Multilingual Educators Transforming Achievement

“I believe it is essential and fully prioritize the concept of inclusion in an educational setting. With the exposure to multicultural resources, students can be encouraged to grow curious on the multiple versions of human life. Outside of work, I hope to utilize the financial assistance from this scholarship towards the opportunity of studying abroad to further advance the knowledge of my culture and primary language. – Carlos Lomelí, 2025 Scholarship Recipient”

“My mother was born in Kenya and carried her culture and languages with her over to the states after she moved at the age of 19. She made sure to hold on to her roots and she did not stop practicing both her culture and languages throughout my childhood. I remember hearing her speak to our relatives in Swahili or Kikuyu, just like she would in Kenya, or the times she patiently attempted to teach me the numbers. These memories were just the beginning of a lifetime of love and passion for culture and language. Although I never successfully learned to speak the mother tongue of my own mother as a child, this pride and passion is something that I plan to carry over into my career as I continue to learn and engage in the foreign languages I have explored thus far.”

“My commitment to multilingualism and cultural engagement is not merely academic, it’s a way of living, a lens through which I understand the world, and a responsibility I carry forward. In my future studies and career, I will continue learning languages, deepening my cultural understanding, and using these tools to dismantle injustice. The ability to communicate across cultures is not just an advantage -- it is a necessity for building a just and equitable future. By continuing my studies, I will ensure that I am equipped to play an active role in shaping that future, using my words, knowledge, and music, to construct bridges where others have built walls. I see my work extending into the arts where language and culture intersect to tell powerful stories.”

“I am grateful to be chosen for the Tove Skutnabb-Kangas scholarship. Your generosity means more than I can put into words - it's not just financial help, it's encouragement to keep chasing my dreams. Your investment in my future inspires me to work hard and give back to my community, just as you have given to me.”