Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC) has established a scholarship opportunity for alumni interested in or pursuing higher education. The educational foundation students have built within the DLEC community is the focal point of this scholarship.
DLEC is honored to present the two recipients of this scholarship, Kevin Chen and Cheryln Ferguson.
KEVIN CHEN
Kevin Chen, a former student of Denise Louie Education Center’s Beacon Hill site, navigated linguistic and resource barriers to become a leader in computer science and community empowerment. Despite early challenges with English proficiency, Kevin’s determination led him to master the language through voracious reading. Later, his multilingual abilities became an asset in coding, where he developed projects like “30+” and conducted groundbreaking research at the University of Washington. Kevin’s commitment to his community led him to found the UpSTREAM Program, teaching culturally-relevant STEM projects to local students. Through initiatives like “Spelling Bee,” Kevin bridges language and technology barriers, aiming to foster digital inclusion.Now, Kevin aims to continue his work in computer science through higher education, focusing on humanist research and innovative entrepreneurship to address societal challenges.
CHERLYN FERGUSON
Cherlyn‘s academic journey from Denise Louie Education Center’s Beacon Hill site to Yale University is a testament to her insatiable curiosity and determination to make a difference in her community. Recognizing her thirst for knowledge from a young age, Cherlyn embraced opportunities to learn, leading her to apply for Rainier Scholars in the 5th grade. This decision proved transformative, providing her with supplementary education and guidance on accessing opportunities in higher education. Throughout high school, Cherlyn seized internships in various fields, from journalism to lab research, shaping her academic interests and paving the way for her acceptance to Yale University. At Yale, Cherlyn aims to major in disciplines like History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health or Medical Anthropology, driven by her passion for addressing health inequities through cultural consciousness. Her upbringing in supportive communities has instilled in her a desire to give back, and she is determined to apply her academic pursuits to create positive change in the world. Cherlyn’s journey exemplifies resilience, ambition, and a commitment to using education as a tool for social impact.
DLEC is grateful to former students such as Kevin and Cheryln for their commitment and aspirations of serving and improving the community. They have encompassed DLEC’s vision of education and empowerment, where students and families reach their full potential so they can advocate for themselves, our community, and the world.
