IMPACT 2026

This is your night
to make a difference.

Thursday, May 28, 2026
5-8 PM
555 Mateo St, Los Angeles

WHAT IS IMPACT 2026?

This year, IMPACT is more than a celebration.

FIVE high school seniors will share their personal stories with you.

TWO community members will be honored for championing personal storytelling for young people.

And ONE donation from you helps us bring these programs to more students.

Thursday, May 28, 2026
555 Mateo St, Los Angeles

5:00 PM | Bites + Social Hour
6:00 PM | Program
7:30 PM | Closing

Business casual attire encouraged.

EVENT DETAILS

THREE WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT:

Attend.

Five high school seniors receiving the My Story Matters Scholarship will share their stories with you.

Bid.

Our silent auction features exclusive items and experiences.

Bidding Opens In May
Bidding Opens In May

Give.

Your donation funds the programs where students discover their stories.

The My Story Matters IMPACT Scholarship

Each year, PLUS ME awards five high school seniors $1,000 for writing and sharing their personal stories. Recipients reflect on the characters, settings, and events that have shaped them and connect those experiences to the impact they are making in their communities.

At IMPACT 2026, each recipient will share their story with you on stage.

Recipients will be announced in May. See previous recipients and application details here.

This year, IMPACT introduces two awards honoring the people who make this work possible.

IMPACT 2026 CHAMPIONS

The Beth Bythrow
Educator of the Year Award

Honors an educator who creates spaces where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to share their stories. This award recognizes a teacher whose work reflects the PLUS ME mission: helping young people build confidence through personal storytelling as they pursue their life goals.

Fernando Lopez

Social Studies + ASB Teacher
Social Justice Humanitas Academy

Rosita Medina

Board President
PLUS ME Project

The Rosa Castro
Volunteer of the Year Award

Recognizes a volunteer whose service has strengthened the PLUS ME community. This award celebrates an individual who shows up with heart and commitment, supporting young people in building confidence and connection through the art of personal storytelling.

  • "I never imagined myself to be here. Growing up, I never saw myself speaking in front of a crowd.

    —Jesus Ayala
    IMPACT Alumnus, UCLA

  • "I feel overwhelmed with joy and excitement. I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to share who I am."

    —Hanna Corona
    IMPACT Alumnus, UC Berkeley

  • "Knowing that PLUS ME specifically makes new stories heard makes me feel powerful, but also validated."

    —Jimena Castaneda
    IMPACT Alumnus, Yale University

Unable to attend? You can still make an impact.

98% of students would recommend PLUS ME to their peers.

Your donation supports the storytelling workshops, scholarships, and partnerships that help young people build confidence through their stories.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors:

Interested in sponsoring IMPACT 2026?
Click here to learn more.