2025 Leadership Initiatives Summer Internship Program Scholarship RecipientsAPPLY FOR 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS HERE.
Leadership Initiatives offers scholarships to high school students from rising freshmen to graduating seniors for our Summer Internship Programs. Below are the 2025 Leadership Initiatives Scholarship recipients!
Benore Futures in Global Defense ScholarshipWen Wu, a Junior at Mclean High School, is deeply involved in various extracurriculars to help his community and promote positive change. He is involved in Youth Ambassador, Youth Council, and the We Are Future Leaders (WAFL) program. These extracurriculars enabled Wen to gain a broader understanding of the challenges within his community and work with peers to create meaningful improvements. Through his work in the Youth Council, Wen teamed up with exceptional high school peers to combat issues affecting younger students, specifically supporting middle school students in their transition to high school. Through the WAFL program, Wen collaborated with Korean Americans around the nation to learn more about his culture and identity (as an Asian-American) and discuss issues affecting the Asian-American community.

Besides serving his community, Wen is in his school’s advanced choir (Madgricals) and is involved in his church Youth Band. Wen is also passionate about aviation and was able to participate in the VPPGS and pass his FAA written Test. This summer, Wen plans to accumulate his flight hours and work towards his private pilot's license. His passion for aviation and serving his community connects to his aspirations of becoming a military pilot and working for the National Security Agency.
Wen Wu
McLean High School
Class of 2026
Mclean, Virginia
For the National Security & Diplomacy Internship
Benore Young Advocates ScholarshipEleany is a passionate and driven student at Cathedral High School, where her love for political science and social justice fuels her dedication to creating real change. Whether co-owning a pop-up dessert shop, mentoring younger students in Peer Group Connections, or taking on leadership roles in student government, Eleany is always seeking opportunities to make a difference in her community.

As a skilled debater, she’s honed her public speaking and critical thinking abilities, winning gold at the NYC Urban Debate League at just nine years old. Eleany is also focused on bridging gaps between students and public officials, having discussed local safety and youth programs with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

With her goal to launch The Debate Society at her school, she hopes to create a space for students to explore current events and social issues through thoughtful dialogue. Eleany aspires to attend a top-tier university, where she can continue pursuing her passions for law, advocacy, and making a lasting impact on the world.
Eleany Pozo
Cathedral High School
Class of 2028
New York City, New York
For the Criminal Law & Trial Internship
Hayden Janus is a junior at Waunakee Community High School with a passion for medicine and leadership. He founded the Medical Discovery initiative, which connects students with healthcare professionals through hands-on exposure to healthcare through shadowing programs, facility tours, and Q&A sessions.

As president of his school’s HOSA chapter, Hayden leads 195 members in organizing meetings, fundraising, and community service projects.

He also serves as class vice president, advocating for student initiatives and engagement. Beyond leadership, Hayden actively immerses himself in patient care as a CNA at a local assisted living facility and has gained clinical insight by shadowing an orthopedic surgeon.

He thrives in rigorous academics, with AP Biology among his favorite courses. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing soccer and skiing. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a pre-med track and a career in orthopedic surgery.
Hayden Janus
Waunakee Community HS
Class of 2026
Waunakee, Wisconsin
Elizabeth Stefan Health Innovation Memorial ScholarshipFor the Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship
Delina M. Gebremichael is a sophomore at Geffen Academy at UCLA, who enjoys actively participating in her school and outside for the community.

She is a founder and treasurer of the UNICEF club at her school and hosts many drives with the group and individually. For instance, UNICEF’s Halloween Trick or Treat Drive that raises awareness and money for underprivileged kids globally or her own drive for school children in war stricken areas in Africa.

She also participates in other clubs such as the Women’s Affinity Group, Crafts for Good, Junior Classical League, Bring Change 2 Mind, and Community Outreach Group. Outside of school, in her free time, she volunteers at A Place Called Home and Miriam’s House in activities such as preparing/organizing meals, tutoring children, and helping out elderly patients. In the future, Delina looks forward to helping create a brighter future where healthcare is accessible to anyone who needs it.
Delina Gebremichael
UCLA Geffen Academy
Class of 2027
Los Angeles, California
Elizabeth Stefan Health Innovation Memorial ScholarshipFor the Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship
I am a motivated student with a passion for business, technology, and creating meaningful change. Inspired by my parents’ experiences and my connection to my faith, I aspire to build spaces that empower others—especially Muslim women.

This led me to create the idea for a women-only platform for connection, support, and shared experiences. I’m eager to learn how business can be used as a tool for impact, and I’m driven to explore ways to help others through innovation and community-focused solutions.
Sabina Temirbulatova
Advanced Tech Academy
Class of 2027
Las Vegas, Nevdad
Emerging Leaders in Business ScholarshipFor the International Leadership & Business Internship
Sabrina Welch is a passionate STEM enthusiast who has an avid love for all things science! She aspires to pursue neurology, and loves research and public speaking. In 2022 she founded her own youth organization, Mind Tricks: The Magic of Neuroscience which uses card magic tricks to teach neuroscience to kids in an accessible, fun, and engaging way tailored to youth learning! She has since built her organization to a global pursuit, with establishing chapters in Hong Kong, India, Canada, Türkiye, Bangladesh, California, Massachusetts, and more!

