BRILLIANT SCHOLARS
ABOUT US
Brilliant Scholars is an international youth-led organization dedicated to empowering students who face physical, mental, or academic challenges to succeed in school and beyond. Founded by a student who experienced these struggles firsthand, our mission is to create a space where compassion meets opportunity, helping every student realize that their challenges do not define their potential.
To understand why our mission matters, it’s important to recognize the challenges students face today.
★ Nearly 40% of U.S. high-school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.
★ Nearly 1 in 7 adolescents globally experiences a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization.
★ Around 20% of teens in the United States report symptoms of depression or anxiety.
★ Only about 38% of schools in the U.S. provide mental health treatment services, while access remains even lower in most other countries.
At Brilliant Scholars, we understand that falling behind in school isn’t always about effort, it’s often about circumstances. When students face health challenges, whether that means struggling with mental health or being physically sick for a period of time, catching up can feel impossible. That’s why we’re here: to make sure no student feels left behind because of what they’re going through. Through peer support, academic resources, and a network of compassionate volunteers across several countries, we help students rebuild confidence, stay motivated, and continue learning at their own pace.
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500+ Volunteers!
Led by our dedicated team of coordinators, our diverse team across 12 states and 7 countries works together to mentor peers, share resources, and strengthen academic support networks.
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1.4 Million Individuals Reached
Through digital outreach, social media campaigns, and awareness initiatives, Brilliant Scholars has connected with more than a million people—spreading messages of hope, resilience, and educational empowerment.
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5200+ students supported
Our mentorship and academic support programs help students balance learning with physical, mental, or personal challenges, providing study resources, guidance, and a supportive community that understands their journey.
Voices of Impact
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Jordan Kim - 11th Grade - New York
“When I first found out about brilliant scholars I had a lot of anxiety from school and the volunteers were very helpful as they shared checklists, study templates, and motivational tips that helped me catch up. Now I’m more consistent and organized than I’ve ever been.”
10/12/2025
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Fatou Ndiaye - 10th Grade - Georgia
“Balancing physical therapy and school was very hard until Brilliant Scholars showed me new ways to stay on track. Their community reminded me that needing help doesn’t make you weak.”
10/04/2025
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Aaliyah Thompson - 10th Grade - Missouri
“Before I knew about Brilliant Scholars I struggled to keep up with my classes while managing migraines. One of the Academic Resource Coordinators named Sophia helped me find better study tools and time management strategies that actually fit my situation.”
10/23/2025
Get To Know The Brilliant Scholars Coordinators!
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Sadie Evans
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA COORDINATOR
“Hi, my name is Sadie, and I'm an 11th grader at Adelanto High School. I’m passionate about many things like art, music, color guard, and AVID. I love trying new things and meeting people who share the same love of exploration. I always strive to make people smile while doing the things I love so much!”From: California, USA
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Shanta'e Taylor
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA COORDINATOR
“Hi everyone!! I’m Shai. One of my biggest interests would have to be S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). I’m obsessed with anything STEM; I constantly love learning about biology, chemistry, and I try to keep up with physics. I’m also super into medical law and advocacy. Those topics contribute to the woman I am today. Also, I’ve been editing and running various social media accounts for nearly a decade!”
From: Kingston, Jamaica
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Sophia Nguyen
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COORDINATOR
“Hi I’m Sophia. I joined Brilliant because of my strong passion for academics and helping people. My hobbies include: mentoring people, swimming, running, and writing!”
From: Virginia, USA
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Haroon Adam
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COORDINATOR
“Hi, my name is Haroon and I am currently a junior at Wylie High School aspiring to study Law. I am interning at BeSomeone where I am learning how to empower young teens. I am ranked top 1 percent nationally across all debaters in the nation and serve as the founder and president of philosophy and critical thinking club. Additionally, I am lead chapter of High School Democrats of America in my city. With my experience, I will aim to expand this organization, creating opportunities for all teens. Outside of my extracurriculars, I love playing basketball and hanging out with friends!”
From: Texas, USA
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Arjun Jangi
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COORDINATOR
“Hi, I’m Arjun, and I am from New York. I enjoy writing and learning about current events and legal topics. I like to draw, bake, and play piano. I’m honored to serve as Academic Resources Coordinator to be able to help others!”
