Micro-Scholarships...
As AI reshapes the workforce and the skills economy accelerates, community college students are among the most motivated, adaptable learners. ELN invests in them early — because the leaders of tomorrow are in the classroom today.
ELN launched its first micro-scholarships in California, starting with Glendale Community College. California has the largest higher education system in the U.S., serving over two million students annually, with 25% of Californians ages 18-24 currently enrolled in a community college. California community colleges also enroll the state’s lowest-income students. Full-time students have an annual median income of $16,223, with a quarter having incomes of less than $5,544 per year. These students can benefit significantly from small scholarships that cover course fees, books, and other academic expenses. ELN micro-scholarships are also a form of recognition, an award that students can list on their resumes as an affirmation of their hard work and potential.
ELN launched its first micro-scholarships in California, starting with Glendale Community College. California has the largest higher education system in the U.S., serving over two million students annually, with 25% of Californians ages 18-24 currently enrolled in a community college. California community colleges also enroll the state’s lowest-income students. Full-time students have an annual median income of $16,223, with a quarter having incomes of less than $5,544 per year. These students can benefit significantly from small scholarships that cover course fees, books, and other academic expenses. ELN micro-scholarships are also a form of recognition, an award that students can list on their resumes as an affirmation of their hard work and potential.
Macro-Impact
Click to donate to scholarships today
Community college is a financially responsible option in an era of economic uncertainty and overwhelming student debt. And with ELN's Micro-Scholarship initiative, you can create real change in the life of an emerging leader through a small donation. ELN looks for students who have never received a scholarship before; are the first in their families to attend college; are working part-time and involved in their communities; and are committed to completing their education.
Early scholarships provide much-needed financial support. But they also become markers of success that the student can list on transfer applications and other scholarship applications. A student with the 'vote of confidence' provided by scholarship awards is more likely to win future scholarships and fellowships from other organizations.
Early scholarships provide much-needed financial support. But they also become markers of success that the student can list on transfer applications and other scholarship applications. A student with the 'vote of confidence' provided by scholarship awards is more likely to win future scholarships and fellowships from other organizations.
- Contribute to ELN micro-scholarships via CrowdRise, or contact ELN if you are interested in establishing a scholarship in someone's name, or geared towards students working towards specific career fields or studying at specific schools.
Our Founders
ELN was established by Daniella Foster and Jean Schindler, both community college alumni.
"As community college students, we received scholarships and mentoring that were invaluable to our personal and professional development. Community college was a financially responsible choice, and put us on paths to fulfilling careers.
And the morale boost that came from even small scholarships – scholarships weren't just for the kids at fancy four-year schools! – was invaluable. We felt seen – and were inspired to work even harder.
With ELN, we are giving back while celebrating the dynamism of two-year institutions in America. Join us recognizing the rising generation of young leaders through scholarships and mentorship."
ELN was established by Daniella Foster and Jean Schindler, both community college alumni.
"As community college students, we received scholarships and mentoring that were invaluable to our personal and professional development. Community college was a financially responsible choice, and put us on paths to fulfilling careers.
And the morale boost that came from even small scholarships – scholarships weren't just for the kids at fancy four-year schools! – was invaluable. We felt seen – and were inspired to work even harder.
With ELN, we are giving back while celebrating the dynamism of two-year institutions in America. Join us recognizing the rising generation of young leaders through scholarships and mentorship."
Where Your Support Goes
Your generosity directly funds micro-scholarships for community college students who are working hard, giving back, and building futures.
ELN has proudly presented scholarships to 20 emerging leaders:
2026 — Coming soon!
2025 — Ashot Makaryan
2024 — Emilio Dulay
2023 — Jasmine Matthews
2022 — Kristine Lozano
2021 — Sarah Reyes and Saba Vahedi Ahari
2019 — Narvik Mousamoghaddam, Ninette Simonian, and Samantha Skodje
2018 — Parmis Mirshahidi and Syuzanna Khangeldyan
2016 — Cernas Enrique
2014 — Francisco Aguilar, Melvin Dilanchian, and Gerald Lange Jr.
2013 — Tyler Dunivan-Scott, Manuel Kapukchyan, and Fazeli Moghadam ⭐ Inaugural Cohort
Every dollar you give is a vote of confidence in a student who needs to hear it. These scholars carry their ELN award on transfer applications, future scholarship applications, and resumes — multiplying your impact far beyond the initial gift.
Small investments change lives.
Your generosity directly funds micro-scholarships for community college students who are working hard, giving back, and building futures.
ELN has proudly presented scholarships to 20 emerging leaders:
2026 — Coming soon!
2025 — Ashot Makaryan
2024 — Emilio Dulay
2023 — Jasmine Matthews
2022 — Kristine Lozano
2021 — Sarah Reyes and Saba Vahedi Ahari
2019 — Narvik Mousamoghaddam, Ninette Simonian, and Samantha Skodje
2018 — Parmis Mirshahidi and Syuzanna Khangeldyan
2016 — Cernas Enrique
2014 — Francisco Aguilar, Melvin Dilanchian, and Gerald Lange Jr.
2013 — Tyler Dunivan-Scott, Manuel Kapukchyan, and Fazeli Moghadam ⭐ Inaugural Cohort
Every dollar you give is a vote of confidence in a student who needs to hear it. These scholars carry their ELN award on transfer applications, future scholarship applications, and resumes — multiplying your impact far beyond the initial gift.
Small investments change lives.