In addition to being the founder of Mind Tricks, she is a research intern at Chai Lab of Harvard Medical, Brigham and Women’s, and Mass General where she is eternally grateful for having the opportunity to explore groundbreaking onco-fetal proteins, biomarkers, and engage in cancer research. She also enjoys leading the brain bee tournament team as president to encourage youth engagement in neuroscience. She loves independent research, and has conducted multiple research studies which she has presented at Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and many science fairs. She also runs the “Sonder Project” where she meets with strangers to share their story, and foster connection, while exploring the neurobiological importances of interaction. She loves to crochet and is a fashion, and photography enjoyer!
Sabrina Welch
Shrewsbury High School
Class of 2026
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Dr. Paul Kostecki Memorial Scholarship - HOSA ExclusiveFor the Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship
Kayden is an exceptional 15-year-old young man. He is a freshman at Clinton High School and currently holds a GPA of 4.7 within his academics. He is a member of the Army JROTC within the school, as well as a member of their Air Rifle team. Kayden is also a member of the National Beta Club.

Kayden is very interested in aviation. He aspires to join the local Civil Air Patrol program this summer in Greenwood, SC. His passion for aviation drives him to pursue opportunities that will help him achieve his goals.

Kayden's future goals include becoming a fighter pilot in the military, in hopes of contributing to the duty of serving and protecting our great country. He is inspired to follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers and other great soldiers within his family.
Kayden Montgomery
Clinton High School
Class of 2028
Clinton, South Carolina
Kuehn Excellence in Security & Service ScholarshipFor the National Security & Diplomacy Internship
Linda Carullo Memorial ScholarshipAddison Tretten, a dedicated high school junior at Silver Creek High School, has immersed herself in the world of healthcare, following her passions for medicine, research, and community service. From observing surgeries at Foothills Surgery Center to volunteering at UCHealth in the Medical Surgical Unit, Addison is always searching for new ways to learn about and gain experience in the medical field.

Addison is also taking classes at her local Career Elevation and Technology Center with the goal to graduate with her EMT certification. Addison also takes great pride in her work conducting research on Alzheimer’s Disease treatments, exploring the future of medicine. A seasoned martial artist, she holds first and second-degree black belts, competes in sport karate, and previously served as the Head Instructor of her martial arts school.

Addison aspires to pursue a PhD/MD, completing fellowships in trauma surgery and neurosurgery, striving to blend research and surgical practice to improve patient outcomes. Beyond all else, she enthusiastically looks forward to where her love of learning and devotion to helping others leads her on her educational journey.
Addison Tretten
Silver Creek High School
Class of 2026
Longmont, Colorado
For the Advanced Medical & Publice Health Internship
Linda Carullo Memorial ScholarshipIn his senior year at Lowell High School, Ayden Tse is known for his outgoing personality and people-oriented motivation. Ayden is an active member of his school’s California Scholarship Federation Tutoring program, where he mentors his peers and serves staff members around the school. His participation in this honor society has developed his understanding of and adaptability to different learning styles. He has expanded his communication skills and continues to discover ways to enhance his capabilities as a mentor and his commitment to being an active member of society. Ayden’s academic and social ambitions have led him to positions like president of his school’s U.S. Veterans Club, an intern at UCSF’s Brain Health Internship, and a researcher at UCSF’s MITO Lab. Having been in collaboration with his city’s district supervisor to address homelessness and housing crises, Ayden aspires to channel his leadership qualities toward inspiring future leaders and other curious individuals. Additionally, as a leader of his school’s varsity baseball team, he enjoys collaborating with others toward common goals. Never straying away from challenges, he takes advantage of the opportunities he comes across to serve his community. Moving forward, Ayden dreams of a future where he can create generational change in the world around him. With aspirations of pursuing a higher education in biomedical engineering, he hopes to contribute to groundbreaking developments in medicine.Ayden Tse
Lowell High School
Class of 2025
San Francisco, California
For the Advanced Medical & Publice Health Internship
Linnea is a dedicated student with a strong passion for healthcare, advocacy, and leadership. An aspiring neurologist, she combines academic excellence with real-world experience. She founded and led the first HOSA chapter in the Saint Paul Public School district and now serves as the 2025–2026 Minnesota HOSA State Vice President of Outreach. Her HOSA Connect internship included judge outreach, chapter development, and expanding the Alumni Program.

