“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design, and continue into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. But beyond academics and entrepreneurship, one of the most defining parts of who I am is my commitment to service. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve helped others in need has been through my work with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance. This organization supports children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or instability, and it provides critical services like advocacy, counseling, and education. I started volunteering there because I wanted to use my time to make a real difference in my community, especially for vulnerable young people who often go unseen. At the Alliance, I assist with everything from preparing materials for educational workshops to helping coordinate community events that raise awareness about child abuse prevention. One experience that stands out was helping organize a community back-to-school drive. Many of the children served by the Alliance don’t have basic school supplies or even proper clothing to start the year. I worked alongside staff to collect donations, sort supplies, and distribute them to families in need. The joy and relief on the faces of children receiving a new backpack or fresh set of notebooks reminded me how even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. My work doesn’t stop with local volunteering. I’ve also raised over $10,000 to support the homeless through various initiatives and have actively participated in minority voter registration drives. Through each of these experiences, I’ve learned that helping others isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s about showing up, listening, and using your skills whether it’s organizing, advocating, or simply offering encouragement—to lift someone else up. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in Industrial Design that prioritizes inclusion and social impact. I want to design products and systems that address real needs, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. And I plan to continue volunteering and mentoring young people, especially girls and students of color, to show them that they, too, can lead and serve in ways that matter. Helping others has shaped my values, my future goals, and my understanding of what it means to make a difference. I believe that when we serve others, we discover our true purpose—and I am determined to keep answering that call.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while balancing dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology to major in Industrial Design, followed by a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. I chose this path because I believe design is a powerful tool for creating solutions that are not only functional and beautiful, but sustainable, inclusive, and life-changing. Sustainability must be a priority in Industrial Design because the things we create products, spaces, systems shape the future of our environment. Every choice a designer makes, from material selection to manufacturing processes to end-of-life disposal, leaves a footprint. And far too often, that footprint has been harmful. Our planet is straining under the weight of overconsumption, waste, and pollution, much of it driven by short-term thinking in design and production. Industrial designers have the power and the responsibility to shift that narrative. By making sustainability a core principle rather than an afterthought, we can create products and systems that meet human needs while protecting natural resources and reducing harm. I see myself as part of this shift. My dream is to work at the intersection of Industrial Design and technology to create sustainable solutions for underserved communities those who are often left out of environmental conversations but are among the most impacted by environmental harm. Growing up in a low-income, rural community, I saw firsthand how environmental injustice works: unsafe water supplies, illegal dumping, and poorly maintained infrastructure disproportionately affect communities like mine. That’s why I am passionate about designing products and systems that make sustainability accessible not a luxury for the few, but a right for all. For example, I envision designing modular, low-cost urban garden systems that help address food deserts while promoting local, sustainable food sources. I am interested in creating water filtration tools tailored for rural households that struggle with clean water access, using materials that are locally sourced and biodegradable. And through my master’s focus in Human-Computer Interaction, I want to develop educational technologies and apps that empower communities to monitor their environmental impact and advocate for green policies. One of my greatest influences has been Katherine Johnson, whose overlooked work at NASA proved that the right mind in the right moment can change history. Like Johnson, I want to bring my skills to the table in a way that solves real-world problems, especially those that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. I also draw inspiration from people like Joy Buolamwini, whose work exposed the bias in facial recognition software Looking ahead, I hope to open a design lab focused on sustainability for low-income and rural communities. This lab would not only create solutions but train young designers, particularly girls and students of color, in sustainable design thinking. My goal is to mentor future green leaders, paying forward the guidance I’ve received and helping others. Sustainability in design isn’t just about reducing harm it’s about imagining a better way to live and then building it. As an Industrial Designer, I want to lead with empathy, creativity, and a deep respect for the earth and all who inhabit it. I believe that through thoughtful, inclusive design, we can reduce environmental impact, uplift communities, and create a future that is more just, resilient, and green.

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” — Wendell Berry My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while balancing dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to major in Industrial Design, followed by a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. My goal is to use my education and skills to design solutions that uplift underserved communities including solutions to one of the environmental challenges I’m most passionate about: environmental justice for low-income and rural communities. My passion for this issue began with a personal experience. I grew up in a rural area where we don’t always think of ourselves as part of the “environmental movement,” but where we see firsthand how environmental decisions impact our daily lives. One summer, I volunteered with a community cleanup effort along a neglected stretch of riverbank that winds near my town. I was shocked at how much trash and chemical runoff had built up in that area not just because it was unsightly, but because it reflected something deeper: the way underserved communities are often left out of conversations about environmental health and protection. That experience opened my eyes to the connection between poverty, race, and environmental harm and planted a seed in me to help change it. The root causes of environmental injustice are deeply tied to systems of inequality. Low-income neighborhoods and rural communities like mine often bear the brunt of pollution, poor infrastructure, and unsafe water supplies, while having the fewest resources to address these challenges. Decisions about zoning, industrial siting, and public works investment have historically prioritized wealthier, urban, and predominantly white areas leaving marginalized communities exposed and voiceless. I believe that design especially industrial design combined with human-centered technology an be a powerful tool for addressing these disparities. That’s why I am pursuing Industrial Design at Georgia Tech, with plans to continue into Human-Computer Interaction. Through this academic path, I will gain the skills to create products, systems, and technologies that serve vulnerable communities, making sustainability and environmental health more accessible. Whether designing water filtration devices for families with unsafe tap water, creating modular community gardens for food deserts, or developing educational apps that teach environmental stewardship to rural youth, I want my work to have a tangible, local impact. Beyond my education, I see community involvement as essential. I plan to partner with grassroots organizations and schools to lead design-thinking workshops that help young people in rural and low-income areas see themselves as problem-solvers. I want students like me to realize that environmental advocacy isn’t just for scientists or politicians it’s for anyone with a creative idea and the drive to make it happen. Through mentorship programs, I hope to encourage the next generation of designers and technologists from underrepresented communities to use their talents for environmental good. My long-term career goal is to found a design and innovation lab that works directly with underserved communities to co-create solutions that meet both environmental and social needs. Too often, products meant to help are designed far away from the communities they’re supposed to serve, with little input from the people most affected. I want to change that by centering local voices in the design process and ensuring that sustainability is not a luxury, but a right. What gives me hope is seeing how young people especially those from marginalized backgrounds are stepping up as leaders in environmental advocacy. From local community garden projects to national youth climate movements, I see a generation that refuses to accept injustice as inevitable. I want to be part of that momentum. I want to help create change that is practical, inclusive, and lasting change that starts at the grassroots and grows upward. Environmental justice is about more than clean air and water. It’s about dignity. It’s about ensuring that no one’s health, safety, or future is compromised because of where they live or what they look like. Through my education in Industrial Design and Human-Computer Interaction, my community work, and my future career, I am committed to designing a better world one where everyone, regardless of income or zip code, has access to safe, healthy, and sustainable living. Thank you for considering my application.

“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.” – Unknown In kindergarten, I was misdiagnosed with ADHD. My restlessness, constant questioning, and refusal to sit still in class were labeled as disruptive rather than curious. What I now understand is that I wasn’t hyperactive—I was gifted and unchallenged in a traditional classroom that didn’t know how to support me. That misdiagnosis followed me for years, shaping how teachers interacted with me and how I saw myself. I internalized the idea that something was “wrong” with me when in reality, I just learned differently. This early misunderstanding of my mind deeply influenced my beliefs. I learned that mental health is not about fitting into narrow definitions it’s about understanding and supporting the unique way each person processes the world. My experience made me an advocate for those who feel unseen or misjudged. I’ve learned to give people grace, to look beneath the surface, and to create space for others to grow without shame. In my relationships, this awareness has made me more empathetic and patient. I gravitate toward people who feel out of place or overlooked because I know what that feels like. Whether I’m mentoring younger students through 4-H or co-captaining my sports teams, I lead with compassion. I’ve learned that encouragement can be life-changing when someone is struggling to believe in themselves. My experience also directly shaped my career path. I plan to pursue a degree in Industrial Design at Georgia Tech and then earn a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. I want to create tools, products, and environments that are inclusive of people with neurodivergence, physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. I believe design should be intuitive and human-centered, not one-size-fits-all. From classroom furniture that supports focus and movement, to apps that help track emotional well-being without shame, there’s a world of opportunity to build systems that honor the mind’s diversity. Mental health has also taught me resilience. Navigating school as a student-athlete in a Title I district with limited resources while managing academic pressure and emotional stress hasn’t been easy. But each challenge strengthened my determination. My mom’s recent job loss added financial strain, but I’ve kept my goals in sight. I run a small business to support my college fund, maintain a 4.4 GPA, and still show up every day for my teams and my community. I want to be the kind of designer and the kind of person who creates space for others to thrive. Not despite their challenges, but because of them. My journey has taught me that struggle doesn’t diminish worth—it reveals strength. And I plan to carry that lesson into every product I design, every young girl I mentor, and every voice I uplift.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs The year is 2040. A girl in a small rural town straps on a voice-activated haptic glove that helps her communicate with her non-verbal sibling. In another city, a young Black woman wearing adaptive augmented reality glasses navigates a university campus, where the interface adjusts for her neurodiversity. A teenage boy with limited internet access finishes a coding module offline using an interactive learning device that syncs when Wi-Fi returns. All three are using technology not only designed for them but designed by someone who knows what it’s like to be left out. That’s the world I want to help build. My name is Lauren Harris, and I am a high-achieving senior at Sumter County High School ranked in the top 4 of my class, maintaining a 4.4 GPA while competing in three varsity sports, leading multiple clubs, and running my own small business, Laurence Fragrances. I plan to pursue a degree in Industrial Design at Georgia Tech, followed by a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. Through this pathway, I intend to create inclusive products that elevate everyday experiences for overlooked communities—because I’ve lived that life myself. Coming from a single-income, low-income household, I’ve witnessed firsthand the stress that financial uncertainty can bring. My mother was recently laid off from At&t after 26 years, which has made it even harder to cover basic expenses, let alone save for college. This has lead to a lot of uncertainty and anxiety as it relates to college. Despite these challenges, I’ve remained focused on my education and long-term goals, determined not to let our financial hardship define my future. To overcome these obstacles, I’ve taken a proactive approach. I’ve applied to dozens of scholarships, not only to fund my tuition but also to avoid the burden of student debt. I run my own small business, Laurence Fragrances, which helps generate income while building real-world skills. I also plan to work part-time during college to contribute toward my living expenses. My goal is to graduate debt-free, save for retirement early, and be financially stable enough to purchase a home within a year of graduation. These are bold plans for someone who comes from limited financial recourses but unlimited hope for my future. As a Black girl growing up in a rural Title I school system, I was often the only one in the room who looked like me, especially in STEM spaces. My school lacked advanced technology courses, experienced staffing, and the individualized support gifted learners often need. I was even misdiagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten not because I couldn’t focus, but because I was bored, gifted, and underestimated. That misdiagnosis taught me something critical: When systems don’t see your potential, you must design new systems. One of the first things I hope to design is a modular learning tablet for underserved schools, capable of operating offline and updating when reconnected. These could bridge digital divides in places like my own hometown, where students fall behind not from lack of intelligence, but lack of access. Another goal is to create wearable assistive tech for students with cognitive or sensory processing differences, tailored through inclusive design practices that center their experiences. And by 2040, I hope to lead development on emotionally adaptive smart home interfaces that respond to non-verbal cues—especially for those on the autism spectrum or aging populations who struggle with traditional controls. Technology doesn’t just need to be smarter. It needs to be more empathetic. That’s where Human-Computer Interaction becomes a powerful tool for equity. But to create lasting change, it’s not enough to build products I must also build people. I plan to pay it forward through mentorship pipelines, free design workshops in Title I and rural schools, and hands-on training in prototyping and coding. I will help other young people—especially girls and students of color discover their creative power. My goal is not just to “make it,” but to lift as I climb. History reminds us what happens when diversity is overlooked: Katherine Johnson, the Black mathematician whose calculations made John Glenn’s orbit possible, was once ignored because of her race and gender. Without her precision, one of NASA’s greatest achievements might never have happened. Joy Buolamwini, an MIT researcher, found that facial recognition software misidentified darker-skinned women up to 35% of the time while error rates for white men were under 1%. The flaw? Biased training datasets and a lack of diversity in tech teams. For decades, crash test dummies were modeled on average adult males. As a result, women were 73% more likely to be injured and 17% more likely to die in car accidents. It took decades to introduce inclusive models because engineers didn’t reflect the population they were meant to serve. These examples are why I believe deeply in inclusive design technology shaped by the people it is meant to serve. I want to be the kind of designer who sees the kid in the overcrowded classroom, the woman misheard by a voice assistant, or the elderly man lost in a menu screen and builds something just for them. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your scholarship.

