Scholarship Recipients
School Year 2025-2026 - $25,000 Awarded
The Students
- Name: Carlos
- School: Reed College
Thanks for choosing me as a recipient of your scholarship once again. The Caste Action Alliance award will be a big help. I don’t have generational wealth, and my parents work multiple teaching jobs every year to pay for my education.
Any monies I receive through on-campus work or scholarships help lessen their financial burden. I am on track to graduate with a degree in Film and Media Studies on May 14, 2026.
As an African American artist, I am also deeply inspired by the resilience of minority communities facing systemic injustice. I use various forms of visual media—drawing, painting, and photography—to express myself. I believe art has the power to shape identity, amplify voices, and strengthen communities. This belief has guided my work as a content editor for SOCU Receipt, a student-led journal that promotes minority art and perspectives; as a peer mentor for first-year students of color; and as a zine intern producing publications focused on underrepresented narratives.
After graduation, I plan to pursue an interdisciplinary master’s degree in media art, filmmaking, and creative writing. My goal is to combine storytelling with social awareness—to create works that inspire, inform, and empower. Once again, your annual support has played a vital role in funding my academic journey over the past few years. – Carlos Jaden Cabrera
Name: Che
School: Morehouse College
I am incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of your generous scholarship. Your support brings me closer to achieving my goal of using communication as a tool to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change.
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to the power of communication to connect people, share stories, and foster understanding. This passion, combined with a deep commitment to advocacy and social impact, led me to pursue a degree in Communications. I am excited to continue developing the skills needed to make a positive difference in both media and community spaces. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently challenged myself to grow—both intellectually and personally. Whether through collaborative projects, independent learning, or extracurricular involvement, I’ve focused on becoming a strong, adaptable communicator who can work effectively in a variety of environments.
This scholarship not only alleviates financial stress but also affirms my dedication to this path. Your investment in my future inspires me to work even harder, knowing that others believe in my potential to make an impact. -Che Harmon Williams
- Name: Ethan
School: Southwestern College
I want to sincerely thank you for your generous scholarship. It truly means so much to me and my family. Because of your support, I can focus more on my education without constantly worrying about how to pay for it. I
’m currently working toward my degree in psychology, and my dream is to become a counselor. I’ve always wanted to help people through tough times, and this scholarship is helping me move closer to that goal. It’s not just money—it’s a vote of confidence that reminds me why I’m doing this. College can be overwhelming sometimes, but knowing someone out there believes in me gives me extra motivation to keep going.
Your kindness has made a real difference in my life, and I’m incredibly grateful. One day, I hope I can do something similar for someone else—help them chase their dreams like you’ve helped me chase mine. – Ethan Harmon
Name: Jahydynce
School: Monterey Peninsula College
I am writing to express my gratitude for your generous support through the Caste Action Alliance. I am truly honored to be selected as one of the winning participants and I also want to thank you for investing in my future.
I am currently wanting to pursue Pharmacy. For my first 2 years of school I will be doing my prerequisites at Monterey Peninsula College, then transferring to a university with the goal of getting my PharmD degree and becoming a pharmacist.
I am passionate about being in the medical field because coming from a family, that teaches me to always do everything you do in love is the reason why I want to use my time on this planet to help people every day in the medical field, while also making my family proud. I am committed to my career and know I will make an impact on this world whether it is big or small.
This scholarship truly means more than financial help, it means encouragement, seeing my potential, and getting me a step closer to my dreams. Thank you again for your generosity in helping students like me pursue their dreams in higher education. – Jahydynce Wieder
Name: Jhailyn
School: Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Thank you for your generosity by selecting me to be a recipient of the CAA scholarship. While I have had much academic and non-academic success in the past, I know that pursuing a juris doctorate degree will be an unfamiliar yet exciting experience and I, accordingly, will have to devote a substantial amount of time to my studies.
Receiving this scholarship means that I will be able fulfill these commitments despite coming from a single parent and low-income household as a first generation and minority law student. Not only will this scholarship be helping me financially, it has also become a source of confidence.
