Coming from a low income family of six, it has not been easy for Richie (11) and Sara (14) to find opportunities to partake in after school sports or activities. Thanks to PowerUP Scholarship Fund, they embarked on their first after-school adventure, a karate class under Sensei Richard Trammell, discovering discipline, self-defense, and enduring friendships.

Richie, a quiet and shy student, who was a victim of bullying due to his reserved and introverted nature, discovered a newfound sense of belonging when he joined martial arts through PowerUP. He returned home one day and, according to his mother, he was “beaming with happiness” to share the exciting news of making his first friends at school. This significant development not only boosted Richie’s confidence but also instilled in him a sense of self-control and respect for others. Through martial arts, he learned discipline and self-defense techniques, equipping him with the tools to handle challenging situations both in and outside of school.

Sara, too, once struggled with shyness and lacked involvement in extracurricular activities. However, this time with Sensei Richard has brought out a remarkable transformation in her. Since joining the program she has overcame almost any shyness and embraced a more active lifestyle, effortlessly forging connections wherever she went. PowerUP provided her with the opportunity to become more active and socialize with ease, facilitating the development of lifelong friendships. The newfound confidence she gained through karate has been instrumental in her personal growth, enabling her to connect with others effortlessly in any setting.

Their mother noticed the positive change, stating, “They play and interact with more kids, eagerly attending classes to meet their friends. They even bug me to ‘get going!’ whenever we are running late.” Recently, both siblings earned their Orange belts, showcasing their discipline, responsibility, and regular attendance.

PowerUP Scholarship Fund has empowered Richie and Sara, instilling self-control, resilience, and respect. Their remarkable progress exemplifies the program’s ability to unlock their potential and pave the way for their future achievements.

Consider sponsoring a student or partnering with the program in the future. A $1,000 donation could support two students like Richie and Sara for an entire year.

Donate now to help us assist even more students in 2023!

Please note, names in this story have been changed to protect family privacy.