"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." – Steve Jobs My name is Lauren Harris, and I plan to major in Industrial Design at Georgia Tech, with a long-term goal of pursuing a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). At the intersection of creativity, engineering, and empathy, this path will allow me to design technologies, systems, and products that are not only functional—but equitable and human-centered. Growing up in a rural Title I school with limited access to resources, I learned early on that good design isn’t always made for everyone. Whether it was outdated school computers that didn’t support assistive technology or science labs that lacked basic equipment, I’ve seen firsthand how poorly designed environments can widen the opportunity gap. These challenges sparked a core belief that now fuels everything I do: design must serve people, especially those too often overlooked. That belief is more than a value—it’s a mission. I want to lead the development of inclusive technologies that address real-world inequities. This includes creating assistive devices for disabled individuals, designing culturally responsive educational tools for underserved schools, and building wearable health tech that works across all skin tones, body types, and genders. I want to work on products that serve both functionality and fairness—tools that speak to people’s actual lives, not just idealized users in a lab. A turning point for me was launching Laurence Fragrances, my own androgynous fragrance line, which challenged gender norms in product design and taught me how design influences identity and inclusion. That experience, along with my participation in programs like Girls Make Games, the Georgia FLEX Entrepreneurship Competition, and IEEE TryEngineering, made me realize that I don’t just want to be a designer—I want to be a changemaker in STEM. The values that guide me equity, innovation, and service have grown out of my experiences as a young woman navigating competitive academic spaces, often as the only person who looked like me in the room. Instead of deterring me, those moments deepened my resolve. They taught me to lead with empathy, to design with purpose, and to think beyond aesthetics. Receiving the Lynch Engineering Scholarship would not only reduce the financial burden my family faces especially after my mother’s recent job loss but would also help me invest in tools, software, and experiences that prepare me for this impact-driven career. I intend to “lift as I climb,” mentoring students in rural and Title I schools, hosting free workshops, and helping others find their voice in design and technology. Ultimately, I’m not pursuing engineering and design just to build things. I’m pursuing them to build opportunity, access, and dignity one product, one system, one life at a time.

"Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need." – Rick Riordan My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. My educational journey hasn’t always been easy to navigate. In kindergarten, I was misdiagnosed with ADHD. I was labeled as distracted, overly active, and “too much” for the structure of a traditional classroom. But I wasn’t inattentive I was bored. I was a gifted learner in an overcrowded classroom, desperate for stimulation and challenge. Instead of acceleration, I was told to sit still and be quiet. That misdiagnosis shaped the way teachers perceived me for years, and it almost shaped the way I saw myself. Growing up in a Title I school with limited access to gifted resources meant I had to fight to be seen for my potential not my perceived behavior. Our district struggles with teacher shortages, and I often found myself in classrooms with more than 30 students and not enough support. It wasn’t until I entered middle school and pushed for testing that my learning profile was finally reassessed. I was placed in advanced classes, and for the first time, I felt challenged and understood. But the gap those early years created never fully disappeared. I had to work twice as hard to prove I belonged in spaces I should’ve been invited into from the start. That experience is exactly what motivates me. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood by a system not designed for nuance. And I know how powerful it is when someone finally sees your light. This is why I continue to excel not to prove anyone wrong, but to prove that I’m not alone. There are thousands of gifted students in underfunded schools who are mislabeled, overlooked, or underestimated. I want to be a voice for them. Through my future in industrial design, I hope to create inclusive, human-centered solutions that level the playing field for people with all kinds of learning needs. Education shouldn’t be a maze of mislabeling it should be a pathway to possibility. And I’m determined to help clear that path for others, just like I’ve cleared it for myself.

"Books are a uniquely portable magic." — Stephen King My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology to study Industrial Design, with the goal of entering the master’s program in Human-Computer Interaction. Books have shaped the foundation of how I view the world. Reading The Alchemist taught me that every person’s journey has a purpose. Hidden Figures showed me how women like Katherine Johnson brilliant but overlooked helped launch astronauts into space. The Design of Everyday Things opened my mind to how everyday products, when designed with empathy, can change lives. These books gave me a quiet but powerful sense of agency: that even as a Black girl from a low-income, Title I school, I could shape systems, design futures, and challenge inequity. Growing up, I never saw designers who looked like me. I was often told to pick a “more practical” field. But I refused to let stereotypes limit me. As the only student at my school to take three consecutive years of Japanese, I pushed past the cultural norms of what a Black girl “should” be interested in. That passion took me all the way to Japan, where I studied design, culture, and connection. The experience changed me it reinforced my belief that diverse perspectives are essential to creating inclusive solutions. But not all of my experiences have been successes. In my first year of the Georgia FLEX entrepreneurship competition, I failed to place. I was crushed. I had poured hours into my presentation and felt invisible in the room. Instead of quitting, I took the feedback and returned the next year refined, focused, and bolder. I ended up winning 1st in Region and 3rd in the State. That failure taught me resilience, but more importantly, it taught me how to listen, grow, and lead with humility. My business, Laurence Fragrances, is deeply personal. It's an androgynous fragrance line I created to challenge the rigid stereotypes of femininity and masculinity. As a quiet, stoic young woman who doesn’t always fit the expected mold, I’ve learned that sometimes presence alone is a protest. My products invite people to be their full selves unlabeled and unapologetic. The feedback I’ve received from customers who finally “feel seen” tells me that representation doesn’t just belong in media it belongs on shelves, in classrooms, and in boardrooms. Mentorship has been a guiding force in my life. Maggie McGruder, an Industrial Design graduate from Auburn and my mentor at the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, taught me how to turn vision into impact. Under her guidance, I’ve led service initiatives, supported foster youth programs, and spoken on youth panels about design justice. I plan to follow in her footsteps uplifting other young girls in tech and design, especially those who’ve never been told that their ideas are worthy. Today, I’m committed to creating accessible, human-centered design that addresses real-world problems especially in underserved communities like mine. Whether it's designing inclusive educational tools, reimagining public spaces, or mentoring the next generation of Black girls in STEM, my goal is to use Industrial Design to build equity into the everyday. The world needs more architects of change people who can see beauty in overlooked places and create systems that include everyone. That’s the legacy I’m working toward.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, three varsity sports basketball, volleyball, and tennis leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and running my own fragrance business. I plan to attend Georgia Tech to study Industrial Design, then pursue a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. But long before I dreamed of designing accessible products for underserved communities, basketball was the place I learned how to fight for my team, my voice, and my future. Basketball has never just been a sport for me it has been an anchor. In elementary school, I was misdiagnosed with ADHD. I wasn’t hyper; I was gifted and bored. But that label followed me for years, making me feel “too much” or “not enough” in classrooms that weren’t built to understand me. It was on the basketball court where I first felt like I could just be me—loud, fast, focused, and fierce and it was the first space where my energy wasn’t a liability; it was a strength. I’ve faced obstacles on and off the court. During my junior year, my mother was laid off, and the financial stress hit hard. I began working more hours, applying for scholarships, and stretching every resource to help our family stay afloat all while maintaining my 4.0 GPA and training year-round. Balancing three varsity sports was physically exhausting, but basketball always centered me. It taught me discipline and endurance, but more importantly, it gave me purpose. I’ve earned First Team All-Region honors in both 2023 and 2024. I led my team in rebounds and free throw percentage, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and received the Scholar-Athlete Award for having the highest academic average. I also lead my team to two state play off appearances making it to the sweet 16 my sophomore and Junior years. But what I’m most proud of isn’t the stats it’s how I showed up. Whether we were up by 20 or down by 30, I never stopped hustling. I never stopped encouraging my teammates. I never stopped believing we could win. Basket ball also taught me to be a better leader. I taught me how to refine my listening skills and learn we are all different and require different motivations to be successful and reach our full potential. Basketball taught me situational leadership. Basketball has taught me leadership, accountability, and resilience qualities I now use in every area of my life. As Class President, a STEM ambassador, and founder of Laurence Fragrances, I channel that same drive into mentoring others, especially younger girls who think they don’t belong in STEM or sports. I want to show them what’s possible when you keep going, even when the world counts you out. Basketball made me tougher, sharper, and more compassionate. It helped me overcome setbacks, redefine failure, and believe in the power of second chances. I’m not just chasing wins I’m building a life where I can uplift others the way this sport uplifted me.

