The My Story Matters Scholarship was created to encourage high school students to write and share their personal narratives. The IMPACT scholarship will honor five seniors whose reflection on their life experiences has inspired them to impact their community. Recipients may use funds without restriction to support their life goals.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,000.
Requirements
Must be a 12th grade student currently enrolled in a school within Los Angeles County
Submit a completed application
Students MUST be available to attend and share their story with a live audience at our IMPACT event on Thursday, May 28, 2026 (5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.)
Prompt
Share your story and how it relates to your current/planned impact on your community (school, neighborhood, friends/family, etc.). Use your authentic voice and please include all of the following elements:
The characters and settings that have impacted you
Your struggles & accomplishments
The lesson(s) you have learned
The community need you are addressing and how you will impact it
Word Count: 750 - 1,500 words
Deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. PDT
Previous Recipients
2024
Wynter Allen
Taft Charter High School
Matthew Echeverria
Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School
Harley Huff
Chadwick School
Justin Kang
Downtown Magnets High School
Jocelyn Ortega Mendez
South Gate High School
Shariqa Sultana
Downtown Magnets High School
2025
Jesus Ayala
James Monroe High School
Jimena Castaneda
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
Mazel Ceniza
John F. Kennedy High School
Hanna Corona
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School
Lorenzo Flores
Alliance Morgan McKinzie High School
2023
Nadira Ahmed
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
Ana Arriaga
Alliance William and Carol Ouchi High School
Joshua Lozano-Carbajal
John Marshall High School
Lindsey Lee
Downtown Magnets High School
Chrysty Lopez
Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies