Aaron Libson Champion of Human Rights Scholarship

As a young Black man from Philadelphia, I’ve always believed that real change starts with the next generation. Too often, I see young people around me growing up without the guidance, resources, or support they need to succeed. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to pour into the youth around me—especially those who come from environments where they’re overlooked or underestimated. Right now, I’m doing that work in my own school and community. I take pride in being someone younger students can look up to—whether that’s through mentoring, giving advice, or just being present and supportive. I’ve built strong bonds with younger boys, like my “school nephew” Jay’veon, who see me as a big brother figure. Through relationships like this, I’ve learned how important it is for young people to have someone who listens to them, encourages them, and reminds them that they matter. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Outside of mentoring, I’m also a leader on my school’s step team. Step has allowed me to bring people together and create a space where we can express ourselves, build discipline, and support one another like family. Being a part of that has shown me the power of unity and the importance of having positive outlets for young people to grow and shine. In the future, I plan to continue this work on a bigger scale. I want to attend Morehouse College and major in Business Administration so I can become an entrepreneur who not only builds successful businesses but also gives back to the community. I want to open businesses in areas like baking, fashion, and handmade jewelry—creative spaces that also serve as hubs for mentorship, job training, and personal development for youth. My ultimate goal is to create programs that teach young people real-life skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence. I want to give them tools that schools don’t always provide and open doors they may not even know exist. Most importantly, I want to show them that their dreams are valid and reachable, no matter where they come from. I believe that leadership is about more than just having a title—it’s about showing up, being consistent, and setting the tone for others to follow. That’s what I try to do every day, and that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making throughout my life. By investing in youth, I know I can help build stronger communities and a brighter future for everyone.