“Be who you needed when you were younger.” – Ayesha Siddiqi My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. I come from a low-income household and attend a Title I high school where overcrowded classrooms and limited access to resources often mean students like me have to work twice as hard for opportunities others may take for granted. My family receives free lunch, and while I’ve earned academic merit awards and scholarships, the cost of attending a top-tier university like Georgia Tech still presents a significant financial burden. Scholarships like this one are critical to helping me bridge that gap and pursue higher education without accumulating overwhelming debt. As someone who has experienced the isolation of being “different,” I’ve made it a personal mission to advocate for youth—especially those who are overlooked or mistreated. In my role as a Georgia 4-H Certified Teen Leader and a member of our Southwest District Board of Directors, I’ve led digital safety workshops and discussions on cyberbullying, helping younger students learn how to protect themselves online. I also work with the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, where I help organize peer-led conversations about emotional wellness, bullying prevention, and how to recognize the signs of unhealthy behavior. I take a tech-forward approach to my advocacy. I’ve designed youth-friendly educational content on identifying digital harassment, and I mentor middle school students on how to use social media safely. My goal is to create environments—both in person and online—where young people feel seen, safe, and supported. As I move into the field of Industrial Design, I plan to create human-centered solutions that protect and uplift children—tools that make the digital world more inclusive, more empathetic, and less harmful. My experiences have taught me that safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, psychological, and digital. When I was in kindergarten, I was nearly diagnosed with ADHD because I couldn’t sit still. But I wasn’t distracted—I was gifted. I just wasn’t being challenged. That early misjudgment taught me to never let anyone else define my potential. It also taught me to speak up for others who feel unseen. These experiences continue to shape how I lead, learn, and give. I now serve my community through volunteer work with the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, where I advocate for youth who have experienced trauma. With your support, I can continue to be that person I once needed: a protector, an innovator, and a voice for those who are still learning to use their own.

“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. As a young Black woman passionate about technology and design, I know firsthand the power and necessity of diverse representation in STEM. Growing up in a low-income, rural school system with limited access to advanced STEM instruction, I often found myself as the only student of color, and frequently the only girl, in advanced math or coding spaces. The absence of representation didn’t deter me it fueled me. Representation in STEM is not just about equality it is about innovation. When teams lack diversity, they also lack perspective. Without input from underrepresented communities, too many technologies are designed without real-world inclusivity. That’s how we end up with medical devices that don’t detect symptoms on darker skin, or voice recognition systems that misinterpret accents. It’s not just an inconvenience it’s a form of exclusion. This is why I’ve committed myself to entering the field of Industrial Design with a purpose: to design equitable tools and spaces that reflect the real needs of all people not just a privileged few. I want to be part of reshaping how we build, test, and implement technologies so that empathy and inclusion are central to the process. Programs like Girls Make Games, the Georgia FLEX entrepreneurship competition, and the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute gave me access to mentors, funding, and a platform. But what changed everything was seeing other young women of color leading and thriving in STEM. I finally saw that I belonged, too. Representation gives permission and that’s powerful. I plan to pay that forward. As I advance in my field, I’ll create mentorship pipelines for students of color and young girls who are often told that STEM “isn’t for them.” I’ll host design workshops in rural and Title I schools like mine, where I’ll show students how to prototype, code, and create solutions for problems in their own communities. Katherine Johnson, a Black female mathematician at NASA during the 1960s, was instrumental in calculating the trajectories for Project Mercury and Apollo 11. Before her contributions, the space program largely ignored or underestimated the talent of Black women in STEM. Without her precise calculations, John Glenn’s historic orbit of Earth would not have happened. In addition, A study by MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini (a Black woman in computer science) found that facial recognition software misidentified dark-skinned women up to 35% of the time, while white men had an error rate below 1%. This is because the datasets used to train these AI systems were not diverse. For decades, crash test dummies were modeled after the average adult male body. As a result, women were 73% more likely to be injured in car accidents and 17% more likely to die. It wasn’t until recent years that gender-inclusive dummies were introduced. This gap was due to the lack of gender diversity among engineers and designers in the auto industry. Diversity in STEM means we all get better solutions more just, more usable, and more human and inclusion means those solutions come from people who intimately understand the problems.

“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. As a young Black woman passionate about technology and design, I know firsthand the power and necessity of diverse representation in STEM. Growing up in a low-income, rural school system with limited access to advanced STEM instruction, I often found myself as the only student of color, and frequently the only girl, in advanced math or coding spaces. The absence of representation didn’t deter me it fueled me. Representation in STEM is not just about equality it is about innovation. When teams lack diversity, they also lack perspective. Without input from underrepresented communities, too many technologies are designed without real-world inclusivity. That’s how we end up with medical devices that don’t detect symptoms on darker skin, or voice recognition systems that misinterpret accents. It’s not just an inconvenience it’s a form of exclusion. This is why I’ve committed myself to entering the field of Industrial Design with a purpose: to design equitable tools and spaces that reflect the real needs of all people not just a privileged few. I want to be part of reshaping how we build, test, and implement technologies so that empathy and inclusion are central to the process. Programs like Girls Make Games, the Georgia FLEX entrepreneurship competition, and the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute gave me access to mentors, funding, and a platform. But what changed everything was seeing other young women of color leading and thriving in STEM. I finally saw that I belonged, too. Representation gives permission and that’s powerful. I plan to pay that forward. As I advance in my field, I’ll create mentorship pipelines for students of color and young girls who are often told that STEM “isn’t for them.” I’ll host design workshops in rural and Title I schools like mine, where I’ll show students how to prototype, code, and create solutions for problems in their own communities. Katherine Johnson, a Black female mathematician at NASA during the 1960s, was instrumental in calculating the trajectories for Project Mercury and Apollo 11. Before her contributions, the space program largely ignored or underestimated the talent of Black women in STEM. Without her precise calculations, John Glenn’s historic orbit of Earth would not have happened. In addition, A study by MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini (a Black woman in computer science) found that facial recognition software misidentified dark-skinned women up to 35% of the time, while white men had an error rate below 1%. This is because the datasets used to train these AI systems were not diverse. For decades, crash test dummies were modeled after the average adult male body. As a result, women were 73% more likely to be injured in car accidents and 17% more likely to die. It wasn’t until recent years that gender-inclusive dummies were introduced. This gap was due to the lack of gender diversity among engineers and designers in the auto industry. Diversity in STEM means we all get better solutions more just, more usable, and more human and inclusion means those solutions come from people who intimately understand the problems.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. Growing up in a low-income, rural community, I’ve witnessed the everyday challenges that come from designs that exclude people like us. Whether it’s outdated classroom furniture that isn’t adaptable to modern learning or public spaces that don’t account for accessibility, I’ve learned that bad design isn’t just inconvenient it can be unjust. This is what inspired my passion for Industrial Design. I want to reimagine the everyday not just to make things beautiful, but to make them inclusive, equitable, and empowering. Through my degree, I plan to focus on creating tools, spaces, and products that serve underserved communities. From rethinking classroom layouts to designing affordable, intuitive technology for people with disabilities or language barriers, I see design as a form of quiet activism—transformative, human-centered, and powerful. My own entrepreneurial journey has deepened this commitment. As the founder of Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance line that defies traditional gender marketing, I’ve learned how to connect design with purpose. I want to bring this mindset into the world of Industrial Design not to follow trends, but to create change. My long-term vision is to open a community-based design lab where young people from underrepresented backgrounds can learn design thinking, prototype solutions to real-world problems, and see themselves as inventors, not just consumers. Mentorship will be at the core of this mission. I’ve benefited from mentors who saw potential in me, especially when the odds were stacked against me due to systemic inequities. I want to be that person for the next generation particularly young women and students of color who are often overlooked in the tech and design worlds. By providing workshops, internships, and scholarships, I hope to plant the seed of possibility in those who might otherwise never consider design as a career. Design helped me find my voice. Now I want to use that voice and the skills I gain through my education—to redesign the future in a way that uplifts, includes, and empowers. Through purpose-driven design and intentional mentorship, I plan to build a career that leaves a lasting imprint not just on products or systems, but on people. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who want to build more than a career we want to build a better world.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design and continuing into the master’s program in Human-Computer Interaction. I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because I see design not just as creativity, but as innovation with purpose. Industrial Design sits at the intersection of engineering, technology, and human need. It’s a form of applied STEM that allows me to create systems, products, and experiences that improve lives. I’ve always been curious about how things work—and more importantly, how they could work better. That curiosity has evolved into a passion for designing accessible, inclusive solutions, especially for communities that are too often overlooked. Coming from a Title I high school in a low-income, under-resourced area, I know what it feels like to be invisible in systems not designed for you. I’ve seen classmates fall behind not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked access. I’ve also experienced this firsthand. In kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I couldn’t sit still. In reality, I was a gifted child, bored and unchallenged. That misdiagnosis lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let anyone else define my abilities—and that I’d use my future platform to advocate for those who feel unseen. My experiences have taught me that innovation means more when it’s inclusive. That belief guided me when I launched Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance line I designed to challenge stereotypes about gender, identity, and beauty. It also motivated me to compete in the FLEX STEM entrepreneurship program, where I earned 1st place regionally and 3rd in the state. I learned how to build a business plan, pitch a product, and lead with both data and heart. As a Black female pursuing Industrial Design and Human-Computer Interaction—a field still predominantly white and male—I’m deeply aware of how rare my presence is. But I also know it’s powerful. I bring a unique lens shaped by resilience, culture, and lived experience. I want to design technologies that consider people like me—people from rural areas, single-parent homes, and underfunded schools. I want to build tools that empower, not exclude. Winning this scholarship would help lighten the financial load of college, but more importantly, it would reinforce my belief that who I am—and where I come from—can be a strength in the STEM world. I am not just entering this field to succeed. I’m entering to transform it.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design and continuing into the master’s program in Human-Computer Interaction. I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because I see design not just as creativity, but as innovation with purpose. Industrial Design sits at the intersection of engineering, technology, and human need. It’s a form of applied STEM that allows me to create systems, products, and experiences that improve lives. I’ve always been curious about how things work and more importantly, how they could work better. That curiosity has evolved into a passion for designing accessible, inclusive solutions, especially for communities that are too often overlooked. Coming from a Title I high school in a low-income, under-resourced area, I know what it feels like to be invisible in systems not designed for you. I’ve seen classmates fall behind not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked access. I’ve also experienced this firsthand. In kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I couldn’t sit still. In reality, I was a gifted child, bored and unchallenged. That misdiagnosis lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let anyone else define my abilities and that I’d use my future platform to advocate for those who feel unseen. My experiences have taught me that innovation means more when it’s inclusive. That belief guided me when I launched Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance line I designed to challenge stereotypes about gender, identity, and beauty. It also motivated me to compete in the FLEX STEM entrepreneurship program, where I earned 1st place regionally and 3rd in the state. I learned how to build a business plan, pitch a product, and lead with both data and heart. As a Black female pursuing Industrial Design and Human-Computer Interaction a field still predominantly white and male I’m deeply aware of how rare my presence is. But I also know it’s powerful. I bring a unique lens shaped by resilience, culture, and lived experience. I want to design technologies that consider people like me people from rural areas, single-parent homes, and underfunded schools. I want to build tools that empower, not exclude. Winning this scholarship would help lighten the financial load of college, but more importantly, it would reinforce my belief that who I am and where I come from—can be a strength in the STEM world. I am not just entering this field to succeed. I’m entering to transform it. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. My life experiences have shaped not just my career goals, but the reason I feel so strongly about pursuing them. I come from a low-income, single-parent household and attend a Title I high school that struggles with teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to advanced academic resources. Despite these obstacles, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and others. I’ve had to create opportunity where there was none often staying up late to finish assignments after long sports practices or seeking out enrichment programs on my own because they weren’t offered at my school. When I was in kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I struggled to sit still. What they didn’t see was a mind working faster than the material could feed it. I wasn’t distracted, I was gifted, and misdiagnosed like many children across the country. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let someone else define my potential, and that I would speak up for others who feel unseen. That promise became my foundation. I found myself drawn to design not just as a form of art, but as a way to solve real-world problems. Industrial Design, for me, is the perfect intersection of creativity, logic, and service. I want to build things that make life better for people, especially those like me who are often overlooked in systems not designed with them in mind. One of my proudest accomplishments is founding Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance brand I developed to challenge stereotypes around gender and self-expression. As a young Black woman entering a male-dominated, non-diverse field, I know my voice will be essential not just for representation, but for reimagining what innovation looks like when it's built on empathy. Receiving the Equity Elevate Scholarship would lift a huge burden from my family and allow me to stay focused on my goals. But more importantly, it would affirm the values that drive me: equity, visibility, and resilience. I want to use my education not only to build a career, but to build pathways for others, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds who need to see that they belong in these spaces too. Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.

