A sharp knock interrupted my family’s dinner, and at the door stood a salesman clutching stacks of books with intriguing yet foreign covers. His confident tone promised more than just another book on the bookshelf– it offered disciplines and topics waiting to be explored. By reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development” in middle school, I developed a keen interest and understanding of the intricate rules, syntax, and versatilities of computer-related technologies. Fueled by curiosity, I taught myself Java and Python through online resources, using YouTube videos as guides for new concepts and subjects. This introduction to programming helped me develop a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply what I learned to my extracurricular interests. Subsequently, I sought to merge my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, collaborating with local volunteer groups to organize a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian community. In doing so, I diligently managed curricula, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom necessities. For example, when faced with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I offered personalized learning and practice sessions with the students, allowing them to make up lost time and understand critical coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and working against social barriers. As I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs. While attending college, I will pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I will be able to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through this education, I will construct a strong technical and social foundation that will support my ability to benefit my community. Expanding on this foundation, I plan to explore professions such as Software Engineering, eventually creating community-driven business initiatives that expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups in STEM by funding education and employment. By pursuing an occupation in technology, I will fulfill my career goals within the public sector while also designing systems that support educational access in underserved communities. I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their unique issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aspire to use technology to create opportunities, empower underprivileged communities, and drive lasting economic and social change.

In Alexandria, Virginia, I visited numerous Ethiopian diaspora networks throughout the city. The vast array of local injera, cuisine, and barber shops gave me a glimpse of a wider Ethiopian community that I immersed myself in. However, after recurring conversations with family who lived in the area, I soon realized how a lack of necessary English skills and long work hours negatively impacted many Ethiopian families, particularly those who immigrated to the United States. These language and financial barriers cause many Ethiopian students to struggle with academics as they attempt to assimilate with their peers. Wishing to address this issue, I sought to merge my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, collaborating with local volunteer groups to organize a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian community. In doing so, I diligently managed curricula, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom necessities. For example, when conflicted with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I decided to "turn it up to 11." I offered personalized learning and practice sessions with the students, allowing them to make up lost time and understand critical coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and working against social barriers. As I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs. While attending college, I will pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I will be able to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through this education, I will construct a strong technical and social foundation that will support my ability to benefit my community. Moreover, by participating in a mentorship program with Inspire11, I believe I will advance my unique interests by connecting with knowledgeable mentors who are well-versed in key technologies and industries. This program, combined with my college education, will prepare me for the demands of the workforce and my mission to increase STEM and educational opportunities for the disadvantaged. I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their unique issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

Many Ethiopians immigrating to the United States aspire to pass on the American Dream of prosperity and social mobility to their children, a tenuous prospect in their home country due to oppression and restrictions under an authoritarian regime. As part of this diaspora, I was raised with my parents’ strong emphasis on education. During my elementary years, they helped me with phonics and math, and through their mentorship, I benefited greatly, developing a passion for a deeper pursuit of education and the resilience to tackle challenges in both my academics and community. Despite this emphasis on education, many Ethiopian parents cannot be as involved in their children’s education. The struggle of working long hours to make ends meet reduces the time parents have to gain proficiency in English as they attempt to assimilate into America. Recognizing these challenges, I sought ways to empower students from similar backgrounds, ensuring they had access to educational support. As a result, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students in our community, wishing to combine my interest in technology with social outreach. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian Community. I diligently managed the curriculum, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom needs. For example, when faced with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I offered private teaching sessions before class so they could make up lost time and grasp essential coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Actions like these have enhanced my impact, encouraging numerous students to explore computer programming in their middle schools. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach coding, machine learning, and the possibilities in STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited significant positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and overcoming social barriers. Building on these experiences, I aim to expand my efforts by using my college education to focus on STEM education and technology-driven solutions for underprivileged communities. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and FinTech initiatives, higher education uniquely advances my interests by connecting me with peers, various industries, and communities. Expanding on this foundation, I plan to explore professions such as Software Engineering, eventually creating community-driven business initiatives that expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups in STEM by funding education and employment. By pursuing an occupation in technology, I will fulfill my career goals within the public sector while also designing systems that support educational access in underserved communities. I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their unique issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