From: New York, USA
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Charlene Wong
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COORDINATOR
“Hello I’m Charlene! Some of my hobbies include drawing and reading. Activities I am associated with outside of school are such as piano and chinese. I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my dog and am especially interested in the field of sciences. As a academic resource coordinator for Brilliant Scholars I hope I am able to bring better learning opportunities and support for students, and can't wait to start helping out!
From: California, USA
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Erika Liu
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
“Hello! I'm Erika Liu, a freshman from California, and a volunteer coordinator for Brilliant Scholars. I like to read and draw, and am a member of my school's JV swim and speech and debate team. I've always had a passion for helping out other students and am beyond excited to be able to pursue this goal through this new initiative.”
From: California, USA
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Makayla Anderson
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
“I'm Makayla, a high school junior passionate about public health, emergency preparedness, and advocacy. I run several student-led initiatives, like Girls in Oncology, and work with organizations like the Red Cross and LeadMN to make a difference. From pet safety in disasters to expanding Narcan access, I’m focused on helping people and animals stay safe and informed.”
From: Minnesota, USA
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Payton Foster-McLean
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
“Hi everyone, I'm Payton Foster-McLean. I'm currently a sophomore at East Lawrence High School, and I am now the volunteer coordinator for Brilliant Scholars! I love volunteering, reading, and politics, and I love helping people, so when I say I am honored to serve as the volunteer coordinator for Brilliant Scholars, I mean it! Also, I promise to do my best and put forth all of my effort into helping this great organization! Thank you, and remember we're here to help you!”
From: Alabama, USA
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Daniella Andrews
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COORDINATOR
“Hi! My name is Daniella Andrews, and I’m a sophomore at Paetow High school, which is located in a Katy, Texas(it’s a suburb of Houston). I want to be a lawyer in the future. My hobbies include reading, playing video games, and roller skating. I’m so excited to get started and make a change!”From: Texas, USA
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Jasmine Roy
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
“Hi! I’m Jasmine Roy, and I’m a ninth grader located in Northern Virginia! My hobbies include reading, theater, playing the flute, and crocheting! I’m really passionate about supporting student’s mental health, and I value the importance and impact of volunteering so much! I’m really grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I’m even more grateful to be able to provide encouragement and support for any and all students who need it!”From: California, USA
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Ava Perez
HEAD SECRETARY
“Hi everyone! My name is Ava, and I’m excited to be the secretary of Brilliant Scholars. I’m passionate about the goals of Brilliant Scholars but I am also passionate about science, learning new things, and staying active through yoga and sports. I love exploring new ideas and finding ways to grow, both mentally and physically. I’m looking forward to working with all of you to make a difference and creating a positive, encouraging environment!”
From: California, USA
Meet The Founder!
“Hi, my name is Aminata Seck, and I’m a high school senior from St. Louis, Missouri. I founded Brilliant Scholars because I know how difficult it can be to stay motivated in school while dealing with health challenges or personal obstacles. There were times when I fell behind and felt like catching up was impossible, but I learned that having the right support and understanding can make all the difference. As a student myself, I understand the stress, the late nights, and the pressure that can come with trying to balance everything. Through Brilliant Scholars, I’ve been able to connect with amazing students and volunteers who share the same goal, helping others find confidence, community, and hope in their academic journey.
When I’m not studying or working on new projects, I love exploring creative ideas, reading, and finding ways to make a positive impact in my community. Brilliant Scholars started as a small idea, but it’s become something truly meaningful and a reminder that even one small step toward helping others can create a big lasting change!”
Featured Project
The tennis team at Grundy Center-Gladbrook Reinbeck, a school located in Reinbeck, Iowa, recently participated in the University of South Carolina’s Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge a revival of the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge created to raise awareness and funds for mental health. The campaign aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage open conversations about mental well-being.
In solidarity with our mission, the team tagged Brilliant Scholars to recognize our shared commitment to supporting students who face health and academic challenges.
This collaboration reflects the compassion and community spirit that drive our work. We’re incredibly thankful to GCGR Tennis for helping raise awareness about the importance of empathy, understanding, and educational equity.
Interested in being a volunteer?
We’re always looking for passionate students and changemakers to join our team! Whether you enjoy creating art, writing, organizing projects, translating resources, or sharing study ideas, there’s a way to contribute. Every role helps support students facing academic or personal challenges. Join Brilliant Scholars to make a meaningful impact and grow alongside an inspiring community.
Connect With Us On Instagram!
Discover updates on our initiatives, student success stories, and helpful academic and wellness resources shared by our Brilliant Scholars community.