"Some people chase history. I create space for those who’ve been left out of it." My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Tech to major in Industrial Design and eventually earn a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction. But my story starts much earlier—with a misdiagnosis. When I was in kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I struggled to sit still. What they didn’t see was a mind moving faster than the lessons could reach. I wasn’t distracted—I was gifted, and like many students of color, I was misunderstood. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself I would never let someone else define my potential, and that I’d speak up for others who feel unseen. That same fire guided me to create my own fragrance line, Laurence Fragrances, a brand rooted in androgyny, emotional intelligence, and storytelling. I wanted to challenge traditional definitions of masculinity and femininity by creating scents that are about presence, not gender. For a teenager from a small town in South Georgia, it was a bold move and not everyone understood it. Some people still don’t. But I’ve learned to be okay with being uncomfortable if it means living authentically and giving others permission to do the same. That drive to change narratives is also what pushed me to compete in the Georgia FLEX entrepreneurship competition, where I won first in region and third in state. I developed a full business model, pitch deck, and public presentation skills most students don’t touch until college. FLEX gave me the confidence to own my ideas and see them through. Beyond business, I’ve also served as Class President, 4-H Teen Leader, STEM Ambassador, and a peer-elected board member across 41 counties. I volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, where I work closely with youth who’ve experienced trauma, and I’m mentored by the Alliance’s CEO, an Industrial Design alumna who inspires me to build technology that heals, not harms. Reading Sloane Stephens’ story reminded me of my own path. Competing at the highest levels in tennis while pouring into her community through the Sloane Stephens Foundation is what true leadership looks like. My volunteer efforts eared me the Presidential Volunteer Serve award, additionally, I want to open a nonprofit innovation lab where underserved students can build, code, and create. Being a Black girl in STEM isn’t always easy. There are moments when I am the only one in the room. In fact, I was the only student at my school to take Japanese for three years—and one of the few selected to represent Georgia as a youth delegate to Japan. I now speak the language fluently. That trip reminded me that who I am—a girl who codes, designs, leads, and questions is more than enough. After college, I plan to create inclusive tools, spaces, and products that don’t just serve the majority but empower the overlooked. I want to build what didn’t exist for me: mentorship pipelines, culturally aware design practices, and space for kids who’ve been told they “don’t belong” in tech. This scholarship would help lift the financial burden that comes with being a first-generation college student. But more than that, it would be an investment in the kind of world I’m building one design at a time.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. The quote by Helen Keller reminds me that while strength is forged in solitude, transformation happens in community. I faced a pivotal challenge during my AP Pre-Calculus course, which was overcrowded with 31 students and short on instructional support—common in under-resourced schools like mine. I had always been a top student, but in that class, I struggled. With limited access to my teacher and a pace that didn’t match my learning style, I fell behind and began doubting my ability. At first, I internalized the failure. I blamed myself for not catching on faster. But over time, I realized the issue wasn’t my intelligence it was the environment. Instead of giving up, I built my own support system. I formed study groups, stayed after school for extra help, and used online tools to teach myself the concepts. I even began tutoring peers who were struggling more than I was. That experience taught me that asking for help and creating community are not signs of weakness they’re tools of resilience. Another defining challenge came when I applied for the highly competitive FLEX exchange program. I had prepared for months, pouring myself into the application, the interviews, and the essays. I advanced far in the process, only to be eliminated right before the final round. I was devastated. For the first time, it felt like doing everything right still wasn’t enough. But failure forced me to reflect. Instead of seeing it as rejection, I chose to view it as redirection. I realized that my voice, my story, and my leadership matter—whether validated by a program or not. That loss became fuel. I doubled down on my other goals, took on new leadership roles, and used my disappointment as a stepping stone instead of a roadblock. When I was in kindergarten, I was nearly diagnosed with ADHD because I couldn’t sit still. But I wasn’t distracted, I was gifted. I just wasn’t being challenged. That early misjudgment taught me to never let anyone else define my potential. It also taught me to speak up for others who feel unseen. These experiences continue to shape how I lead, learn, and give. I now serve my community through volunteer work with the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, where I advocate for youth who have experienced trauma. I also mentor younger girls in 4-H and Girls Who Code, showing them that they belong in spaces where their voices may not yet be the majority. Through each challenge, I’ve grown stronger but never alone. I’ve leaned on teachers, mentors, friends, and my community. And now, I give that strength back, knowing that others are quietly watching and drawing courage from it. Receiving the Xavier M. Monroe Heart of Gold Scholarship would not only lift the financial burden of pursuing my education, but also honor the legacy of resilience and service I’ve worked so hard to build. With it, I will continue to pay forward what my community has poured into me because I know that together, we can do so much more.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. When people ask where my drive comes from, I tell them it’s rooted in community. I have always believed that no matter how small your surroundings may seem, they can shape something extraordinary. My sense of hope for the future was not born in privilege. It was nurtured through shared effort, kindness, and resilience, in a community that refuses to give up on its children. One story that shaped me happened during my sophomore year. I was working on a service project to help local families experiencing homelessness. What began as a small clothing drive quickly grew after I saw the need firsthand. Many of these families didn’t have basic hygiene items, let alone winter coats. I coordinated with local organizations, spoke at churches, and launched a fundraising campaign. By the end of the season, I had helped raise over $10,000 for families without housing and personally packed and distributed hundreds of kits with supplies. I also earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold for the amount of hours volunteered. But the part that stays with me wasn’t the recognition it was the moment a young girl, no older than seven, whispered “thank you” and hugged me so tightly I couldn’t let go. That moment taught me what real connection looks like. It’s not about status or praise it is definently about showing up, even when it’s hard, and being the light someone else didn’t expect to find. That experience also taught me resilience and how to navigate setbacks when donation drives came up short or community interest waned. I had to learn how to motivate others, stay organized, and follow through even when I was tired or overwhelmed with schoolwork and athletics. I learned that service is not an event—it’s a mindset. My work didn’t stop there. I became a regular volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance and now serve as a mentor for younger students, particularly those navigating challenges I know all too well: growing up in a single-parent household, facing financial hardship, or feeling unseen in crowded classrooms. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that community is not defined by geography it is defined by shared humanity. The struggles we face do not separate us they connect us. And it’s in these connections that I find my greatest hope for the future. As I look ahead to college and beyond, I know I’ll carry this community-minded spirit with me. Whether designing inclusive technology, mentoring other young women in STEM, or launching social impact projects through my business, I will continue to serve. Not because I have to—but because I belong to something greater than myself. Lifting as I climb is what I aspire to do. Thank you for considering me for the Sweet Dreams Scholarship. With your support, I hope to continue turning acts of kindness into long-term impact.