Many Ethiopians immigrating to the United States aspire to pass on the American Dream of prosperity and social mobility to their children, a tenuous prospect in their home country due to oppression and restrictions under an authoritarian regime. As part of this diaspora, I was raised with my parents’ strong emphasis on education. During my elementary years, they helped me with phonics and math, and through their mentorship, I benefited greatly, developing a passion for a deeper pursuit of education and the resilience to tackle challenges in both my academics and community. Despite this emphasis on education, many Ethiopian parents cannot be as involved in their children’s education. The struggle of working long hours to make ends meet reduces the time parents have to gain proficiency in English as they attempt to assimilate into America. Recognizing these challenges, I sought ways to empower students from similar backgrounds, ensuring they had access to educational support. Wanting to combine my interest in technology with social outreach, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students in our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian Community. I diligently managed the curriculum, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom needs. For example, when faced with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I offered private teaching sessions before class so they could make up lost time and grasp essential coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach coding, machine learning, and the possibilities in STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited significant positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and overcoming social barriers. Building on these experiences, I aim to expand my efforts by using my college education to focus on STEM education and technology-driven solutions for underprivileged communities. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and FinTech initiatives, higher education uniquely advances my interests by connecting me with peers, various industries, and communities. However, such opportunities often come with extremely high college tuition prices that may threaten my long-term financial stability or even my ability to access the wide range of activities and courses I need to excel. Nevertheless, the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship will provide me with critical support and breathing room to fully focus on my studies and career progression, eliminating financial uncertainties and minimizing further economic stress on my family and me. This scholarship will alleviate financial uncertainty, allowing me to immerse myself in research, leadership roles, and STEM initiatives that will propel my mission forward. As I pursue my education, I am eager to continue making an impact through participation in and leadership of student-run programs. After earning my degree and establishing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to leverage my education and social networks to spark interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will tackle their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to pursue new careers, increase disposable income, and contribute to economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by fostering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

I was not in the foster care system. In middle school, I developed a deep interest in computer-related technologies by reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development.” Fueled by curiosity, I taught myself Java and Python through online resources. This entry into programming helped me create a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply programming to my extracurricular interests. Seeking to tie my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the DMV area. I diligently managed curricula, meetings, and assignments, ensuring a high-quality learning experience while addressing classroom necessities. My efforts to promote computer science to young students have also led me to participate in organizations that have allowed me to expand my work within local communities. Through my high school’s Computer Science Honor Society, I have introduced machine learning, block-based coding, and the possibilities of STEM to dozens of elementary school students. Furthermore, I have partnered with Ethiopian diaspora networks and organizations to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. In doing so, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community, opening up avenues of learning for students who desired exposure to these technical fields. My commitment to service has also revealed to me its nature in promoting a thriving community, reliant on each member playing an active role in one another’s well-being. While attending college, I plan to pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I aim to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and collegiate initiatives, I will advance my interests by connecting with my peers and various industries. After earning my degree and cementing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to create a business that elevates underrepresented groups by funding education and employment. I will aim to use my acquired skills and connections from college to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities, connecting people to educational and employment opportunities in growing tech sectors like machine learning and cybersecurity. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will allow them to approach new careers, increase expendable income, and further economic development. By combining technology and business, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and emboldening future generations.

During visits to family in Alexandria, Virginia, my grandma and aunt would often explain to me how a lack of necessary English skills and long work hours negatively impacted a substantial number of Ethiopian families, particularly those who recently immigrated to the United States. Inspired to become a tutor to address these issues, I joined the Ethiopian and Eritrean Alliance for Education. Through my efforts, I have assisted over a dozen students in subjects such as Reading Comprehension and Algebra II while also introducing programming and STEM opportunities. My commitment to education equity has revealed to me the societal importance of actively contributing to the well-being of others. As I pursue my education, I’m eager to continue working against societal barriers alongside my peers to provide education opportunities for disadvantaged students. Building on these experiences, I aim to expand my efforts by using my college education to focus on STEM education and technology-driven solutions for underprivileged communities. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields. As I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs. After earning my degree and cementing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

