The Joy You Help Create
Empowering youth and communities through access to quality education and career readiness. Together, we're building brighter futures, one student at a time.
Lifetime Global Impact at a Glance
For over a decade, Make A Difference Now has helped 650+ students access education and career opportunities through our Sponsorship and Business Empowerment Programs.
Our students represent 18 nationalities and have studied at 35+ institutions worldwide, from Harvard University in the USA to Aga Khan University in Tanzania, pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, business, law, science, conservation, journalism, public health, and more.
Our impact has expanded across 3 continents and 9 countries: the USA, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Lesotho, and Pakistan.
Through our Business Empowerment (BE) Program, youth gain practical career and entrepreneurship skills, from CV writing and job searching to interview preparation, LinkedIn, and business planning.
In 2025, 162 students participated in BE, including 102 women and 60 men. Within six months, 70–73% were employed or reported increased earnings.
Alumni News: Building A Future In Science
Viviana doing Axolotl research!
With MAD scholarship support, Viviana graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is now gaining research experience at UNAM in Mexico, studying axolotl conservation and Bd fungus.
As she prepares for graduate school in 2027, Viviana is building the skills to pursue her passion for science and conservation.
Your support opens doors that last beyond graduation.
$1,500 Idaho Scholarship Now Open
Through our raffle and the Kegs 4 Kause event, Make A Difference Now raised $1,500 to support an Idaho-connected student pursuing their education and future career.
The Make A Difference Now Idaho Scholarship supports students who demonstrate commitment to their future through education, employment, community involvement, or other meaningful contributions.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an established connection to Idaho, such as current or former residence, attendance at an Idaho school, employment in Idaho, or significant family or community ties to the state. The scholarship may be used at an eligible educational institution inside or outside Idaho.
Selection process: The recipient will be selected by a committee of Make A Difference Now board members based on the applicant’s Idaho connection, commitment to their education and career goals, and involvement in their community or other meaningful activities.
Privacy: Applicant information will be used to evaluate scholarship applications and select a recipient. Access will be limited to those involved in the selection process, and information will not be shared publicly without the applicant’s permission.
Our goal is simple: to help students stay on track, complete their education, and take the next step toward a successful career.
Application deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 6pm MT.
Apply for the Idaho Scholarship →
Breaking Barriers: Women Who Climb Higher
Paulina, Lightness, Evidence, Aisha, and Helena are attending the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, through support from MAD. They are preparing for careers in mountain and safari guiding, fields that have traditionally been dominated by men.
Three of the five young women put their training into practice by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Their experience is helping them build the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers in Tanzania’s tourism industry and create new opportunities for themselves.
From Scholarship Student to NICU Nurse
Jackline’s journey with MAD began as one of our Orphan to College students, receiving the support she needed to continue her education and pursue her goals.
She went on to graduate from Aga Khan University with a degree in Nursing. Today, Jackline is putting her education into practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she cares for premature babies and newborns facing a range of health challenges.
“I really enjoy helping and caring for these little ones.”
From receiving support as a student to caring for newborns in need, Jackline is building a career that allows her to make a difference in the lives of others.
Pass the Baton: MAD Staff and Students Walk in Support of MDS
MAD staff and students recently joined the MDS “Pass the Baton” fundraising walk, coming together to support a program that helps young women see new possibilities for their futures.
Through the MDS Mentorship Program, Black female students and young professionals are matched with experienced Black women across a range of industries. Mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice as mentees navigate education, university, and the transition into their careers.
For Lucina, who is one of 16 mentees across three cohorts in MAD’s partnership with MDS, that support has made a lasting difference.
"Through the MDS Mentorship Program, I learned to believe in myself, set clear goals and prepare for my future. Having someone listen and guide me helped me feel supported,” she shared.
By taking part in the Pass the Baton walk, MAD students and staff had the opportunity to support MDS and the work it is doing to connect young women with mentors, networks, and opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who walked alongside us and represented MAD!
RSVP Now for our Impact Events
Student Impact Session: Hear about Your Impact
November 2 | 8:30-9:00 AM PT | Google Meet
Hear updates on all of the students that we are sending through college both in East Africa and the USA from Yusuph, our Programs Coordinator and Theresa, our Founder.
Business Empowerment (BE) Donor Session
November 5 | 8:30-9:00 AM PT | Google Meet
Join Julie, our LMS Manager, for a virtual walkthrough of our Learning Management System, which has helped students build skills and find employment through our BE Program.
Volunteer Information Session
December 1 | 8:30-9:00 AM PT | Google Meet
Meet our team, hear from volunteers, and discover the many ways in which you can personally help expand educational access to underserved communities around the world.
Thank You for Making a Difference
Behind every opportunity is a community of students, sponsors, volunteers, partners and friends working together.
There Are Many Ways to Create Joy
Sponsor Education
Change a life through education.
Visit Tanzania
Experience the beauty, people, and culture.
Support Joy
Your support fuels every program we run.
