, you will be asked to complete an attestation survey and will be automatically entered into a drawing for the $500 scholarship.
Are you ready to commit to social impact and earn a scholarship for your efforts?
Visionary Scholarship Deadlines
Due July 30, 2025 - Announced Sept 1, 2025
Due Oct 30, 2025 - Announced Dec 1, 2025
How It Works
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Get Matched to a Project
Once you submit your questionnaire, you will be matched to a Self-Led Guide that best aligns with your interests.
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Complete (4) Project Milestones
Over the next 4-8 weeks, our Scholars will follow a structured step-by-step guide that will lead them into a journey of social impact.
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Submit and Celebrate!
Upon completion, Scholars will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their leadership and dedication to civic action. Eligible students will gain access to Empower YOUth’s Visionary Scholarship.
Our Methodology
User-Friendly Design
Leveraging over seven years of comprehensive studies on student-led social impact projects, we offer a streamlined how-to guide that guarantees success for our scholars.
Self-Paced Journey
Our flexible platform adapts to your pace, allowing you to progress through your project as quickly or as slowly as you need, ensuring deep learning and meaningful impact.
College Application Ready
Transform your project into a compelling narrative for college applications, demonstrating your leadership and commitment to making a difference.
Take the Pledge
Unlock Your Potential, No Judgment: Our Self-Led Social Impact Program is where your future begins. No GPAs, no prerequisites—just your commitment to making a difference. Take the pledge today and step into a world of opportunity where what matters isn’t where you've been, but where you can go.
Your journey to impact starts here, with a simple promise to strive for a better tomorrow. Submit the form below to receive your personalized guide toward social impact!
100% Self-Paced
Our program is designed to get you started on your social impact journey without overwhelming you with materials. You’ll receive a clear, concise pamphlet and guide detailing everything you need to know to initiate and drive your project forward. We keep you on track with regular emails and accountability checkpoints, ensuring you stay focused and motivated.
This lean approach maximizes your ability to learn and implement quickly and effectively, making it easier than ever to start making a difference. Join us, and turn your vision into reality with just the essentials.
The Social Impact Project
As Scholars gain the toolkit to close their own gap, they will also give back to the very community that nurtured their growth and success. Scholars will be tasked to complete a project based on the UN’s Sustainability and Development Goals.
Empower YOUth introduces students to project-based learning and empowers them to tackle social issues that impact their local community. At the end of the program, Scholars will receive access to the Close the Gap Community and a trove of exclusive scholarships.
✅ No GPA or Resume Required
🆓 100% Free, No Strings Attached
🌎 Open to All Students
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Natalie Torres, Disability Awareness through Visual Art
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Giselle Morales Cortez, Richmond Community Clean Up
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Sifan Badaso, Oakland Community Clean Up
Evan Morrison Inaugural Empower YOUth Scholar
"The program’s structure, which emphasized autonomy and initiative, allowed me to delve deep into a cause I am passionate about: improving access to education for underprivileged children. [...] This project reinforced my belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthened my commitment to social justice and community service."
Melody Ojeda, Inaugural Empower YOUth Scholar
"The process was stressful, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and tackle something real. […] It helped me build communication skills and confidence. I felt accomplished knowing I followed through and made a difference in my community."
“[Close the Gap] has cracked the code in helping first-generation and low-income students self actualize.”
-Ceyhun Yakup Özkardes-Cheung, Thrive Global