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Announcing total Scholarships of $10,000 in 2025
Outstanding Achievement Scholarship - $8,000
Igniting the Spark of Innovation in Tomorrow's Leaders
At iStart Valley, we believe in fostering the innovative spirits of tomorrow's leaders. That's why we are proud to announce the iStart Valley Scholarship, a prestigious award designed to propel the brightest, most entrepreneurial high school seniors towards their academic and professional dreams.
This exceptional scholarship, valued at $8,000, is more than a financial grant. It's a recognition of outstanding achievement, a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation, and an investment in the future of entrepreneurship. The scholarship is awarded to a student who not only excels academically but also demonstrates a passionate commitment to entrepreneurship, innovative thinking, and community impact.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a visionary: Open only to high school seniors in their 12th grade, who dare to dream big.
- Academic excellence: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, reflecting your dedication and hard work.
- Experience: Completion of iStart Valley’s Internship program is a must.
Deadline: Mark your calendars! Application for the iStart Valley Scholarship 2025 is due by June 30th, 2025.
The Big Reveal: The recipient of this prestigious scholarship will be unveiled during the vibrant celebrations of the Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, on November 15th, 2025.
Application: Applicants must submit their application at - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Scholarship25
This is more than a scholarship; it's a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. At iStart Valley, we're not just supporting education; we're investing in the future leaders who will shape our world. Are you ready to be one of them? Apply now and take the first step towards turning your dreams into reality!
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NC820 Speech and Debate Scholarship - $1,000
Celebrating excellence in Speech and Debate
The $1,000 Speech and Debate Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to honor outstanding High School Seniors (11th and 12th grade) who have shown remarkable talent and dedication in Speech and Debate. This scholarship is founded on principles of diversity and inclusion, inviting candidates from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity or background, to apply.
We ask applicants to craft a compelling essay of 250 words or fewer, reflecting on a Leader or a role model who has profoundly influenced you through their achievements, contributions, or distinctive approach. Alongside your essay, please submit a detailed resume highlighting your involvement in high school Speech and Debate initiatives, including awards and achievements.
Deadline Alert: Be sure to submit your application for the Speech and Debate Scholarship 2025 by the critical date of June 30th, 2025. Don't miss this chance to showcase your achievements and aspirations.
The Big Reveal: The successful candidate will be celebrated during the vibrant festivities of the Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, with the announcement taking place on November 15th, 2025. This momentous occasion will shine a spotlight on the recipient's exceptional talents and dedication.
Application Process: Ready to take the next step towards achieving your dreams? Submit your application and all required documentation @ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SDScholarship25
This is your moment to shine and make a significant impact on your future. Join us in celebrating excellence in Speech and Debate through the iStart Valley Scholarship.
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NC820 STEM Scholarship - $1,000
Recognizing remarkable achievements in STEM!
iStart Valley is thrilled to announce $1,000 scholarship dedicated to recognizing exceptional High School Juniors and Seniors thriving in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Those displaying remarkable academic achievements and aspiring for a career in STEM are invited to apply. Applicants are urged to specify their chosen STEM field, articulate their ambitions, and outline a precise roadmap toward their goals. Embracing inclusivity, this scholarship warmly welcomes all applicants, irrespective of their ethnicity or background. Students with financial hardships are encouraged to apply.
In 250 words or less, compose an essay detailing the achievements, contributions, or style of a Technology Leader who has served as an inspiration to you. Additionally, provide a resume outlining your high school STEM activities, awards, accomplishments, and engagement in public service.
Deadline Alert: Be sure to submit your application for the STEM Scholarship 2025 by the critical date of June 30th, 2025. Don't miss this chance to showcase your achievements and aspirations.
The Big Reveal: The successful candidate will be celebrated during the vibrant festivities of the Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, with the announcement taking place on November 15th, 2025. This momentous occasion will shine a spotlight on the recipient's exceptional talents and dedication.
Application Process: Ready to take the next step towards achieving your dreams? Submit your application and all required documentation @ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STEMScholarship25
Join us in this journey of inspiration, ambition, and achievement. Apply today and take a bold step towards your STEM dreams!
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iStart Valley has been ranked #10 on 2022 MAVS Top 100 Businesses. MAVS Top 100 Businesses in 2022.
iStart Valley provides resources to accelerate the entrepreneurial journey of Startups and Entrepreneurs, offers programs to accelerate learning of the future ready skills and the youth to develop an Entrepreneurial mindset. As a major player in the Startup and Innovation Ecosystem iStart Valley has supported hundreds of Startups and Thousands of Innovators.