I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” — Anonymous My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design and later continue into the master’s program in Human-Computer Interaction. My dream is to design innovative, inclusive technologies that empower underrepresented communities especially those, like mine, that often go unseen. As a young Black woman in STEM, I’ve faced more than just academic hurdles. I come from a single-parent, low-income household, where college isn’t just a dream—it’s a responsibility. I will be the first in my family to attend college. The cost of admissions tests, study guides, application fees, and portfolio reviews adds up quickly. I often find myself weighing whether I can afford to apply to a program, not whether I qualify for it. These financial barriers don’t just create stress they threaten to limit opportunity. I’ve worked tirelessly to build a competitive resume, yet without support, some doors remain financially out of reach. Despite these challenges, I’ve never stopped pushing. I taught myself coding to compete in Girls Make Games, where I earned 1st place internationally. I launched my own androgynous fragrance business, Laurence Fragrances, challenging gender norms in the beauty industry. I founded my company not just to sell products but to spark dialogue about identity, representation, and access. I also competed in the Georgia FLEX Entrepreneurship competition, placing 1st in Region and 3rd in State. Every project I take on is fueled by purpose and a desire to build what hasn’t yet been built, and serve those who haven’t yet been seen. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain I’m currently experiencing. My mother is being laid off after 23 years with At&t just as I prepare to transition to college. Receiving the Victoria Johnson Minority Women’s Scholarship would allow me to stay focused on refining my portfolio, preparing for interviews, and building the skills that will define my future, rather than worrying about how to cover the next testing fee. In summary, I don’t plan to stop with my own success. I want to use my platform in the design and tech industries to create spaces that invite other girls like me and those who code late at night on borrowed laptops, or who build prototypes with duct tape and determination. I hope to mentor, fund, and design for students from overlooked schools like mine. My vision isn’t just to succeed but to shift what success looks like. The Victoria Johnson Scholarship wouldn’t just support my goals it would multiply them. Thank you for investing in young women who are not only dreaming big but designing change.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the master’s program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. My goal after college is to design accessible, human-centered products that make daily life easier for marginalized groups people who are often overlooked in mainstream innovation. Whether it's developing assistive technology for people with mobility impairments, designing affordable tools for low-income students, or creating learning platforms that support neurodiverse learners, I plan to use design as a form of justice. I’m already making a difference in my community. As a volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, I help serve vulnerable youth and advocate for their safety and well-being. I’ve also raised over $10,000 for the homeless through the Atlanta Awareness Coalition and serve as a Georgia 4-H Certified Teen Leader, mentoring students across 41 counties. I believe in leading by example, and I often speak to younger students at my school about college readiness, self-advocacy, and entrepreneurship. One of my most meaningful contributions is the fragrance company I launched, Laurence Fragrances. I created it to challenge binary standards around gender and scent. As a young Black woman in the rural South, starting an androgynous brand wasn’t easy. It sparked conversations sometimes uncomfortable ones—about identity, expression, and inclusivity. But it also inspired others to embrace who they are without apology. By pushing boundaries, I’ve helped others feel seen. I want to continue that work after college not only through design but through policy, mentorship, and advocacy. I hope to start a foundation that offers grants to young entrepreneurs from Title I schools, helping them develop prototypes, attend competitions, or access college programs like the ones that changed my life. Every project I take on, from a hackathon mental health app to volunteering at the children's alliance is rooted in the belief that innovation should be inclusive. College isn’t just a stepping stone for me; it’s a launching pad to amplify my impact. With the right education and support, I plan to keep serving, keep designing, and keep lifting others as I climb. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your scholarship.

“Legacy is not what I did for myself. It’s what I’m doing for the next generation.” – Vitor Belfort My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. I plan to attend Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Design, then continuing into the masters program with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction. I plan to build a legacy rooted in bold creativity, social impact, and the courage to stand unapologetically in who I am. One of my proudest accomplishments was winning 1st Place Regionally and 3rd Place in the State of Georgia in the FLEX Entrepreneurship Competition. I competed against hundreds of students, pitching a business idea that I believed in—one that was personal. That idea became Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance line I designed, branded, and launched myself. It wasn’t just about selling a scent. It was about challenging what scent means—who gets to feel powerful, beautiful, or seen. In a world where fragrances are boxed into "for him" and "for her," I created something for everyone. Some people didn’t get it. Some even told me I should "just make it more girly." But I didn’t. I stood firm in my vision because I knew that someone out there was waiting for something that didn’t ask them to choose a side of themselves. That’s how I shine my light—not always loudly, but through action. Through the way I mentor younger students in 4-H, or the way I compete in male-dominated spaces and still show up with compassion and clarity. I shine by standing in rooms where people might not expect someone like me, and showing them what’s possible. One day, I hope to grow Laurence Fragrances into a full lifestyle brand—one that combines product design, scent, accessibility, and technology. I also want to use my platform to support teen entrepreneurs, especially those in underrepresented communities. My dream is to launch a nonprofit accelerator that helps young creators bring their ideas to life with dignity and mentorship. I believe legacy isn’t about being remembered. It’s about building something that lasts—something that reflects your values, tells the truth about who you are, and leaves the door open wider for someone else. That’s the future I’m working toward. And I’m just getting started.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I come from Sumter County, a small rural community in Georgia. I’m the first in my family to attend college, raised by a single mother who worked long hours to make sure I never felt the weight of our circumstances. I’ve learned that strength isn’t always loud—it’s showing up when it’s hard, trying again when no one’s watching, and believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. Growing up in a Title I school with overcrowded classrooms and limited access to advanced instruction taught me two things: how to advocate for myself and how to build solutions when none are provided. When my AP Pre-Calculus class had 31 students and only one teacher, I taught myself through YouTube tutorials, peer groups, and late-night study sessions. I enjoyed coding through ID Tech workshops, winning a global game design competition through Girls Make Games, and attending the STEM Honors program at Spelman College where I built a mental health app using UX principles. One experience that deeply shaped me was being misdiagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten. My restlessness was mistaken for a deficit, when in reality, I was simply gifted and unchallenged. That early mislabeling ignited a fire in me. I promised myself I would never let someone else define my potential, and I would advocate for others who feel unseen. That vow has guided my academic journey, my community service, and my passion for inclusive design. My chosen field—Industrial Design—is the perfect intersection of creativity, technology, and empathy. I plan to major in Industrial Design and minor in Human-Computer Interaction. I’m inspired by the potential of design to solve real problems, especially for communities like mine. Whether it’s creating accessible learning tools for students with disabilities or designing physical environments for elderly or low-mobility individuals, I want to build products that serve people who are often overlooked. Leadership and service have always been important to me. As Class President, Captain of the Tennis Team, and a Southwest District 4-H Board Member, I have learned how to lead with compassion and clarity. I’ve launched my own androgynous fragrance brand, Laurence Fragrances, as a creative outlet and entrepreneurial challenge. I also volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, where I’m mentored by the CEO, a fellow Industrial Design graduate who helped me realize that my voice and perspective. The degree I pursue won’t just be a stepping stone it will be a catalyst. Georgia Tech’s Industrial Design program excites me because of its fusion of engineering, empathy, and innovation. I’m particularly drawn to courses in user-centered design and sustainable systems. My long-term goal is to start a socially conscious design firm focused on developing accessible, technology-integrated solutions for underserved communities. Diversity and inclusion in technology are not optional, they are essential. I have lived the experience of being underrepresented, of being doubted, of being the only Black girl in a STEM camp. But I’ve also lived the power of defying expectations. I plan to mentor other young girls of color in tech and design, because representation isn’t just about visibility it is about possibility. My education is not just for me it’s for the girl in the back of the class who thinks coding isn’t for her, for the student with dyslexia struggling to learn from outdated systems, and for my younger cousins who are watching and waiting to see what’s possible. I’m here to show them that they matter, that their ideas matter, and that there’s space for all of us in the future we are building.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I come from Sumter County, a small rural community in Georgia. I’m the first in my family to attend college, raised by a single mother who worked long hours to make sure I never felt the weight of our circumstances. I’ve learned that strength isn’t always loud—it’s showing up when it’s hard, trying again when no one’s watching, and believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. Growing up in a Title I school with overcrowded classrooms and limited access to advanced instruction taught me two things: how to advocate for myself and how to build solutions when none are provided. When my AP Pre-Calculus class had 31 students and only one teacher, I taught myself through YouTube tutorials, peer groups, and late-night study sessions. I enjoyed coding through ID Tech workshops, winning a global game design competition through Girls Make Games, and attending the STEM Honors program at Spelman College where I built a mental health app using UX principles. One experience that deeply shaped me was being misdiagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten. My restlessness was mistaken for a deficit, when in reality, I was simply gifted and unchallenged. That early mislabeling ignited a fire in me. I promised myself I would never let someone else define my potential, and I would advocate for others who feel unseen. That vow has guided my academic journey, my community service, and my passion for inclusive design. My chosen field—Industrial Design—is the perfect intersection of creativity, technology, and empathy. I plan to major in Industrial Design and minor in Human-Computer Interaction. I’m inspired by the potential of design to solve real problems, especially for communities like mine. Whether it’s creating accessible learning tools for students with disabilities or designing physical environments for elderly or low-mobility individuals, I want to build products that serve people who are often overlooked. Leadership and service have always been important to me. As Class President, Captain of the Tennis Team, and a Southwest District 4-H Board Member, I have learned how to lead with compassion and clarity. I’ve launched my own androgynous fragrance brand, Laurence Fragrances, as a creative outlet and entrepreneurial challenge. I also volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, where I’m mentored by the CEO, a fellow Industrial Design graduate who helped me realize that my voice and perspective. The degree I pursue won’t just be a stepping stone it will be a catalyst. Georgia Tech’s Industrial Design program excites me because of its fusion of engineering, empathy, and innovation. I’m particularly drawn to courses in user-centered design and sustainable systems. My long-term goal is to start a socially conscious design firm focused on developing accessible, technology-integrated solutions for underserved communities. Diversity and inclusion in technology are not optional, they are essential. I have lived the experience of being underrepresented, of being doubted, of being the only Black girl in a STEM camp. But I’ve also lived the power of defying expectations. I plan to mentor other young girls of color in tech and design, because representation isn’t just about visibility it is about possibility. My education is not just for me it’s for the girl in the back of the class who thinks coding isn’t for her, for the student with dyslexia struggling to learn from outdated systems, and for my younger cousins who are watching and waiting to see what’s possible. I’m here to show them that they matter, that their ideas matter, and that there’s space for all of us in the future we are building.

