The Üçok Family shares TPF’s belief in the transformative power of education. They envision a world where every girl, regardless of her background, is equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges. Their vision aims to enrich the lives of these scholars by offering them an immersive cultural experience in the United States, hoping that these young women will not only excel in their studies but also experience a world beyond their own and get inspired to embark on their own philanthropic journeys, lighting the way for others.
“Education is the key to shaping lives, and we embraced it to empower young minds to create a brighter future,” notes Hikmet and Marilyn Üçok.
Evla Sim Saka who graduated from SEV American College in Istanbul this Spring, will begin her undergraduate studies in Psychology at UCLA this fall. Grateful for the support, Evla shared, “This opportunity is a magical key unlocking doors I couldn’t even dream of opening on my own. The feeling of being freed from the constraints of financial hardship makes me feel so close to achieving my goals. With this scholarship, I’m going to concentrate on psychology with the most qualified people in the field and pioneer groundbreaking research, hoping to inspire humanity by showing the power of unconditional love and support. I am excited to reach my highest potential and will be forever grateful for TPF and the Üçok Family’s incredible generosity that provides me with limitless opportunities.”
Ulku Rowe, TPF Board member and a member of the selection committee, warmly welcomed Evla, stating, “Supporting the education of young Turkish women is not just an investment in their future but an investment in the future of our country. Heartfelt thanks to the Üçok Family for their generosity, and many congratulations to Evla as she embarks on her studies. Your success will inspire and pave the way for future generations.”
Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, Executive Director of TPF, added, “We are honored to partner with the Üçok Family in launching this scholarship fund. Their generosity and vision align perfectly with our mission to create opportunities for young minds. We believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to effect positive change, and we are excited to see how Evla and future recipients will benefit from this incredible opportunity.”
At TPF, we are proud to align with the Üçok Family in this remarkable endeavor, crafting a brighter, more inclusive future where young Turkish women are empowered by the promise of education and unique cultural experiences.
We look forward to following Evla’s educational journey and congratulate her on this exciting opportunity!
About The Üçok Family Scholarship Fund
The Üçok Family Scholarship Award aims to provide financial support for female students of Turkish descent who have completed or will complete high school in Türkiye. This scholarship enables them to pursue undergraduate studies with preference given to the studies in healthcare and special education programs at accredited universities in California, USA. Awarded once every four years, the scholarship provides up to $50,000, with the requirement that the university provides additional support. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50, and meet specific test score requirements.
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)
For 17 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has been dedicated to changing narratives and creating equitable opportunities in our community. With the generosity of over 100,000 donors, we have disbursed more than $40 million, directly impacting over 3 million lives. As a community foundation, we leverage our intimate knowledge of community needs to fuel innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Our strategic guidance helps donors maximize their philanthropic reach, ensuring that their contributions create sustainable and meaningful change. TPF serves as a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise to foster resilient and inclusive communities. For more information, visit www.tpfund.org