Founded in 2012, iStart Valley is celebrating 10th year of serving the community. Programs by iStart Valley have impacted people around the world. Organization started with its humble roots in Jacksonville Florida, today attracts participants around the globe. Dr. Anwesha Banerjee, Executive Director of iStart Valley says “It’s amazing to see our programs have reached all corners. Our vision to build a virtual ecosystem of innovators and creators is yielding results. We are so thankful for the community that has provided us all the support. We are so honored and humbled to rank #10 on MAVS 100.”
MJ Charmani, Founder and Chair of iStart Valley, said “Growth at iStart Valley has been impressive. We are thrilled about this recognition of being #10 on MAVS 100 on our 10th year anniversary”. Harry Dombroski, dean of the College of Business, UTA says “It’s an opportunity for us to recognize these individuals, their accomplishments and their contributions to the community.” Governor Greg Abbott’s video message encouraging the organizations and individuals for the entrepreneurial spirit was shared during the Awards and Gala.
Rankings of Top 100 Businesses were announced during Annual MAVS 100 Awards & Gala this year at “Live! By Loew’s” in Arlington organized by University of Texas at Arlington and TRUIST Financial Corporation (Former SunTrust Bank and BB&T). Mavs Top 100 is designed to honor the 100 fastest growing Maverick-owned or Maverick-led businesses. Nominated companies are ranked by independent accounting firm to identify the 100 fastest growing companies based on their annual economic impact. The 100 fastest growing organizations are named to the Mavs 100 each year. Honorees are recognized during an invitation only Awards Dinner.
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iStart Valley is thrilled to announce participants from its Artificial Intelligence program have won Global AI Contest - Codeavour 2021 for solving the real-world problems using Machine learning and Computer Vision. Sathya Ganesan from New Jersey and Nandan Kannappan from California have secured 2nd place competing with 69,525 Teams across the globe from 62 countries. Tanav Charmani from Texas received a special participation award.
Middle school students after completing their AI program at iStart Valley received sponsorship to participate in Codeavour-2021, a Global AI Contest. iStart Valley partners with STEMpedia to host this global AI Contest, called Codeavour where kids get to win prizes worth $15,000. Artificial Intelligence program for Middle school students uses Block based programming to implement Artificial Intelligence Techniques with Machine Learning.
Sathya Ganesan and Nandan Kannappan developed a unique solution to deal with the pandemic and named their Artificial Intelligence based solution “Mask It up”. Computer Vision and Machine learning based solution works like a charm to help businesses, schools and communities to deal with the real-world pandemic which have significant economic impact. Kumaresh Singh, ML/AI and Strategy leadership at Meta Platforms, Inc (Facebook) said “I find this project of high importance and a step towards solving a pandemic. This is an example of how Artificial Intelligence could be used for creating large-scale social impact”
Dr. Anwesha Banerjee, Scientist and Executive Director of iStart Valley says "We are very impressed by the energy of Sathya Ganesan and Nandan Kannappan and their innovative approach to use AI to solve the real-world problem. Congratulations for securing the 2nd place at Codeavour 2021"
Next batch of iStart Valley’s AI program for Middle school begins June 18th 2022. Details of the program can be found at istartvalley.org/programs
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iStart Valley, a Nonprofit Business Accelerator is partnering with Open Grants, a grant search engine and marketplace of independent grant experts for startups, nonprofits, and small business.
The partnership will bring easy access to seamless grant search and application experience of OpenGrants to the startups, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and Innovators. Better and easier access to funds from grant-making sources means accelerated access to capital that’s one of the primary hurdles for the early-stage Startups.
OpenGrants is on a mission to deploy modern financial infrastructure to support efficient, equitable, and transparent grant funding processes. Run by an experienced and passionate team of entrepreneurs, technologists and philosophers, OpenGrants is building Tools and Community to solve the major challenges in Grant Funding.
MJ Charmani, Founder and Chair of iStart Valley said, “We are thrilled with this new partnership to offer a unique platform that will benefit early-stage Startups, innovators, creators and aspiring entrepreneurs that we work with and also to broader community”.
Early-stage startups, Entrepreneurs, Innovators that are in search of sources for grant funding can reach out to iStart Valley @ istartvalley.org/contact-us to avail the benefit of 6 months free OpenGrants Pro level access to find grants on your own, or hire an expert to help you search, apply for, and manage your grant @ opengrants.io.
