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