In middle school, I developed a deep interest in the complex rules, algorithms, and versatility of computer-related technologies by reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development.” This introduction to programming helped me develop a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply programming to my extracurricular interests. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian Community. I diligently managed curricula, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom necessities. For example, when faced with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I offered private teaching sessions before class so they could make up lost time and understand critical coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and working against social barriers. These experiences have not only deepened my technical knowledge but also sparked a passion for using technology to drive social change. In college, I hope to expand on this foundation by pursuing a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects such as machine learning and computer programming. I will also pair courses in this field with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States will help me understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. In college, I will also dedicate substantial effort to participating in entrepreneurial programs and FinTech initiatives, as these opportunities will uniquely advance my interests by connecting me with my peers and various industries and communities Expanding on this foundation, I plan to explore professions such as Software Engineering, eventually creating community-driven business initiatives that expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups in STEM by funding education and employment. By pursuing an occupation in technology, I will fulfill my career goals within the public sector while also designing systems that support educational access in underserved communities. I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their unique issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

In Alexandria, Virginia, I frequented the numerous Ethiopian diaspora networks that dotted the city. The vast array of local injera, cuisine, and barber shops gave me a glimpse of a wider Ethiopian community that I immersed myself in. However, after recurring conversations with my grandma, I soon realized how a lack of necessary English skills and long work hours negatively impacted a substantial number of Ethiopian families, particularly those who recently immigrated to the United States. Due to these language and financial barriers, many Ethiopian students struggle with academics as they attempt to assimilate with their peers. Wishing to address this issue, I sought to merge my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, collaborating with Ethiopian diaspora networks to organize a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the Ethiopian Community. I diligently managed curricula, meetings, and assignments while addressing classroom necessities. For example, when faced with time zone issues with students from Ethiopia, I offered private teaching sessions so they could make up lost time and understand critical coding concepts like iteration and abstraction. Furthermore, throughout high school, I have partnered with neighborhood communities to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. Through my service-oriented work, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community by opening avenues of learning for students seeking exposure to technical fields and working against social barriers. As I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs. While attending college, I will pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I will be able to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and collegiate initiatives, I will advance my interests by connecting with my peers and various industries. After establishing my career, I plan to leverage my education and social networks to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their unique issues with personalized tools. This will prepare them to approach new careers, increase disposable income, and further economic development as they connect with numerous job opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and empowering future generations.

In middle school, I developed a deep interest in computer-related technologies by reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development.” Fueled by curiosity, I taught myself Java and Python through online resources. This entry into programming helped me create a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply programming to my extracurricular interests. Seeking to tie my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the DMV area. I carefully constructed curriculums, planned meetings, and wrote assignments, working diligently to provide the highest quality learning experience while addressing classroom necessities. My efforts to promote computer science to young students have also led me to participate in organizations that have enabled me to initiate my work with neighborhood communities. Volunteering with my high school, I introduced machine learning and block-based coding concepts to dozens of elementary school students, ensuring maximum classroom engagement by assisting students, answering questions, and steering discussions. Furthermore, I have partnered with Ethiopian diaspora networks and organizations to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. In doing so, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community, opening up avenues of learning for students who desired exposure to these technical fields. My commitment to service has also revealed to me its nature in promoting a thriving community, reliant on each member playing an active role in one another’s well-being. While attending college, I plan to pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I aim to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and collegiate initiatives, I will advance my interests by connecting with my peers and various industries. After earning my degree and cementing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to create a business that elevates underrepresented groups by funding education and employment. I will aim to use my acquired skills and connections from college to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities, connecting people to educational and employment opportunities in growing tech sectors like machine learning and cybersecurity. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will allow them to approach new careers, increase expendable income, and further economic development. By combining technology and business, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and emboldening future generations.

