At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we are proud to support students through our scholarship funds, investing not only in education, but in future leaders, thinkers, innovators, and changemakers. Today, we celebrate the young people whose ambition and potential continue to inspire us, and the community of supporters who help open doors for them every day.
Nida Aktaş Doğu who will start her MA in Public Administration in International Development at Harvard University notes:
“To me, being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient is both an honor and a responsibility. It is a reminder that talent and potential exist everywhere, even in places where opportunities are limited. As someone who grew up far from the institutions and networks that usually shape global policy leaders, this scholarship makes me feel seen, supported, and empowered to give back at a much larger scale.”
Alisait Yılkın will begin his postdoctoral fellowship in The Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) Visiting Scholars Program at Harvard University shares:
“Looking back on my years and experiences, I consider the TPF scholarship to be the third major “lucky moment” in my life. Thanks to the financial and moral support provided by TPF, I will have the opportunity to participate in the Center for European Studies program at Harvard University. This program offers an international academic environment specifically designed for researchers from outside the United States. I believe this experience will not only deepen and enrich my ongoing research, but also broaden my academic perspective through engagement with scholars from diverse backgrounds.”
Kaan Aydın will continue his BS dual major in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, sharing:
"This scholarship goes beyond financial relief; it serves as tangible evidence that my efforts, no matter how big or small, can lead to meaningful change, which further motivates me to continue working toward becoming a physician dedicated to a life of service."
Deniz Boz will continue his Doctor of Medicine (MD) studies remarks:
“This opportunity has definitely been a gamechanger in my future planning. It has removed a significant financial burden for this year, allowing me to focus on my current work and projects much better, and exploring previous opportunities with dual degrees and long residency programs. I hope I can live up to it by representing the field I love and the community that I am a part of in the best way, throughout my future career.”
As a second-year Changemaker Scholarship recipient, Uraz Eren will continue his studies at Arizona State University, pursuing a BS in Economics shares: “
This support has helped me focus on my education without constantly worrying about financial concerns, grow as a leader, and become more involved in my community at Arizona State University. As an economics student, I hope to continue learning, creating opportunities for others, and making a positive impact wherever my career takes me.”
Eren Ersoy will begin his studies in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) and Earth and Environmental Science notes:
“Receiving the Changemaker Scholarship is both an honor and a reminder of the impact I hope to make through engineering. It will support my goals by giving me greater freedom to pursue meaningful projects, research, and opportunities for growth.”
Begüm İça will continue her studies at UCLA pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics shares:
“As someone who aspires to become a physician-scientist, this scholarship will allow me to focus more deeply on my education, research, and personal growth. More importantly, being part of a community of Changemakers inspires me to dream bigger and continue working toward improving human health through science.”
Naz Kaya will begin her studies at Brown University, pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering reflects:
"It is an exceptional honor to be selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient, and I see it as both a recognition of the work and dedication that have brought me to this point and a door opening toward the impact I hope to create in the future. This scholarship brings me one step closer to becoming a biomedical engineer who approaches global healthcare challenges with empathy and develops solutions that can create change for communities around the world."
İlayda McIntosh will continue her studies at New York University, pursuing an MFA in Dramatic Writing notes:
"This award will allow me to strive forward in my career with even more ambition, lessened financial stressors, and the powerful reassurance that my community believes in my art. It truly takes a village. The path of an artist is rarely a smooth one, and this support meaningfully eases my journey.”
Bensu Mercan, a second-time recipient of the Changemaker Scholarship, will continue her studies at Boston College, pursuing an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling reflects:
"This scholarship has actually made my studies possible and allowed me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a mental health counselor without the constant stress of financial challenges. To me, mental health work is also a form of advocacy because helping someone feel seen, heard, and less alone can change a life in ways we may never fully realize. While therapists may not solely change the entire world, they can impact individual lives, and those lives can go on to create meaningful change in their communities."
Esila Özdemir will continue her studies at Drexel University, pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering notes:
“Being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient is an honor and a source of motivation because it recognizes not only my academic journey, but also my commitment to using engineering and technology with purpose. This scholarship will support my growth as an electrical engineer aiming to connect technical innovation with social impact and build solutions that respond to meaningful challenges.”
Dilara Özdoğanlar will continue her studies at The Ohio State University, pursuing a Doctor of Medicine highlights:
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient. I am grateful for the acknowledgement of my commitment to serving my communities and advocating for health equity. This recognition demonstrates a shared belief in the power of effective leadership and civic engagement to create lasting, positive change.”
Onur Öztürk will continue his studies at the University of South Carolina, pursuing a Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance remarks:
"Being awarded the Changemaker Scholarship is a great encouragement and an honor for me. As a Turkish classical guitarist studying in the United States, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to continue representing my artistic work, my country, and its educational and cultural values in the best possible way. This scholarship gives me the space to grow with greater focus and purpose, deepen my studies, continue my teaching and performances, and develop future projects that reflect my identity as an artist and educator."
Melis Şahin will continue her studies at Case Western Reserve University, pursuing a combined B.S./M.S. in Biomedical Engineering says:
“Being selected as a TPF Changemaker Scholar is incredibly meaningful to me because it is representative of the mission that has shaped my work as an engineer. Throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a passion for developing accessible and sustainable healthcare technologies for underserved communities, particularly in women’s health and global health settings.”
Simge Şahiner will continue her studies at University at Albany, SUNY, pursuing a B.S. in Mathematics highlights:
“I grew up always chasing the next big step, never the type to stay in my comfort zone. But this scholarship means there are people out there who believe in me, in the work I do, and in my potential to make a meaningful difference, and that gives me even more motivation to chase my next big milestone.I am so happy that the TPF family is now a part of my journey, and I cannot wait to make the people who believed in me proud.”
Thank you for being part of this mission and for continuing to invest in the power of education.
TPF Scholars of Distinction Award: The TPF Distinction Award is awarded solely at the discretion of the selection committee to recognize individuals demonstrating extraordinary merit, achievement, and potential. Reserved for candidates of the highest caliber, this distinction is awarded only when such excellence is identified and, as such, may not be granted each year.
Banu Onaral Scholarship: TPF is honored to dedicate a scholarship from the TPF Changemakers Scholarship Fund to Banu Onaral, a visionary leader in biomedical engineering whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the field and inspired generations of scientists and engineers.
Turkish Medical Doctors Scholarship: Changemaker Scholarship in Honor of the Turkish Medical Doctors is established under the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund to honor the pioneering legacy of Turkish doctors who came to the United States from Türkiye in the 1960s. Learn more about the legacy of these physicians.