For our selection committee, awarding Mattania Biniam the East African Youth Scholarship was an easy decision. He embodies the very spirit of our foundation — excelling in the classroom, leading in his community, and competing on the court, all with remarkable drive.

An Eritrean-American headed to Southern Methodist University to study Management Science, Mattania carries both a rich heritage and a bold future. For his family, this scholarship is more than financial relief; it's a vote of confidence from a community that believes in him.

With a vision to use data and analytics to leave a positive footprint on the world, Mattania is exactly the kind of leader our community is proud to invest in.

For our selection committee, Elim Girma's application was a standout choice for the East African Youth Scholarship. She graduated in the top 10% of her class while leading numerous student organizations, pairing exceptional communication skills with a fierce work ethic.

A first-generation Eritrean-American, Elim is heading to Texas Tech University to pursue a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst. For her, this scholarship is far more than a door to higher education; it's a vote of confidence that lets her deepen her studies, build professional networks, and step into a new independence.

Driven by a calling to shield others from digital threats, Elim is moving into a career where her leadership will safeguard data and uplift her community.