Scholarship Secrets: How High School Students Can Secure Funding

Michael Hamad is a dedicated youth advocate who cares deeply for youth representation and voice. He has served as a UNICEF USA National Youth Representative for Texas and on Houston's UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) Youth Council working to advance children's rights and welfare. As a member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee with CFCI, he designed an educational emergency preparedness curriculum for K-8 children. He created infographics and educational videos to disseminate to schools across Houston, predominantly in underserved areas impacted more negatively by emergencies, for youth to better understand disaster information, the risks posed to their communities, and how to prepare and respond to disasters. Also, as a member of FEMA's National Youth Preparedness Council, he created a compelling nonfiction book of young disaster survivors across the U.S., focusing on their experiences and knowledge gained, to enhance future preparedness and resilience for youth nationwide.

Michael also served on the Education Equity Committee as a City of Houston Youth Ambassador, chaired the Houston Mayor's Youth Council, and served on the Mental Health and Civic Engagement Committees. Additionally, as a member of the Houston Youth Police Advisory Council, he met with the police chief to discuss and advise on current issues of importance affecting youth and their communities, participated in service projects to benefit disadvantaged families, and engaged with the senior community.

Michael is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma recipient and an incoming freshman at Northwestern University. He plans on majoring in political science and pursuing a career in law.

Jenna attends The Woodlands Secondary School and wants to pursue medicine in post-secondary. She is passionate about art, true crime, and health science. She is co-president of Prefects, a school club focused on fostering community and supporting charitable causes. She has helped raise over $20,000 for charities like Feed Ontario and Covenant House. Beyond school, she is the founder of Canvas for a Cause, a non-profit organization selling paintings and commissioned artwork to raise funds for local animal shelters. As a Volunteer Lead at William Osler Health System, Jenna manages a team of volunteers across various hospital departments, emphasizing collaboration and proactivity to enhance team engagement. Jenna is excited to further her positive impact in her community as she continues her studies at university.