Voices that Matter by Mya

Voices that Matter by Mya - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could create a project to improve my school and community, I would create a program called “Voices That Matter.” The purpose of this program is to provide students with a place to talk about their experiences, connect with others, and help make our school a more comfortable and accepting environment.

This idea is important to me because I am an African American female student, and I have experienced racial comments at school that made me feel uncomfortable and singled out. There have been many times in my life when people said things and laughed, even though they claimed it was a joke. In those moments, I didn’t always know what to say, but those experiences stayed with me. They made me realize that other students might be going through similar things but may not feel comfortable speaking up.

“Voices That Matter” would create a space where people could share what they are dealing with and know they are being heard. The program would include monthly conversations with students, counselors, and student leaders to discuss challenges, learn from each other, and find ways to improve our school. The goal wouldn’t be to blame people, but to create a deeper understanding of respect.

The program would also include cultural events and activities that allow students to celebrate different backgrounds. I think learning about other people’s experiences can be a big facter to build empathy. But to also remind us that everyone has a story.

Another part of the program would be mentorship, where older students help younger students who may feel left out or like they don’t belong. Having someone you can talk to makes a big difference, especially when you are trying to find your place in school.

Overall, I believe “Voices That Matter” would help improve our school because it focuses on something that is just as important as academics: how students feel. My own experiences have shown me that students do better when they feel respected and included. I want to help create a school where everyone can be able to feel valued, and this program would be a step toward making that happen.