Education Turkey Project #67012

TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund

by Turkish Philanthropy Funds

Project Report | Feb 17, 2026
Your Belief in Them Is Changing What's Possible

By Pinar Ozyurek | Director of Philanthropy

Dear TPF Donors,

Because of you, the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund continues to transform ambition into opportunity for young leaders of Turkish heritage across the United States. Your generosity does far more than provide financial assistance — it offers confidence, mentorship, and the reassurance that a strong community stands behind each scholar’s journey.

Every year, we witness how this support becomes a turning point. It allows students to focus on their studies, deepen their leadership, pursue research, and contribute meaningfully to their campuses and communities. Changemaker scholars are not only building careers — they are shaping futures grounded in purpose and service.

We are proud to share one scholar’s story that reflects the impact of your support.

Changemaker Scholar Spotlight

Mehmet T. is studying Management Science & Engineering on the pre-medicine track at Stanford University, combining systems thinking with a passion for healthcare innovation. He chose engineering because he is interested in the “health optimization lens” and how it can be applied to advance the healthcare field. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and contribute to improving patient outcomes through both clinical expertise and analytical insight.

On campus, he is actively involved in a business fraternity and leads a lung cancer awareness initiative. Beyond university life, his dedication to the Turkish-American community has been unwavering. Since 2019, he has helped launch and lead youth initiatives in Michigan and nationwide, building platforms that connect and empower young Turkish Americans.

Reflecting on the Changemaker Scholarship, he shares, “I am very grateful for TPF and the Changemaker Scholarship support. The TPF scholarship is allowing me to pursue my dreams. To see that TPF believes in me and supports young Turkish Americans means the world to me.

And perhaps most meaningfully, he shares "Thank you to TPF donors for supporting me along the way...I am very grateful, and I hope to give back one day myself.”

This spirit — of gratitude, leadership, and a commitment to give back — is exactly what the Changemaker Scholarship represents. Your investment today becomes tomorrow’s mentorship, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Applications Now Open

We are pleased to share that the new Changemaker Scholarship application period is open until March 15th at 11:59 PM EST.

If you know successful and driven students of Turkish heritage in your network, we warmly encourage you to share the application link with them. Your outreach could open the door to someone’s transformative opportunity.

Together, we are not only supporting education — we are cultivating the next generation of physicians, engineers, artists, researchers, and community leaders who will carry forward a legacy of impact.

Thank you for believing in youth and for making raising future phiulanthropists!

With heartfelt gratitude,

TPF Team

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Oct 20, 2025
Dreams in motion - updates from our TPF Changemaker Scholars

By Pinar Ozyurek | Director of Philanthropy

Dear TPF Donors,

The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund continues to open doors and empower young leaders of Turkish heritage to pursue their dreams in the United States — not only through financial support, but by offering trust, encouragement, and community. Each of our scholars carries a unique story of resilience, creativity, and purpose, and your generosity has been the catalyst behind their journeys.

As our scholars settle into their new schools and continue their studies, we are proud to share a few reflections that capture the spirit of what your support makes possible.

Cagla Demirbas – Filmmaking, Columbia University

“Even though I'm at the beginning of my degree, I feel like I’ve accomplished so many things. Because I'm so happy with my university and faculty and all the exercises that I'm doing in class, I can already feel like they are helping me become a better filmmaker. And I'm so excited to represent Turkish cinema on a global scale in the following years after my graduation.
Saying the support from TPF was life-changing is an understatement. They are the reason why I'm here. Even though I already had a scholarship and financial aid from Columbia, I still had a gap in my budget, and if I couldn’t fill that gap, I wouldn’t be here. I'm so grateful to everyone at TPF for supporting my dream — and not only my dream but those of many young, ambitious people studying in the States. These dreams wouldn’t come true if it wasn’t for you. So, thank you.”

Nursena Colak – Architecture, Pratt Institute

“Now, I’m in the final semester of my master’s program, developing my thesis project which explores the relationship between drawing, technology and noise in architecture. The support I received from TPF has made a real difference on this journey. It allowed me to fund essential software and hardware needed for my research and creative work.
Most importantly, it gave me the freedom to focus on my studies and push my thesis further without constant worry of constraint. This support did not help me practically but also encouraged me that my work matters and I’m not alone in this process. Being a TPF Changemaker scholar means so much to me, it reminds me that thoughtful design can bring real change and the way people live and connect. Architectural acts when done with care can truly impact our communities and our culture. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition and support, thank you so much.”