While the world has deemed me destined to fail, you all have believed in me and invested in my future. And for that, I am abundantly grateful. In my time at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, I am hoping to explore the world of law beyond my studies. By participating in community-based organizations, clinics, and competitive teams, it is my goal to leave law school with tools that will foster the success of my desire to help those, like me, who the world believes is destined to fail.
Thank you so much once again for choosing me to be recipient for your scholarship and investing in my future! –Jhailyn Bryant
Name: Johanna
School: UC Berkeley
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support through this scholarship. As a triple major in Psychology, Legal Studies, and Educational Sciences with a minor in Human Rights, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing students in today’s educational system.
This scholarship means so much to me, not just financially, but as a reminder that there are people who believe in my goals and potential. Your generosity helps ease the financial burden of my studies and allows me to focus more fully on my academic and professional aspirations.
I plan to apply to an MS or Ph.D. program in School Psychology, where I hope to contribute to building more equitable, supportive learning environments for all children, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities. Balancing multiple majors and minor is demanding, but I am inspired daily by my desire to make a meaningful impact. Your support brings me one step closer to that goal, and I am sincerely thankful for your investment in my future. -Johanna Harrell
Name: Mikayla
School: Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Thank you so much for your generous support. Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and means so much for my continued academic and professional journey.
Over the years, my interest in language and its power to open doors and bridge cultural divides has grown. That passion led me to the current moment, where I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation. I am committed to expanding language access between English and Spanish (and hopefully more languages in the future).
This scholarship eases the financial burden of balancing work and study, allowing me to dedicate more time to refining my skills. Beyond this, I hope to engage in research in Spanish-speaking communities and continue building on what I’ve learned during my undergraduate and graduate studies. I am dedicated to becoming one of the few Black translators and interpreters in the USA, highlighting underrepresented voices and providing a space to uplift these voices, whether that be for myself, my community, or any of those who rely on translators and interpreters to be heard. -Mikayla Parson
Name: Nicholas
School: Kennesaw State University
I am incredibly appreciative of your kind assistance and feel honored to have been chosen to be a scholarship recipient. More than just financial assistance, this award as a Master of Social Work student represents my purpose, my voice, and the academic and service-oriented path I am dedicated to.
My great-grandmother left behind stories of determination and courage that molded our family’s identity, and this history is the foundation of my passion for social work. My great-great-great-grandmother was born in 1857, before Juneteenth, and we have traced her genealogy down to her through oral history and a treasured family Bible. Her life and the stories that have been passed down through the generations inspire me to work for equity and social justice.
Your financial support of my studies advances my goal of working as a clinical social worker and supporting underserved areas. I appreciate your support and encouragement as I work toward my objectives. – Nicholas Moseley
Name: Zachary
School: Grand Canyon University
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support through this scholarship. As a educator with a deep commitment to equity in education, I am honored to be selected as a recipient. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Secondary Education with the goal of becoming a elementary school principal.
Growing up in a lower-income community myself, I understand the challenges many students face—both academically and socially. My dream is to lead a school where every child, regardless of background, feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. I want to create a culture that uplifts students and provides the resources and relationships they need to thrive.
This scholarship means more than financial assistance—it is a confirmation of my path and purpose. It allows me to focus more fully on my studies and leadership development, bringing me one step closer to serving and uplifting students in underserved communities. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for investing in future school leaders. Your support is helping me fulfill a lifelong dream that I hope will positively impact generations of students. – Zachary James Moseley
Name: Mia
School: Sacramento State University
I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous support through the Caste Action Alliance scholarship. I am truly honored to have been selected again as a recipient.
I will be enrolling at Sacramento State University as a Sophomore and plan to major in Biology with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
I come from a Mexican and African American decent family first-generation to attend college. Higher education has always been a dream I’ve worked hard to achieve. This scholarship brings me one step closer to completing my degree and pursuing my career goals.
Beyond financial relief, this award affirms my commitment to my education and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. Balancing school and part-time work haven’t been easy, but your support eases that burden and allows me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. This scholarship has been of tremendous help to pay for my housing and meal costs which increased this academic year. Thank you once again for investing in my future. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and hope to one day give back to others just as you have done for me.- Mia Aileen Dean
- Name: Kavon Natron Collins
- School: Scholarship not claimed