Weekly Roundup
August 6, 2026
From selling socks to raise $3,000 to debating at Model UN, see the inspiring ways our students are practicing active citizenship! This week's Benjamin Project features a Colorado student rallying community support to create essential hygiene kits, a Nevada student providing winter care baskets for children in need, and a Minnesota student raising $3,000 for a memorial endowment fund through a sock fundraiser. Rounding out the week is an inspiring travel scholarship reflection from a Mexico City student who explored global diplomacy, resilience, and leadership in Boston and New York.
Brittyn - Colorado
I was so happy to be a part of the Benjamin Project. For my project I decided to take the $100 dollars, raise money and make hygiene kits for the homeless. I got donations through materials and money (an additional $315), giving the chance for the community to take part in this activity. I was so grateful for this opportunity.
Olivia - Nevada
With our Benjamin Project money, we partnered with our neighboring high school to participate in their program, Cougar Care Baskets! In this initiative, we used our money to purchase winter baskets for kids in need. We went to stores and purchased hygiene items, clothing, and toys. It was really interesting seeing how money is spent and how hard it can be for a family with little money to just get basic needs. The experience was really educational and thought provoking.
Cora - Minnesota
I sold socks to raise money against gun violence. I gave the money to Annunciation Light Alliance for the Fletcher Merkel Memorial endowment fund. In the end I raised $3,000 and sold $5,000 worth of socks. The socks said pray+move on them to show that when you pray take action.
Roberto - Mexico City
Thank you very much for the scholarship to support my participation in Boston Model UN and the tour to New York to go to the UN Headquarters. Throughout the conference, as well as in the historical sites in Boston, I saw the values of resilience, leadership and service of my essay come to life.
The two topics I researched, child malnutrition and child soldiers helped me understand the struggle many countries and families have. It opened my eyes into the dreadful world of some people who have to go to war at the age of 9 or children that are obese, wasting or stunting, and their problems and struggles. It helped me develop empathy and see these problems as problems that are nearer than we think. I also could develop a global view about this topic and other countries' perspectives on these severe problems.
This experience will help me in life because it made me understand the value of perseverance, as well as helping me strengthen my negotiation and debate skills. These skills are very important in adult life because it helps demonstrate professionalism. In the conference, I also learned how to remain calm as a leader during complicated times. During the first speech I delivered at the conference, I didn't really do well, but I didn't see this fall as an obstacle for moving forward, but as an impulse to do better and maintain focus and develop resilience. This experience definitely will help me later on in the future because of the skills and values I developed during the conference.
At the historical sites in Boston, like the site of the Boston Massacre and the Bunker Hill Monument, I could clearly see the values of leadership and service. Service to the country by all the soldiers, minutemen and all the fallen people during the American Revolution. All the leaders, their monuments, and statues are an inspiration and a tight but rewarding path to follow. All of them demonstrating leadership, service and resilience.
I had a wonderful experience during the committee sessions, the tours, and with my friends. I am really grateful for this wonderful opportunity you gave me, which allowed me to put my values in action.