“When you show up as your full self, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” – Unknown My name is Lauren Harris, and I’m a high-achieving senior ranked in the top 4 of my graduating class at Sumter County High School. I’ve maintained a 4.4 GPA while juggling dual enrollment courses, varsity athletics in three sports, leadership roles in clubs and community organizations, and the responsibilities of being a small business owner. My future plans include attending Georgia Tech and Majoring in Industrial Design, a field where I will be in the minority. One of the things that sets me apart is that I never felt the need to fit into other people’s boxes especially not the ones shaped by gender expectations. I’m the founder of Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance line that doesn’t just sell products it challenges perceptions. In a world that markets scent based on binary ideas of femininity and masculinity, I created something that simply centers people. That choice raised a few eyebrows in my small Georgia town, but I stood by it because I believe that people are at their best and make the biggest difference when they are free to express their uniqueness. Being different in environments that aren’t always ready for difference can be lonely. I’m quiet and straight to the point. I don't sugarcoat or perform emotion in ways people always expect, and that sometimes makes others uncomfortable. But I’ve learned that being stoic doesn’t mean being cold—it means being focused. It means getting the work done even when you’re doubted, overlooked, or misunderstood. And someone is always watching. Whether it’s a freshman basketball player seeing how I lead without yelling, or a younger student in STEM club noticing how I step in to help without being asked. In my role as student ambassador, I organize and conduct tours for middle school students transitioning into high school. I often share my story and accomplishments with them with the hope that they will be inspired to also strive to be the best version of themselves. Most are too shy to respond but I can see the anticipation for what is possible in their eyes. I’ve learned that the way I carry myself matters more than I realize. It made me proud when Maranda, a now freshmen, said that I inspired her to pursue the engineering career pathway. In addition, I was also the only student in my high school to complete three years of Japanese. I wanted to learn more than the two traditional years of Spanish that most students take. I even traveled to Japan through the Japan American Delegate exchange program. Immersing myself in a new culture expanded my view of what’s possible. It also helped me realize that design should reflect a global perspective, not just an American one and being able to fluently speak Japanese has makes me unique and has presented me the opportunity to tutor and teach others I don’t always speak the loudest in the room, but my work speaks volumes. I believe you can lead quietly, challenge norms with grace, and uplift others by simply showing up as your whole self. If I’ve inspired even one person who felt unseen to stand a little taller, then I’ve already made a difference. The Gladys Ruth Legacy Memorial Scholarship would not only support my college journey but it would help me continue this legacy of courage, leadership, and visibility. I am different by design. And that difference is exactly what I plan to use to uplift others, even the ones I may never meet.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I come from Sumter County, a small rural community in Georgia. I’m the first in my family to attend college, raised by a single mother who worked long hours to make sure I never felt the weight of our circumstances. I’ve learned that strength isn’t always loud—it’s showing up when it’s hard, trying again when no one’s watching, and believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. Growing up in a Title I school with overcrowded classrooms and limited access to advanced instruction taught me two things: how to advocate for myself and how to build solutions when none are provided. When my AP Pre-Calculus class had 31 students and only one teacher, I taught myself through YouTube tutorials, peer groups, and late-night study sessions. I enjoyed coding through ID Tech workshops, winning a global game design competition through Girls Make Games, and attending the STEM Honors program at Spelman College where I built a mental health app using UX principles. One experience that deeply shaped me was being misdiagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten. My restlessness was mistaken for a deficit, when in reality, I was simply gifted and unchallenged. That early mislabeling ignited a fire in me. I promised myself I would never let someone else define my potential, and I would advocate for others who feel unseen. That vow has guided my academic journey, my community service, and my passion for inclusive design. My chosen field—Industrial Design—is the perfect intersection of creativity, technology, and empathy. I plan to major in Industrial Design and minor in Human-Computer Interaction. I’m inspired by the potential of design to solve real problems, especially for communities like mine. Whether it’s creating accessible learning tools for students with disabilities or designing physical environments for elderly or low-mobility individuals, I want to build products that serve people who are often overlooked. Leadership and service have always been important to me. As Class President, Captain of the Tennis Team, and a Southwest District 4-H Board Member, I have learned how to lead with compassion and clarity. I’ve launched my own androgynous fragrance brand, Laurence Fragrances, as a creative outlet and entrepreneurial challenge. I also volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, where I’m mentored by the CEO, a fellow Industrial Design graduate who helped me realize that my voice and perspective. The degree I pursue won’t just be a stepping stone it will be a catalyst. Georgia Tech’s Industrial Design program excites me because of its fusion of engineering, empathy, and innovation. I’m particularly drawn to courses in user-centered design and sustainable systems. My long-term goal is to start a socially conscious design firm focused on developing accessible, technology-integrated solutions for underserved communities. Diversity and inclusion in technology are not optional, they are essential. I have lived the experience of being underrepresented, of being doubted, of being the only Black girl in a STEM camp. But I’ve also lived the power of defying expectations. I plan to mentor other young girls of color in tech and design, because representation isn’t just about visibility it is about possibility. My education is not just for me it’s for the girl in the back of the class who thinks coding isn’t for her, for the student with dyslexia struggling to learn from outdated systems, and for my younger cousins who are watching and waiting to see what’s possible. I’m here to show them that they matter, that their ideas matter, and that there’s space for all of us in the future we are building. Thank you for considering my application

Passion for Technology and Projects "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs My name is Lauren Harris and I am a senior at Sumter County High School. I am an honor student and currently ranked 4th in my class. I have spent my high school years proving what’s possible with grit, guidance, and opportunity. I’ve balanced back-to-back varsity sports seasons, AP and dual-enrollment courses, and countless leadership roles—often finishing homework on bus rides to tennis matches or late at night after student council meetings . My future plans include in attending Georgia Tech to obtain a bachelors degree in Industrial Design followed by a masters in Human-Computer Interaction. An industrial design degree prepares students for a career in designing and developing manufactured products. It involves understanding how people interact with objects, identifying user needs, and creating innovative solutions. My passion for technology is rooted in the belief that creativity and innovation can solve the world’s most pressing problems. One of the first projects that fueled this passion was my participation in the Georgia FLEX Entrepreneurship Competition. I created an androgynous fragrance line, Laurence Fragrances, from concept to prototype, including a full business pitch. This experience wasn’t just about building a product—it was about solving a real-world problem. I wanted to design something that challenged gender norms and made everyone feel included. Winning 1st place at Region and 3rd at State wasn’t just rewarding it was a wake-up call that technology and design could change lives. That lesson deepened when I entered the international Girls Make Games competition. I developed and pitched a prototype for a video game addressing environmental issues and how to preserve the planet, combining storytelling, game mechanics, and psychological theory. I led a team through brainstorming sessions, coded parts of the game, and presented our pitch to industry professionals. We won 1st place out of 187 competitors. But more importantly, I learned how design, empathy, and technology can come together to make an impact. Technology inspires me because it’s limitless. It bridges imagination and reality. Whether it’s designing an inclusive product, creating a game that uplifts, or using AI to develop solutions for underserved communities. Tech is my language of change. These experiences have taught me not only the mechanics of entrepreneurship and software development but also the heart of innovation: empathy. I’ve come to believe that great design isn’t just beautiful it is inclusive. That’s why I want to study Industrial Design with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction. Working in technology allows me to combine my artistic vision with the tools to build real, functional solutions. These projects ignited my purpose, and they continue to fuel my desire to make technology more human-centered and accessible for all.

Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household in rural Georgia, I never saw many people in my community pursue careers in technology or design. But I was always curious about how things worked, how they were built, and more importantly, how they could be made better. That curiosity led to a deep passion for technology, especially in the ways it intersects with human-centered design. I plan to major in Industrial Design and later pursue a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Georgia Tech. This path allows me to combine art, empathy, and technology to design tools and experiences that make life better for people from underserved communities like mine. What excites me most about this field is that it’s about solving problems that matter. Industrial Design is about more than creating products; it’s about designing meaningful solutions. Whether it’s building assistive devices for people with disabilities, educational tools for low-resource classrooms, or tech-driven solutions to help the elderly woman live more independently, I want my work to be a bridge between innovation and empathy. I’ve already taken steps toward this future by attending STEM programs like SMASH at Spelman College, coding in Python and Java, and designing a mental health app for black female teenagers during a hackathon. I also won first place in the international Girls Make Games coding / game design competition. My path as not been without difficulties. When I was in kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I struggled to sit still. What they didn’t see was a mind working faster than the material was taught. I wasn’t distracted, I was gifted, and misdiagnosed like many children across the country. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let someone else define my potential, and that I would speak up for others who feel unseen. In addition to these challenges, my mother is being laid off from At&t at the very time I’m preparing to leave for college. Our household has always been supported by love and hard work, but never by financial stability. I know that attending college will be life-changing for my family. I will be the first to go. I carry that responsibility proudly. Diversity and inclusion matter deeply in the tech industry because design is never neutral. It reflects the perspectives and experiences of its creators. When teams lack diversity, their products often miss the mark for the people who need them most. As a Black girl from a rural community, I bring a lens that is too often missing in the rooms where innovation happens. I understand the challenges of navigating technology in underfunded schools, of being misdiagnosed because I learned differently, of watching loved ones struggle with accessible spaces. These experiences fuel my passion to make sure others don’t have to face the same barriers. At Georgia Tech, I plan to immerse myself in the Industrial Design program where user-centered design and technical innovation are at the forefront. I want to research sustainable materials, develop assistive technology, and lead projects that put people of color first. I also plan to give back by mentoring students like me, those who don’t see themselves represented in tech, and helping them realize that they belong here too. I also plan on continuing my work with voter registration in communities in communities of color. My previous volunteerism with the NAACP in this area eared me the presidential volunteer service award Gold. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. If awarded, the funds would allow me make my future a reality.

