Announcing the 2026 Impact on Education scholarship winners
4 min read
At the end of each school year, Impact on Education selects graduating seniors from the Boulder Valley School District to award scholarships to pursue their dreams after graduation.
We’re proud to announce that 11 students have been awarded scholarships — a $49,000 investment — to pursue higher education this fall.
These $1,000 to $10,000 awards support students’ academic pursuits at four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. Because the majority of these scholarships are renewable for between two to four years, we’re able to provide support throughout students’ academic journeys. In the upcoming 2026-27 school year, Impact on Education plans to grant up to $57,750 in renewed scholarship funds.
Please join us in congratulating and celebrating our 2026 scholarship awardees!
Houston Scholarship
This $10,000 scholarship celebrates motivated Boulder Valley students with demonstrated academic achievement. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship provides steady financial support to help students pursue their dreams.
Samuel Harkness, Nederland Middle Senior High School
Samuel intends to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
“To me, the pursuit of aerospace is something more than just some childhood dream. It’s what has driven my education, goals, and community… As I advance in my career, I want to be a contributor; I want to be part of the next generation that leads this world forward.”
Simrika Zuwa, Boulder High School
Simrika is bound for the University of Colorado Denver where she plans to study psychology.
“Long term, my goal is to become a physician who serves diverse communities and improves access to quality healthcare. My experiences as a patient have shown me the importance of compassionate, knowledgeable medical professionals, and I hope to one day provide that same care and reassurance to others.”
Jai’lyn Francis, Fairview High School
Jai’lyn plans to attend Colorado State University to study biochemistry.
“I am driven by a desire to ensure justice, especially for those who are wrongfully accused. At the same time, I plan to continue my passion for music through choir or a minor in vocal performance, blending science and creativity in a unique way.”
Earl & Barbara Bolton Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship supports a student who plans to pursue a career in engineering, forestry, nursing, or the sciences. It can be renewed for up to four years.
Xiomara Portillo, Boulder High
Xiomara intends to study nursing at the University of Colorado Denver.
“It wasn’t [until junior year] that I knew what I wanted to study and pursue more as a job, and that is nursing. When I started to work with kids, I realized that I liked it… I also liked helping people when I could and I have always wanted to help them out more.”
New Vista Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship supports a New Vista High School student pursuing higher education and who demonstrates a commitment to New Vista’s values. It’s renewable for up to four years.
Sarah Crank, New Vista High School
Sarah is bound for Reed College to pursue an education in ethnic studies, with focus in Native American and environmental studies, as well as pre-law.
“My family, heritage, and community are the three interconnected things that drive me and my goals for the world. I want to see a world that my sister’s children will be proud of, and can find safety, community, and acceptance in.”
Gould Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship is a one-time award granted to a Boulder High senior who plans to pursue a degree in education.
Jocelyn Ramirez Ordaz, Boulder High School
Jocelyn is headed for Metropolitan State University where she intends to earn her degree in elementary education.
“My academic goal is to become an [elementary] educator who brings motivation, respect, and compassion into the classroom. This goal means a lot to me, especially as a student who has not often had teachers who look like me or share similar experiences.”
Chris Lopez, Boulder High
Chris plans to study education at the University of Colorado Boulder.
“Becoming a teacher would give me more opportunities to learn and give back to my community.”
Dennie & Donna Wise Scholarship
These $1,000 scholarships are awarded to Boulder Valley students pursuing a vocational education or attending a community college. They are renewable for up to two years.
Britney Garcia, Boulder High School
Britney is headed for Front Range Community College where she plans to study nursing.
Bryan Eduardo Sanchez Zavala, Centaurus High School
Bryan intends to pursue a degree in software engineering at Front Range Community College.
Noble Paw, Centaurus High School
Noble is bound for Front Range Community College to study education.
Jeff Howenstein Panther Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship honors former Boulder High AVID teacher Jeff Howenstein. Every year, it’s given to an outstanding student in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program and is renewable for up to four years.
Joudi Alnamara, Boulder High School
Joudi plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study finance.
“I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study finance so I can help build a stable future and support my family. This scholarship [will] help me continue my education and work toward my future goals.”
BEFORE YOU GO
Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.
Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?
