Empowering the Next Generation

Amaya’s Study Abroad Journey from London to Legacy

In the Fall of 2025, alumni child and scholarship recipient, Amaya Proctor, arrived at the University of Westminster in London for a study abroad experience that would transform her mindset, her approach to learning, and the way she sees the world. While abroad, she participated in a business program and interned with a refugee and asylum- seeker development organization. As someone with a learning disability, Amaya found a supportive community and thrived in the hands-on learning environment. Upon returning from her study abroad experience, she has continued to study part-time at Berkeley City College and she has a plan to transfer to a four-year university in Spring 2027.

For Amaya, the scholarship didn’t just fund a trip; it set her on a path she is excited to keep walking. She hopes to share the impact of being able to see the world from different perspectives and wants to make sure that her children someday also have that same opportunity as well. This is not the end of the story – it’s just the beginning.

“Without this scholarship, I would not have had this opportunity. I want to take it and breathe it into other people so that they can have the ability to pursue something like this. I don't want people to see a number and think it's impossible or see a destination and think it's too far. You can do it – if it's something you want to do, pursue it.”