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household in rural Georgia, I never saw many people in my community pursue careers in technology or design. But I was always curious about how things worked, how they were built, and more importantly, how they could be made better. That curiosity led to a deep passion for technology, especially in the ways it intersects with human-centered design. I plan to major in Industrial Design and later pursue a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Georgia Tech. This path allows me to combine art, empathy, and technology to design tools and experiences that make life better for people from underserved communities like mine. What excites me most about this field is that it’s about solving problems that matter. Industrial Design is about more than creating products; it’s about designing meaningful solutions. Whether it’s building assistive devices for people with disabilities, educational tools for low-resource classrooms, or tech-driven solutions to help the elderly live more independently, I want my work to be a bridge between innovation and empathy. I’ve already taken steps toward this future by attending STEM programs like SMASH at Spelman College, coding in Python and Java, and designing a mental health app during a hackathon. I also won first place in the international Girls Make Games coding / game design competition. My path as not been without difficulties. When I was in kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I struggled to sit still. What they didn’t see was a mind working faster than the material was taught. I wasn’t distracted, I was gifted, and misdiagnosed like many children across the country. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let someone else define my potential, and that I would speak up for others who feel unseen. In addition to this, my high school is a Title I school with a significant teacher shortage. In my AP Pre-Calculus class, there were 31 students in a room meant for 18. I didn’t have a consistent teacher for most of the year. I struggled at first, not because I wasn’t capable, but because I didn’t have access to the support many others take for granted. Instead of giving up, I taught myself. I joined study groups, stayed up late watching YouTube lessons, and leaned on online platforms to bridge the gap. It was in these moments that I learned what it truly means to persevere. In addition to these challenges, my mother is being laid off from At&t after 25 years of service at the very time I’m preparing to leave for college. Our household has always been supported by love and hard work, but never by financial stability. I know that attending college will be life-changing for my family. I will be the first to go. I carry that responsibility proudly. Diversity and inclusion matter deeply in the tech industry because design is never neutral. It reflects the perspectives and experiences of its creators. When teams lack diversity, their products often miss the mark for the people who need them most. As a Black girl from a rural community, I bring a lens that is too often missing in the rooms where innovation happens. I understand the challenges of navigating technology in underfunded schools, of being misdiagnosed because I learned differently, of watching loved ones struggle with accessible spaces. These experiences fuel my passion to make sure others don’t have to face the same barriers. At Georgia Tech, I plan to immerse myself in the Industrial Design program where user-centered design and technical innovation are at the forefront. I want to research sustainable materials, develop assistive technology, and lead projects that put community impact first. I also plan to give back by mentoring students like me, those who don’t see themselves represented in tech, and helping them realize that they belong here too. I don’t just want a career, I want a calling. I want to be part of a generation of designers and technologists who are brave enough to ask the hard questions and bold enough to design the answers and this scholarship would ease the financial stress on my family and allow me to manifest my calling and reach my God given full potential. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

Growing up in a single-parent household in rural Southwest Georgia, I quickly learned how to turn limitations into fuel. My mother, who has worked tirelessly to provide for me and my siblings, taught me that strength doesn’t always roar it sometimes whispers through sacrifice and quiet perseverance. As a student at a Title 1 high school with limited resources and overcrowded classrooms, I’ve often had to seek out my own opportunities. In my AP Pre-Calculus class, there were 31 students far above the ideal student-teacher ratio. Without regular access to my teacher, I struggled at first, but I didn’t give up. I turned to YouTube, study groups, and after-school tutoring. I taught myself how to learn. My dream is to major in Industrial Design and later pursue a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction. I want to create technology that is rooted in empathy—tools that serve people often overlooked by mainstream design, like the elderly, the disabled, or students in underfunded schools like mine. I’m already building toward that future. I founded my own androgynous fragrance line, Laurence Fragrances, combining design and entrepreneurship. I’ve coded mental health apps at the SMASH summer program and won first place in the Girls Make Games global coding competition. I volunteer with the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance and learn from my mentor, Maggie McGruder, who also came from humble beginnings and now leads a nonprofit. These experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship it’s about transforming it into purpose. I plan to use everything I’ve learned, from the quiet strength of my household to the bold innovation of STEM to design a world that’s more inclusive, more accessible, and more humane.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt My name is Lauren Harris and I am a senior at Sumter County High School. I am an honor student and currently ranked 4th in my class. I have spent my high school years proving what’s possible with grit, guidance, and opportunity. I’ve balanced back-to-back varsity sports seasons, AP and dual-enrollment courses, and countless leadership roles—often finishing homework on bus rides to tennis matches or late at night after student council meetings . My future plans include in attending Georgia Tech to obtain a bachelors degree in Industrial Design followed by a masters in Human-Computer Interaction. An industrial design degree prepares students for a career in designing and developing manufactured products. It involves understanding how people interact with objects, identifying user needs, and creating innovative solutions. What motivates me most is the idea of impact. I have seen how the lack of resources in underfunded communities like mine can limit potential. I have also seen how access to opportunity whether through a summer coding camp or a mentor who believes in you can light a fire. If I could do anything with my life I would use industrial design and emerging technology to solve real world problems especially those that affect communities like mine. I want to design accessible solutions using cutting edge technology that are rooted in empathy, human need and accessibility. For example; designing spaces and products that are physically accessible to individuals with mobility impairments, such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Creating clear signage and navigation systems for individuals with visual impairments and also implementing soundproofing materials and sound reinforcement systems to aid individuals with hearing loss. Creating a range of seating options to accommodate diverse physical needs is also exciting to me after seeing how my grandmother was limited in where she can go due to her disability before she passed away. What excites me about STEM is the freedom to imagine and the power to create. STEM is not just science technology engineering and math—it is the language of innovation. As someone deeply interested in industrial design I have been drawn to the intersection of form and function. My participation in the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) program at Spelman College where I competed in Hackathon's and used UX design to build a mental health app for teens. I soon realized how design and information technology work together. That experience affirmed that my desire to blend art and computer science was powerful and leaned into my natural strengths. I also earned first place in the international Girls Make Games coding / game design competition where I developed and pitched a game prototype to industry professionals. These hands-on experiences shaped how I view tech not as an abstract tool but as a bridge to human connection and equity. Information technology especially when paired with design thinking can transform and improve out daily lives. Industrial design deeply incoporates use of IT to develop tools that close access gaps by developing assistive technology for students in underfunded schools and for people with disabilities. Telemedicine and apps that help vision imparted people are great but I feel I can do more by creating products for marginalized communities such as VR learning applications for students who cannot attend traditional classes. My coding experience with python, machine learning, SQL and Java gives me the tools but future design education will give me the lens to understand how they can be used to improve the lives of everyday citizens of the word.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt My name is Lauren Harris and I am a senior at Sumter County High School. I am an honor student and currently ranked 4th in my class. I have spent my high school years proving what’s possible with grit, guidance, and opportunity. I’ve balanced back-to-back varsity sports seasons, AP and dual-enrollment courses, and countless leadership roles—often finishing homework on bus rides to tennis matches or late at night after student council meetings . My future plans include in attending Georgia Tech to obtain a bachelors degree in Industrial Design followed by a masters in Human-Computer Interaction. An industrial design degree prepares students for a career in designing and developing manufactured products. It involves understanding how people interact with objects, identifying user needs, and creating innovative solutions. What motivates me most is the idea of impact. I have seen how the lack of resources in underfunded communities like mine can limit potential. I have also seen how access to opportunity whether through a summer coding camp or a mentor who believes in you can light a fire. If I could do anything with my life I would use industrial design and emerging technology to solve real world problems especially those that affect communities like mine. I want to design accessible solutions using cutting edge technology that are rooted in empathy, human need and accessibility. For example; designing spaces and products that are physically accessible to individuals with mobility impairments, such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Creating clear signage and navigation systems for individuals with visual impairments and also implementing soundproofing materials and sound reinforcement systems to aid individuals with hearing loss. Creating a range of seating options to accommodate diverse physical needs is also exciting to me after seeing how my grandmother was limited in where she can go due to her disability before she passed away. "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." – Alan Kay What excites me about STEM is the freedom to imagine and the power to create. STEM is not just science technology engineering and math—it is the language of innovation. As someone deeply interested in industrial design I have been drawn to the intersection of form and function. My participation in the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) program at Spelman College where I competed in Hackathon's and used UX design to build a mental health app for teens. I soon realized how design and information technology can work together to solve real human problems. That experience affirmed that my desire to blend art and computer science was powerful and leaned into my natural strengths and passions. I also earned first place in the international Girls Make Games coding / game design competition where I developed and pitched a game prototype to industry professionals. These hands-on experiences shaped how I view tech not as an abstract tool but as a bridge to human connection and equity. Information technology especially when paired with design thinking can transform and improve out daily lives. Industrial design deeply incoporates use of IT to develop tools that close access gaps by developing assistive technology for students in underfunded schools and for people with disabilities. Telemedicine and apps that help vision imparted people are great but I feel I can do more by creating products for marginalized communities such as VR learning applications for students who cannot attend traditional classes. My coding experience with python, machine learning, SQL and Java gives me the tools but future design education will give me the lens to understand how they can be used to improve the lives of everyday citizens of the word. "You may not control all the events that happen to you but you can decide not to be reduced by them." – Maya Angelou One of the greatest challenges I have faced is navigating academic excellence in a school system that often lacks the resources to support it. Sumter County High School faces a significant teacher shortage especially in advanced courses. In my AP Pre-Calculus there were 31 students in my class far above the ideal 18 to 1 student teacher ratio. Without consistent access to my instructor I struggled at first. It was humbling especially for someone who is used to succeeding. But rather than give up I developed my own system. I sought online resources formed peer study groups and stayed after school to work through difficult concepts. I also kept a journal documenting not just what I learned but how I learned. That experience taught me that success and maturing sometimes are hidden in obstacles we overcome and sometimes they are just signals that it is time to adapt. When I was in kindergarten, a teacher suggested I be tested for ADHD because I struggled to sit still. What they didn’t see was a mind working faster than the material could feed it. I wasn’t distracted, I was gifted, and misdiagnosed like many children across the country. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself that I’d never let someone else define my potential, and that I would speak up for others who feel unseen. Another challenge that runs deeper is the financial strain my family faces. My mother is being laid off just as I prepare for college. It is difficult knowing that my dream of attending Georgia Tech may depend on loans; but I and determined and have been working toward this future for years not just through grades and awards but through the quiet perseverance that happens when no one is watching. That resilience is what carries me forward and why I believe I am ready not only to enter the STEM world but to help shape it. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your scholarship. I will be a blessing to whomever receives it.

