This year, ten remarkable students are joining Shad2026 as recipients of the Community Changemaker Scholarship, supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation. Among them: Rashid Abu Ghazaleh, Layal Alwan, Vanessa Bourgeois, Coco Gao, Benji Herzog, Nayl Lahlou, Evalina Markosky, and Jashan Taur.

These students were selected for their exceptional leadership potential and deep commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. These scholarships ensure that financial constraints never stand between a motivated student and the Shad experience, helping more students access this life-changing opportunity.

Rashid is looking forward to collaborating on innovative projects, developing new skills, and building friendships with peers who share his interests and ambitions. Layal is excited to build lasting connections and gain the knowledge and tools to bring sustainable solutions back to her community. Vanessa can’t wait to explore engineering and mathematics laboratories and deepen her understanding of STEM. Coco is looking forward to meeting new peers and experiencing life in a new environment. Benji is excited for the full on-campus experience, from playing sports to getting a taste of university life. Nayl sees Shad as the perfect opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solving complex challenges while building meaningful connections. Evalina can’t wait to meet like-minded teens who share her curiosity and passion for learning. Jashan is eager to tackle real-world challenges and push himself beyond his comfort zone.

Click on the images below to learn more about these changemakers and what they are most excited for at Shad.