Equity Learning Annual Scholarship
Recognizing Colorado students for academic dedication, resilience, and service to their communities.
The Equity Learning Annual Scholarship supports Colorado high school students who demonstrate academic effort, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others. Through this program, Equity Learning celebrates students whose stories reflect determination, growth, and community impact.
- $2,000 total awarded annually
- 4 × $500 scholarships
- Open to Colorado high school students
- 2026 recipients recognized at our awards celebration on May 27, 2026
Hear what the founders say about this scholarship on Denver 7 .
Our Scholarship Impact
$4,000 Awarded
Supporting students through direct scholarship funding.
8 Scholars Recognized
Celebrating Colorado high school students across two years.
2 Years of Impact
Continuing our commitment to educational opportunity and recognition.
2026 Scholarship Celebration
On May 27, 2026, Equity Learning hosted its annual scholarship celebration at Smoky Hill Library to honor four outstanding Colorado high school students. Each recipient received a $500 scholarship in recognition of academic effort, resilience, and community impact.
The evening brought together students, families, volunteers, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and sponsors for a meaningful celebration of perseverance and future potential.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to our 2026 Equity Learning Scholarship recipients. These students were selected for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to growth.
2026 Recipient
Ryan Okolie
Lotus School for Excellence
“I have seen the people I love have to struggle with student loans. I saw my mother and brother put their education on hold so they could focus on paying the bills. Due to the pain I saw, I did not want to put them through that same struggle, and strived to do anything to prevent that fate. Thankfully, the Equity Learning Scholarship saw my dream and helped me achieve it. “
— Ryan Okolie
2026 Recipient
Marais Josephine Murphy
Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice
“I want to create an educational space that feels safe, welcoming, and fun for every student, no matter their social, emotional, or physical learning capabilities. This scholarship will allow me to further my education, so one day I can become the teacher I’ve always needed. So, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Thank you for this amazing opportunity that will not only change my life, but will change the lives of many communities. ”
— Marais Josephine Murphy
2026 Recipient
Daniel Anaya
Gateway High School
“This scholarship represents a bridge to my future. By easing the financial weight of tuition, it allows me to shift my primary focus away from the price of tuition and worry of paying it, toward the rigorous demands of my engineering studies. It provides the freedom to apply my full effort and creativity to my studies, ensuring that I can truly excel in my academic journey. “
— Daniel Anaya
2026 Recipient
Reese Preston
Cherokee Trail
“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful first step in the acceleration and progression of my academic future. I am currently anticipating pursuing legal studies, for which this scholarship can act as a foundation in my educational process. ”
— Reese Preston
Guest Speakers and Special Guests
We were honored to welcome community leaders, educators, partners, and sponsors who joined us in celebrating the 2026 scholarship recipients. Their remarks encouraged students to continue pursuing academic excellence, resilience, and service to others.
Dr. Pius kamau
Advisor, Equity Learning
Dr. Pius Kamau gave remarks and presented certificate and scholarship to Daniel Anaya.
Dr. David Carlson
Co-Chair, Colorado Math Awards
Dr. David Carlson gave remarks and presented certificate and scholarship to Marais Josephine Murphy.
Mrs. Rhonda Naylor
Co-Chair, Colorado Math Awards
Mrs. Rhonda Naylor gave remarks and presented certificate and scholarship to Ryan Okolie.
Jen Landers
Director, Colorado State Youth Council
Mrs. Jen Landers gave remarks and presented certificate and scholarship to Reese Preston.
Chuwen huang-deisch
Chuwen Huang-DeischVice President, FirstBank
VP Chuwen Huang-Deisch gave remarks.
Partners and Supporters
Equity Learning is grateful for the support of community partners and sponsors who helped make the 2026 scholarship celebration possible. We especially thank Colorado Math Awards and FirstBank for joining us in recognizing and encouraging this year’s scholars.
Dr. David Carlson
Co-Chair, Colorado Math Awards
Dr. David Carlson gave remarks and presented certificate and scholarship to Marais Josephine Murphy.
Moments from the 2026 Scholarship Celebration
Highlights from an evening of recognition, encouragement, and community celebration.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Meet the students recognized for their dedication, resilience, and impact.
2025 Recipient
Zayne Callahan
Brighton High school
“Finding balance is the key to living a fulfilling and happy life.”
— Zayne Callahan
2025 Recipient
Sophia Gallegos Hernandez
Gateway High School
“Wait for the fruit to fall in your hand — what’s meant for you will find you.”
— Sophia Gallegos Hernandez
2025 Recipient
Delaney O’Brien
Denver North High School
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. “
— Delaney O’Brien
2025 Recipient
wissal chichou
Gateway High School
“Do good and throw it in the ocean. Never expect a return on kindness but appreciate when it does happen.”
— Wissal Chichou