In middle school, I developed a deep interest in the complex rules, algorithms, and versatility of computer-related technologies by reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development.” Fueled by curiosity, I taught myself Java and Python through online resources. This entry into programming helped me create a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply programming to my extracurricular interests. Seeking to tie my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the DMV area. I carefully constructed curriculums, planned meetings, and wrote assignments, working diligently to provide the highest quality learning experience while addressing classroom necessities. My efforts to promote computer science to young students have also led me to participate in organizations that have enabled me to initiate my work with neighborhood communities. Volunteering with my high school, I introduced machine learning and block-based coding concepts to dozens of elementary school students, ensuring maximum classroom engagement by assisting students, answering questions, and steering discussions. Furthermore, I have partnered with Ethiopian diaspora networks and organizations to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. In doing so, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community, opening up avenues of learning for students who desired exposure to these technical fields. My commitment to service has also revealed to me its nature in promoting a thriving community, reliant on each member playing an active role in one another’s well-being. Consequently, as I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs that enhance my social involvement. While attending college, I will pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I aim to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and collegiate initiatives, I will advance my interests by connecting with my peers and various industries. However, such opportunities are often paired with extremely high college tuition prices that may hurt my long-term financial stability or even my ability to access the plethora of activities and courses I need to excel. Nevertheless, the Code Breakers & Changemakers Scholarship will provide me with much-needed support and breathing room to fully focus on my studies and career progression, eliminating financial uncertainties and limiting further economic stress on me and my family. After earning my degree and cementing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to create a business that elevates underrepresented groups by funding education and employment. I will use my acquired skills and connections from college to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities, connecting people to educational and employment opportunities in growing tech sectors like machine learning and cybersecurity. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will allow them to approach new careers, increase expendable income, and further economic development. By combining technology and business, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and emboldening future generations.

In middle school, I developed a deep interest in the complex rules, algorithms, and versatility of computer-related technologies by reading books like “Java for Dummies” and Purewal’s “Learning Web App Development.” Fueled by curiosity, I taught myself Java and Python through online resources. This entry into programming helped me create a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for assisting others with coding. In high school, I began taking courses like AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, allowing me to delve into my passions and grow my skills within a school environment. As a result, I developed a deep desire to explore how to apply programming to my extracurricular interests. Seeking to tie my proficiency in computer science with social outreach, I frequently communicated with local leaders about organizing a program for underrepresented students within our community. In the summer of 2024, I launched a Python and Scratch coding course for students in the DMV area. I carefully constructed curriculums, planned meetings, and wrote assignments, working diligently to provide the highest quality learning experience while addressing classroom necessities. My efforts to promote computer science to young students have also led me to participate in organizations that have enabled me to initiate my work with neighborhood communities. Volunteering with my high school, I introduced machine learning and block-based coding concepts to dozens of elementary school students, ensuring maximum classroom engagement by assisting students, answering questions, and steering discussions. Furthermore, I have partnered with Ethiopian diaspora networks and organizations to teach students coding, machine learning, and the possibilities of STEM. In doing so, I have ignited immense, positive change within my community, opening up avenues of learning for students who desired exposure to these technical fields. My commitment to service has also revealed to me its nature in promoting a thriving community, reliant on each member playing an active role in one another’s well-being. Consequently, as I pursue my education, I am eager to continue my impact through involvement by participating in and leading student-run programs that enhance my social involvement. While attending college, I will pursue a degree in Computer Science, exploring subjects like machine learning and predictive modeling. I will also pair courses in these fields with Economics, expanding my interdisciplinary skills and allowing me to grasp the detailed processes of businesses and how technology relates to them. Combining this education with research into income, wealth, or health inequality in the United States, I aim to understand how the intersection of business and technology can build connections that address these issues and uplift society. Through dedicated entrepreneurial programs and collegiate initiatives, I will advance my interests by connecting with my peers and various industries. After earning my degree and cementing myself in a fulfilling profession, I plan to create a business that elevates underrepresented groups by funding education and employment. I will aim to use my acquired skills and connections from college to stimulate interest in engineering within underprivileged communities, connecting people to educational and employment opportunities in growing tech sectors like machine learning and cybersecurity. My vision is that through AI-driven adaptive language, financial literacy, and academic learning platforms, users from these communities will address their underlying issues with personalized tools. This will allow them to approach new careers, increase expendable income, and further economic development. By combining technology and business, I aim to strengthen communities by furthering economic growth, celebrating cultural identities, and emboldening future generations.