Selin Algoz – Violin Performance, Manhattan School of Music

“Music has been the center of my life since I was 8 years old. I performed in major venues across Europe and NY and collaborated with incredible musicians who continue to shape and inspire my musical journey.
This scholarship has been a tremendous help for me to continue my education in NY. Being an international student comes with many financial challenges and this support has eased that burden so I can focus on my education, learning and growing as an artist.
TPF support means more than financial support, it means trust and encouragement. Because knowing that there is a community that believes in my potential and invests in young Turkish students deeply motivates me. I’m very grateful, and I hope to continue to make TPF proud through my music and art.”

Each scholar’s journey is a testament to the ripple effect your generosity creates. From music and architecture to film and beyond, these young changemakers are turning opportunity into impact — carrying Türkiye’s creativity, intellect, and spirit to global stages.

The Changemaker Scholarship Fund continues to grow thanks to your commitment and belief in these bright minds. Together, we are building a legacy of education, empowerment, and hope that transcends borders.

Thank you for making these stories possible.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Team TPF

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Jun 26, 2025
Your support has opened new doors, ignited fresh possibilities and fueled the dreams of 7 youth

By Pinar Ozyurek | Director of Philanthropy

Dear TPF Donors,

The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund is more than just financial support; it’s a catalyst for change. Celebrating students who demonstrate strong commitment to community service, this fund awards up to $15,000 annually to talented young leaders of Turkish heritage—empowering them to pursue their education at top U.S. institutions and continue making a positive societal impact. It encourages ongoing dedication, with opportunities to reapply and sustain their transformative work.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of ~80 donors, we are delighted to announce that we raised ~$74K and could spark a significant ripple of change in the lives of 7 extraordinary students by supporting them with scholarships ranging from $3K to $15K. Your support has opened new doors, ignited fresh possibilities, and fueled the dreams of future leaders who are poised to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Meet the Changemaker Scholars

Thanks to your contributions, we have had the privilege to support remarkable students who are destined to become changemakers. Here are their stories:

Selin – The first recipient of the Turkish-American Orchestra Music Award under the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund, Selin hails from a small town in Türkiye where classical music was scarce. Today, she is the principal violinist of the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra and one of only three violinists admitted annually into its prestigious graduate program. “This scholarship helps me continue my journey as a violinist, bringing me closer to inspiring others through music,” she shares.

Nursena – From Istanbul, Nursena is passionate about designing safer, resilient cities. Her focus on earthquake resilience and sustainable architecture has earned her the TABNET Scholar designation, highlighting her commitment to transforming societies through thoughtful design. “This scholarship affirms my belief in the power of resilient and inclusive urban planning,” she says.

Cagla – An emerging filmmaker eager to tell compelling stories, Cagla is focused on representing Turkish cinema on international stages. “Being a Changemaker Scholar allows me to dream bigger and aim to share stories that connect us all,” she explains as she prepares to grow her creative voice in New York City.

Uraz – Aspiring economist Uraz will study at Arizona State University, motivated by a vision to create inclusive markets and promote financial literacy. “This recognition affirms my potential to make a positive impact through economic insight,” he notes.

Bensu – With a dedication to mental health advocacy, Bensu will study Mental Health Counseling. “This scholarship means someone recognizes my work and believes in my future,” she reflects, feeling inspired and motivated to continue her impactful journey.

Ali Kaan – As the first recipient of the Banu Onaral Scholarship, Ali Kaan aims to solve global medical challenges through biomedical engineering. “This award is a reminder of my path and a network of passionate changemakers dedicated to improving lives,” he states.

Mehmet – Future engineer at Stanford University, Mehmet focuses on healthcare systems innovation. “This scholarship helps me empower Turkish Americans and build lasting community bonds,” he shares with pride.

Your generosity fuels these students’ ambitions and supports their incredible journeys. The Changemaker Scholarship Fund remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, artists, and advocates.

Thank you for being part of this transformative movement. Together, we’re not just supporting students — we are shaping the future changemakers of tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Team TPF

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