Beyond HOSA, Linnea engages in community service and advocacy. She’s a Youth Ambassador for Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, a member of the HealthPartners Teen Leadership Council, and a counselor-in-training at a camp for kids with type one diabetes. She also works as a part-time home health aide, using personal experience to advocate for better care and understanding.

Academically, Linnea excels in advanced coursework and will begin full-time PSEO in the fall. With a strong focus on health equity and inclusive leadership, she’s committed to creating a future where quality care and opportunity are accessible to all.
Linnea Pedersen
Como Park Senior High
Class of 2027
St. Paul, Minnesota
Marshall Bailly “Senior” Memorial Scholarship - HOSA ExclusiveFor the Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship
A junior at Morton Ranch High School, Abie Desmond-Uyi is passionate about technology, cybersecurity, and leadership. As the Vice President of her school's Engineering Club, she has helped lead the team to state competitions in its inaugural year. Her dedication to bridging the digital divide led her to found a nonprofit that is now expanding into a platform for teaching digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness to vulnerable communities. She is in the top 6% of her class, takes a rigorous (and honestly tiresome) course load of AP classes, and is a member of Academic Decathlon. She also placed 6th at the Texas FBLA State Competition.

Beyond her technical interests, Abie is deeply involved in the arts. She served as a varsity dance drill team officer for two years and earned two Silver Keys and an Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Committed to policy and advocacy, she founded a club focused on empowering young women in politics and was selected as a Texas Girls State Delegate. She is currently in the process of getting her research published and is writing a book on mental health from the lens of an adolescent. With a passion for both technology and social impact, she hopes to pursue a career in cybersecurity, focusing on protecting underrepresented communities from digital threats.
Abieyuwa Desmond-Uyi
Morton Ranch High School
Class of 2026
Katy, Texas
Ocbina Cybersecurity Innovators ScholarshipFor the Cybersecurity & Defense Internship
Hui Hui, a current junior, is recognized for her commitment to STEM, ethical inquiry, and innovation. As a full scholarship recipient at UWC-USA, she has demonstrated excellence in rigorous academics and interdisciplinary discussions. She is a member of the school’s Ethics Bowl team, which placed second at the Colorado Ethics Bowl Championship. At the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge, Hui Hui and her team secured sponsorship from Freeport-McMoRan for their development of an automated groundwater data collection system.

Additionally, she was selected for the prestigious Sakura Science Exchange Program in Tokyo, Japan, where she engaged in cross-cultural collaboration, fostering trust and mutual understanding as a foundation for scientific and technological progress. Beyond STEM, she is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and co-founded Yasuragi Minda, an initiative championing culturally grounded mental health practices for Asian youth.

Passionate about the intersection of technology and ethics, she aspires to explore how AI, data science, and emerging technologies can be leveraged responsibly to address critical global challenges.
Hui Hui Lee
United World College of the American West
Class of 2026
Montezuma, New Mexico
Ocbina Pioneers in AI ScholarshipFor the AI & Emerging Technology Internship
Logan Hancik, a junior at Moravian Academy, has exceptional leadership skills and has been actively involved in his community through his school’s Key Club and service club. As a freshman, Logan organized and participated in events through the service club. In his sophomore year, he became the leader of the service club, elevating it to national recognition under the Key Club Foundation. He continued his leadership by organizing various food, toy, and school supply drives.

Academically, he has excelled in the classroom, consistently making the honor roll and taking advanced and AP courses. Additionally, Logan has been involved in extracurricular activities, including DECA, speech and debate, varsity lacrosse, and varsity football. Outside of school, he volunteers at a homeless shelter and for the Miracle League.

Logan's future ambitions are equally inspiring, as he aims to attend college to study business and continue his athletic career in lacrosse or football. He plans to open his own business to help others within his community while continuing his commitment to service through the Kiwanis Club.
Logan Hancik
Moravian Academy
Class of 2026
Easton, Pennsylvania
Victoria Stefan Leadership & Business Memorial ScholarshipFor the International Leadership & Business Internship
Longford is a junior at Lowell High School with a strong interest in finance and real estate. He has taken multiple AP and honors classes and later tutored other students in those same subjects. As a mentor for freshmen and a member of several honor societies, he helps students and staff with school activities. He has also volunteered over 200 hours with the American Red Cross and started a youth organization, KitsforKids, which donates over 100 kits monthly to underprivileged kids in the Bay Area.

His passion for real estate led him to intern at Coldwell Banker, where he learned leadership, communication, and time management skills. Outside of school, he enjoys playing sports and puzzles with friends and family. He also has a 500-day Wordle streak and is a third-degree brown belt in karate, aiming for a black belt by 2026.

In the future, he hopes to fund small businesses, especially for non-English speakers, and start a nonprofit to support underserved communities.
Longford Tran
Lowell High School
Class of 2026
San Francisco, California
Victoria Stefan Leadership & Business Memorial ScholarshipFor the International Leadership & Business Internship

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