In that same spirit, we are proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund, honoring seven exceptional students:

• Selin Algoz, Violin at Manhattan School of Music, TAO Scholar
• Nursena Colak, Architecture at Cooper Union, TABNET Scholar
• Cagla Demirbas, Film Producing at Columbia University
• Uraz Eren, Economics at Arizona State University
• Bensu Mercan, Mental Health Counseling at Boston College
• Ali Kaan Narin, Biomedical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, TPF Banu Onaral Scholar
• Mehmet Tascioglu, Engineering at Stanford University

“TPF is very proud to be able to support very talented and well-deserving Turkish students studying in the USA on May 19, the Turkish holiday dedicated to the Youth,” said Mustafa Kemal Abadan, Chairman of Turkish Philanthropy Funds. “This moment reminds us of our responsibility to uplift young leaders who will shape the future of Türkiye and the world.”

“The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund is more than financial support. It’s a commitment to the potential of young leaders who are ready to create meaningful change,” said Senay Ataselim Yilmaz, Executive Director of Turkish Philanthropy Funds. “With this inaugural fund, we are investing in the minds that will shape a more just, compassionate, and innovative future. We believe in their promise, and we’re honored to walk alongside them on this journey.” 

Meet the Changemaker Scholars

Selin is the first recipient of the Turkish-American Orchestra Music Award under the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund. Growing up in a small town in Türkiye, where classical music was rarely heard, she discovered a deep passion for the violin. Today, she serves as the principal violinist of the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra and is one of only three violinists admitted each year into its prestigious graduate program. “I’m incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Changemaker Scholarship. This support helps me continue my journey as a violinist, committed to my dreams, goals, and education. It brings me one step closer to building the career I envision—one where I can inspire and empower others through music,” she shared.

Coming from Istanbul, a city impacted by frequent earthquakes, Nursena Colak is passionate about designing safer cities. “This prestigious scholarship not only provides essential financial support but also reinforces my belief that thoughtful, resilient, and inclusive design has the power to transform societies,” shared Nursena, who will focus on earthquake resilience and sustainable architecture. She has been selected as the TABNET Scholar, a designation awarded through TPF in partnership with TABNET (Turkish American Business Network), a vibrant community of Turkish-American professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Cagla Demirbas, an emerging filmmaker, is eager to grow as a storyteller in New York City’s dynamic and diverse creative scene. “Being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient at such a pivotal moment in my life allowed me to dream bigger. Upon graduating from Columbia, I aspire to represent Turkish cinema on international platforms and tell stories that connect us,” she shared.

As an aspiring economist, Uraz Eren’s journey will continue at Arizona State University. “Being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient means recognition not just of my academic efforts, but of my potential to positively impact the world through economics. It means someone believes in my vision of using economic insight to create real change — to build more inclusive markets, promote financial literacy, and design policies that expand opportunities for all,” he noted.

With a mission to offer care and advocacy to underserved communities, Bensu Mercan will study Mental Health Counseling. “Being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient means a lot to me. It feels like someone is saying, ‘We see the work you’ve done, and we believe in where you’re going.’ It gives me not just financial support, but also hope and motivation to keep moving forward,” Bensu said.

Ali Kaan Narin, recipient of the Banu Onaral Scholarship, aspires to become a scientific researcher focused on solving global medical challenges. “The Changemaker Scholarship is a testament to the path I have walked till now and a reminder of a promise I’ve made to myself. Being a Changemaker Scholarship recipient means being part of a network of people who are equally passionate about changing lives. I hope to grow and increase my contributions to my communities continuously.” Ali Kaan is the first recipient of the TPF Banu Onaral Scholarship, a dedicated scholarship within the Changemaker Fund that supports students of Turkish origin pursuing biomedical engineering. Established in honor of Dr. Banu Onaral, a pioneering biomedical engineer and visionary leader, this scholarship carries forward her legacy of innovation, mentorship, and global impact. We are proud to recognize her enduring influence by supporting the next generation of changemakers in biomedical engineering through this award.

Mehmet Tascioglu, a future engineer and innovator, will pursue his studies at Stanford University with a focus on healthcare systems innovation. “I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient. As someone who takes great pride in my Turkish American identity, this scholarship represents an important step toward my broader goal of empowering Turkish Americans and helping to build lasting economic, cultural, and social capital within our community,” Mehmet shared.

As a community committed to long-term impact through education, we are honored to support Selin, Nursena, Cagla, Uraz, Bensu, Ali Kaan, and Mehmet in their pursuit of becoming the changemakers they aspire to be. Their stories inspire us. The Changemaker Scholarship Fund is proud to stand behind them.

About TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund: 

The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund is dedicated to recognizing and supporting students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service. This scholarship rewards those who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work, leadership, and civic engagement. By providing financial assistance, we aim to empower these students to continue their education and expand their impact. Our goal is to nurture the next generation of leaders who are committed to making a positive difference in society.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds: 

For 18 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 close to $50 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. Together, we have built a legacy of positive change that we are all proud of.

For more updates about the application process for the 2026-27 Changemaker Scholarship cycle, please visit here.

Dilsu had set her mind for the nearly impossible, getting her masters at Columbia University, an ivy league school with an acceptance rate of 3.9%. Through hard work and dedication, Dilsu made the impossible possible and got in from a pool of 60,000+ applicants. But the real challenge now was affording the high cost of living and tuition. Then, something incredible happened. TPF believed in her. Thanks to a TPF scholarship, Dilsu has a chance to get top notch education at an Ivy League university.

Remember when someone believed in you?

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