“Adversity introduces a person to themselves.” – Albert Einstein Growing up in a low-income household in Southwest Georgia has shaped every part of who I am from how I problem-solve to how I dream. When resources were scarce, I learned to make the most of what I had. When opportunities were limited, I created my own. And when others saw financial limitations as a barrier, I saw them as a challenge one that would fuel my journey instead of holding me back. My family has always prioritized education, but the reality of our financial circumstances often meant doing more with less. My mother, a dedicated public servant, is now facing job loss due to layoffs. This uncertainty has only deepened my desire to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the community I represent. I know that attending college, especially a specialized school like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), is a tremendous investment. But it’s one I am committed to making, because my dreams are not just about me they are about building something greater. Coming from a low-income background has influenced my career aspirations in Industrial Design in powerful ways. It taught me that good design shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy that beauty, innovation, and functionality should be accessible to everyone. I want to design products that solve real-world problems affordable furniture for small homes, educational toys that support children with learning differences, or sustainable packaging that doesn’t raise consumer costs. Growing up without excess has shown me that design is most powerful when it’s thoughtful, inclusive, and practical. My journey has been hands-on from the beginning. I have started my own fragrance business, Laurence Fragrances, and learned skills like welding, woodworking, and digital fabrication. I’ve prototyped designs in maker spaces and competed in coding competitions like Girls Make Games, where I won 1st place globally. My summer at the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) program at Spelman College helped me understand the intersection of design, technology, and social change. It also highlighted how few students of color have access to these kinds of experiences a gap I plan to help close. This summer, I’m attending a pre-college Industrial Design program at Auburn University and a residential IEEE Try Engineering Camp at Georgia Tech. These experiences will expand my skill set and help me build a stronger foundation before entering college. I want to bring these lessons back home, mentoring students from underfunded schools, building community design labs, and proving that someone from a low-income background can lead innovation in the design world. I don’t see my financial background as a setback I see it as my superpower. It’s made me resourceful, resilient, and deeply aware of how design can be used to uplift and empower. My goal isn’t just to build a career it’s to build bridges: between art and engineering, between privilege and need, and between what exists and what’s possible. Because when you come from less, you learn to imagine more. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

“To create is to make a difference not just in the object itself, but in the lives it touches.” My name is Lauren Harris, and I plan to pursue a career in Industrial Design, a field that lies at the intersection of art, engineering, and functionality. While many view design through a digital lens 3D modeling, CAD, and prototyping my love for Industrial Design stems from its roots in traditional trades: glass blowing, welding, woodworking, and craftsmanship. Growing up in Southwest Georgia, resources for youth interested in design or engineering were limited. But I was drawn to the trades from a young age — fascinated by how raw materials could be transformed into something beautiful and useful. I was fortunate to explore glass blowing in a local workshop, where I discovered the delicate balance between patience and precision. The first time I shaped molten glass into a small, iridescent bowl, I understood how much mastery comes from trial, repetition, and respect for the medium. In high school, I expanded that interest through welding and woodworking classes offered in regional career-tech programs. Welding taught me strength and discipline — the way a steady hand and careful vision could bind two worlds together, literally. Woodworking was meditative: the scent of cedar, the hum of a lathe, the satisfaction of sanding a surface smooth. These trades sharpened my creative instincts, taught me resilience, and helped me understand that Industrial Design isn’t just about form it’s about the feel, the function, and the process. As an aspiring Industrial Designer, I’ve also learned to embrace newer tools of the trade: laser cutting, CNC routing, and 3D printing. I’ve used digital fabrication labs to prototype fragrance bottles for my own androgynous fragrance line, Laurence Fragrances — a business I founded to challenge traditional gender norms in the beauty industry. But even in my most high-tech designs, there’s always a touch of the artisan a hand-etched detail, a wooden accent, or a metallic curve I designed with the same welding principles I learned early on. To master my trade, I will continue to refine both traditional and modern techniques. This summer, I’m attending a pre-college Industrial Design program at Auburn University to build real-world experience through studio-based work. Immediately after, I’ll spend eight days at the IEEE Try Engineering Camp at Georgia Tech, where I’ll tackle team-based design challenges that blend engineering and creativity — preparing me to enter college as a stronger, more well-rounded designer. Industrial Design isn’t just my career it’s my language. It gives me a voice to solve problems and express culture. I plan to use my skills to create socially conscious products — adaptive furniture for children with disabilities, sustainable packaging to reduce waste, and accessible designs for underserved communities like mine in Southwest Georgia. Giving back is part of my purpose. I want to open a design lab for local youth where they can learn woodworking, welding, digital fabrication, and more — because too many students like me are never told that “trade” and “design” can go hand in hand. I want to bring design education into schools, offer scholarships for girls interested in trades, and show young Black and brown creators that their ideas matter. Through mentorship, community projects, and local collaborations, I’ll ensure that what I create doesn’t just sit on a shelf it lives in the hands of people who need it most. Trade work and design may seem like different paths, but in truth, they are one and the same. Both require vision, discipline, craftsmanship, and an enduring belief in what’s possible.

“Success doesn’t just happen. It is planned for, worked for, and earned.” As a high-achieving student with a 4.4 GPA and a ranking of 4th in my class, I have always been driven by curiosity, creativity, and the need to solve problems in ways that benefit others. Growing up in Southwest Georgia, where underrepresentation in STEM fields is a persistent barrier for youth of color, I have often found myself in spaces where access to high-quality technology education and exposure to innovation were limited. Yet, these challenges only sharpened my resolve to break boundaries and carve out space in fields where voices like mine are rarely heard. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) became more than just subjects they became tools of empowerment and vehicles for change. One of my most enjoyable experiences was participating in the SMASH - Spelman Summer honors program, where I competed in a multi-day Hackathon alongside a team of bright young minds. We were challenged to develop an AI-driven app that addressed access to emergency services by homeless in our community. Drawing on my background in UX design, I helped lead our team in developing a prototype aimed at improving access to mental health resources for underserved teens. I focused heavily on empathy in the design process ensuring our interface was inclusive, intuitive, and reflective of our users’ needs. The project taught me how AI and design can work together to improve lives in tangible, compassionate ways. The judges and mentors praised our team for innovative thinking, especially for how we made AI more accessible through thoughtful UX and technology that homeless people could access. I further deepened my technical skills through intensive summer camps at ID Tech Camps, where I explored machine learning, app development, and learned to code in python, java, C++ and other languages. The instructors provided me with personalized feedback that fueled my growth, particularly in areas like logic-based coding, creative problem-solving, and optimizing machine learning models. I was often singled out for my unique blend of detail and troubleshooting ability—an intersection that now defines my personal brand as a future designer and innovator. Another highlight was my first-place finish in the Girls Make Games global competition, where I coded and designed an original video game that focused on solving environmental challenges. I handled all aspects of the game design—from character building and mechanics to back-end logic and storyline development. Winning among a pool of 187 competitors was not just a victory, but a validation that young women of color like me belong in the future of tech. Through 4-H STEM leadership, Georgia Movie Academy, and Black Girls Code, I have gained further hands-on exposure to robotics, automation, and real-world engineering projects. I have also led coding workshops for younger students in my community as a 4-H STEM ambassador, helping them gain confidence in their own tech journeys. Giving back is just as important to me as advancing my own skills. Looking ahead, I plan to major in Industrial Design with a minor in AI and Human-Centered Computing. I have been accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I will continue to merge aesthetics with emerging technologies to build tools, systems, and products that address overlooked needs in marginalized communities. My dream is to launch a tech startup that fuses machine learning with design thinking creating solutions that are empathetic and inclusive. AI not just to solve problems, but to bring people together. I am ready to help shape the future of artificial intelligence not just through code, but through compassion, creativity, and purpose.

My name is Lauren Harris, and I am a senior at Sumter County High School in Georgia, ranked 4th in my class with a 4.04 GPA. I plan to major in Industrial Design with a minor in Marketing at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) or Georgia Tech. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to make life better, more equitable, and more beautiful for everyone. I believe design has the power to change the world, and I am determined to use that power for good. In kindergarten, I was almost held back not because I wasn’t capable, but because I was misunderstood. My teacher believed I had ADHD due to my hyperactivity, restlessness, and fast processing. It wasn’t that I couldn’t focus it was that I was bored. After extensive testing, I was found not to have ADHD, but to be “gifted.” Like many gifted children, I learned abstractly and absorbed information rapidly, which often put me out of sync with traditional teaching styles. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis like this is common and can unfairly label students. That early experience taught me the importance of advocacy, self-awareness, and challenging assumptions. Since then, I have used every challenge as fuel. I’ve maintained a rigorous academic course load—including dual enrollment and AP classes and will enter college with sophomore standing. I am also a leader in my school and community. I have served as Class President for three years, Co-Captain of the Varsity Basketball and Volleyball teams, and Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. I balance my athletic leadership with academic excellence, even when it means studying after long matches or completing assignments on the bus. I also serve as a Certified Teen Leader and STEM Ambassador for Georgia 4-H and was elected by peers across 41 counties to serve on the Southwest District Board of Directors. These roles have allowed me to mentor younger students, organize regional events, and advocate for youth programs in rural communities like mine. One of my proudest accomplishments is founding Laurence Fragrances, an androgynous fragrance brand I created from scratch. I wanted to challenge traditional ideas of gender and identity through scent and create something that felt inclusive and empowering. The process taught me branding, product design, budgeting, and how to share a story with the world. It also confirmed that I want to use design as a tool for social change. Beyond business, I have made it a personal mission to give back. I raised over $10,000 to support homeless individuals in Georgia and distributed hundreds of hygiene kits and supplies. This effort earned me the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Atlanta Awareness Coalition Humanitarian Award. I’ve also won state and national awards in entrepreneurship, coding, and international studies, and I’m a proud member of 4-H, FBLA, and Black Girls Code. I believe I am a strong candidate for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because I combine ambition with compassion, and leadership with humility. I don’t just chase goals I build systems and communities that benefit others along the way. My long-term goal is to launch a socially conscious design studio that employs and mentors underrepresented youth while creating accessible, human-centered solutions for real-world problems. Whether it's designing sustainable packaging, developing inclusive products, or creating campaigns that spark social dialogue, I want every project to leave a positive mark. This scholarship would not only support my college education, but it would also amplify my ability to lead, serve, and innovate. I want to honor Mark Green’s legacy by turning ambition into impact and empowering others to do the same.