Posted on February 4, 2026
High School: John F. Kennedy High School
Major: Merchandising, Botany Minor
Project: I would like to raise awareness of technology and how it is leading us to a hyper-individualistic, anti-socialistic, world. I hope to raise awareness of how our growing dependence on technology is likely leading our planet to an ultimate divide in more ways than one and how by coming together, we as a community can resolve this issue.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: What made me most excited about becoming a Puksta Scholar is being able to better my community with original, creative ideas and the support of others.
Posted on February 4, 2026
High School: D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School
Major: Environmental Engineering
Project: As an Environmental Engineering major, I’m passionate about public outreach on the vital roles bats and pollinators play in sustainable agriculture. I envision a project that combines habitat restoration at sites like the Orient Mine with community workshops on natural pest control and zero-waste farming. By connecting people with conservation efforts, we can reduce chemical inputs, protect biodiversity, and build resilient food systems.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: I’m most excited about joining the Puksta Scholars Program because of the strong sense of community it really seems to create. The opportunity to connect with like-minded, passionate people and learn from their experiences inspires me, and I look forward to supporting and uplifting others in return. To me, being a Puksta Scholar means building lasting relationships while working together toward positive change.
Posted on February 4, 2026
High School: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College High School
Major: Computer Science
Project: My community engagement and social impact work will focus on securing a grant to support under-resourced schools in communities of color. By collaborating directly with a specific school in Southern Colorado, I will develop a targeted proposal aimed at providing students with equitable access to technology and digital literacy resources. Ultimately, I hope to create a sustainable model that helps bridge the digital divide and ensures future generations have the tools and opportunities for success.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: I’m so excited to make a lot of great memories here and make an impact that leaves my footprint on the communities I hope to help foster. This will not only help the next generation but also allow me to have a blast with everyone and see where this incredible journey goes. Ultimately, I’m thrilled to be part of something bigger than myself, to learn and grow alongside a community of like-minded people, and to contribute to a cause I truly believe in.
Posted on February 4, 2026
High School: Thomas Jefferson High School
Major: Aviation & Aerospace Science
Project: For my Puksta Project, I want to focus on Youth Aviation Mentorship & Exposure Programs. I want to be able to create more diversity in Aviation.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: Being able to make an impact and the flexibility to choose what I want to do.
Posted on February 2, 2026
High School: South High School
Major: Social Work
Project: For my Puksta Project, I plan to support immigrant communities through advocacy and resource access. My goal is to help immigrant families overcome legal, educational, and social barriers so they can thrive.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: To be able to grow as a person and hopefully be a service to others along the way.
Posted on February 2, 2026
High School: Conservatory Green High School
Major: Art
Project: People often overlook history, viewing it as a series of distant, irrelevant events. As a Puksta Scholar, I strive to transform how history is taught to young people. I advocate for a more engaging approach, working with students and community leaders to reimagine history not merely as a timeline of past events, but as a dynamic, living story that continues to influence people’s lives today.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: I’m excited to be part of and engage in a community!
Posted on February 2, 2026
High School: George Washington High School
Major: Political Science
Project: Through this scholarship, my plan is to host a food drive in my neighborhood for the residents using the resources provided by local food banks, anti-hunger organizations passionate about addressing the root causes of food insecurity; willing to support this mission to being a success.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: I’m excited to be a part of a community full of dedicated students passionate about a social issue that needs to be addressed and learning more from people and getting connected to experts in fields I’m interested in. I’m also excited about the events hosted by the scholarship including the celebrations and retreats!
Posted on February 2, 2026
High School: DSST Green Valley Ranch
Major: Nursing
Project: Creating support groups or collaborating with a school to help participating students get worries and anxieties about starting college addressed is one of my goals for my Puksta Project. I would like to find an organization to potentially work with to make spaces where there is access to mental health resources that may aid the incoming college students while also getting questions answered. The transition between high school and college can be overwhelming so I would like to create a space where students can talk to others and feel less alone in the shift.
Looking Forward to in Puksta: I am looking forward able to support students who may be struggling with similar challenges that I faced during high school and entering college. I’m excited to get to know the other scholars and make a difference within my community.
Posted on October 20, 2024
Issue(s) of Focus: Mental Health, Bullying, Emotional Education
Major(s): Nursing
Project: I’m hoping to integrate mental health assistance and emotional literacy into any educational setting possible. I’d like to target any and/or all ages with my project. I aspire to teach others how to terminate cycles of abuse, redirect adverse people/behaviors, be comfortable with vulnerability, protect their own well-being, and much more.
Inspiration: I’ve always questioned everything and everyone growing up. I always want to know the “hows” and “whys” when it comes to peoples’ decisions, actions, and mindsets. This stems from me being a natural inquirer and being sensitive. I have found myself over-thinking and worrying excessively about how people have treated me and others negatively in the past searching for an answer or explanation. I’m sure a multitude of others can say they do or have done the same. I believe peoples’ behavior goes a long way as well as their treatment to others. Despite the fact that most people disregard this topic, I believe it contributes an abundance to concepts like communities, shared behavior(s), traits, habits, and more. Targeting the root of the problems, like obstructive behavior and lack of self-regulation, can aid in healthy, prosperous outcomes of those concepts.
Future Goals: I’m aiming to accomplish the implementation of confidence, behavioral intelligence, and mental wellness with whatever group(s) I’m able to work with. Teaching others how to react to and process unfavorable events as healthily as possible makes for a better future on their behalf and others.
Posted on October 20, 2024
Issue(s) of Focus:Homelessness and youth mentoring for girls of color.
Major(s): Mathematics
Project: I want to work within youth mentoring, helping foster leadership, education, and creativity. I would want to focus on youth of color, especially young girls. I believe that it’s important for youth of color to have the most support while growing up and learning more about the world.
Inspiration: Growing up, I found that I had a strong passion for STEM and the arts, but what really motivated me to keep trying new things and being creative was the support and encouragement I received from those around me. Their confidence in me shaped my drive and confidence, inspiring me to pursue new opportunities. I would want to keep the torch lit by doing the same thing others did to me to encourage the new brains of this generation.
Future Goals: By encouraging inclusion, empowerment, and resource access, I hope to create opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive through my work in the community and social impact projects. My objective is to promote equity in order to make a meaningful difference, especially in areas where voices are frequently disregarded or marginalized.
