The Forward Foundation is proud to award The Pay It Forward Grant to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of Black American Engineering Scholarship Award mentor Julius Rivers.
Pay It Forward Grant: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Julius donates his time and talent as a mentor to The Forward Foundation’s Black American Engineering Scholarship Award. This program combines education with mentorship to increase racial equity in the field of engineering by funding students with scholarships and providing them with professional mentors to assist them in their challenging university programs.
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The Pay It Forward Mentorship Grant was created to show gratitude for individuals like Mr. Rivers who donate their time as mentors. At the close of the school year, each mentor is awarded a $2,500 grant from the Forward Foundation and is provided with the opportunity to direct the grant in their name to a public charity or educational institution of their choice.
Mr. Smith has directed $2,500 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Its mission is to bring hope, strength, and joy to these children and their families by granting heartfelt wishes that provide a respite from the challenges they face. Grounded in the belief that a wish can create a powerful impact, Make-A-Wish works tirelessly to ensure every eligible child has the opportunity to experience the hope and happiness that comes with having their dream come true.
The foundation has a profound impact by empowering children to dream beyond their medical diagnoses. Whether it’s helping a child meet their hero, explore a dream destination, or experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, each wish is carefully tailored to reflect the child’s imagination and aspirations. These moments foster positivity and provide a tremendous emotional and psychological boost, not just for the children, but also for their families, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
By collaborating with generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, Make-A-Wish brings these dreams to life across the nation. The types of wishes fulfilled vary widely, encompassing everything from meeting favorite celebrities or sports icons to giving back through community-impact projects, or even receiving custom creations like a magical room makeover. Each wish granted serves as a beacon of positivity and a powerful reminder that hope often carries the strength to overcome life’s toughest obstacles.
