“To honor a life is not to look back—it is to move forward with intention, carrying their light into the future.”

By Şenay Ataselim-Yilmaz, PhD

At Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), we believe in the transformative power of education—and in the simple truth that no dream should be out of reach because of financial hardship. That belief fuels our scholarship programs, which open doors for brilliant, dedicated students with Turkish heritage to pursue higher education in the United States. Each scholarship has its own story, its own mission, and its own impact—but they all begin with the same idea: that generosity, no matter the amount, can change a life.
We are honored that our community shares this vision and has chosen to invest in the education of young people by establishing scholarship funds at TPF—funds we are proud to steward with care and purpose.

A Visionary Legacy: The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award was established by Dr. George Schieber, a retired World Bank economist in memory of his late wife, Sena Eken Schieber, a pioneering Turkish economist and one of the first Turkish women to hold a senior position at the International Monetary Fund. This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting outstanding female students from Türkiye who are pursuing graduate degrees in economics in the US.
The fund nurtures the next generation of economic leaders who will shape the future. Since inception, 21 bright and hardworking women have been empowered not only to pursue their studies but also to lead with purpose in their field of economics. Just as George envisioned, the values Sena embodied, kindness, hard work, passion, and the courage to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field, live on through these exceptional female students.

A Gift Rooted in Hope: The Üçok Family Scholarship
Hikmet and Marilyn Üçok, a couple from California, deeply believe in the power of education to change lives. They envision a world where every girl, regardless of her background, is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. To bring that vision to life, they created the Üçok Family Scholarship Fund at TPF.
Their goal is to enrich the lives of scholars by offering them an immersive cultural and educational experience in the United States, hoping that these young women will not only thrive academically but also return home inspired to lead and contribute to their communities. The scholarship supports young women from Türkiye pursuing studies in areas such as health sciences and special education.
Their first scholarship recipient, Evla, is now a freshman at UCLA, majoring in psychology. Her journey represents exactly what the Üçok family hopes to inspire: empowered young women equipped to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Empowering the Next Generation: The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund
Launched on May 19, a day that honors youth and the future in Türkiye, the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund celebrates students who not only excel academically but also show leadership, resilience, and a desire to make a difference. In its inaugural year, the fund supported seven remarkable students studying disciplines ranging from engineering and mental health counseling to film and architecture.
What makes this fund unique is its community-driven model. The Changemaker Fund is powered by many donors—families, individuals, and small businesses—each contributing what they can to support the next generation of changemakers. Importantly, businesses and organizations can also name a scholar, creating a meaningful legacy while aligning their values with the future of education and innovation. It is a powerful opportunity to give back and to inspire.

Every Act of Giving Builds a Future
One of the most inspiring truths about TPF’s scholarship programs is that they are built by community. While you can endow a scholarship to support a student’s dreams, you can also contribute to an existing fund. Or else, you can gather your family or community group to name a scholarship together. Or you can support TPF’s general Scholarship Fund, which pools resources to maximize impact.
Whether you are a longtime donor or someone new to philanthropy, there is a way to get involved. Every dollar given is a step toward building a future where no student is left behind simply because of financial circumstances. ■

Join Us
At TPF, we see education not just as a way out of poverty but as a foundation for innovation, leadership, and social change. Our scholarship recipients are already doing remarkable things and with your help, they will go even further.
So we invite you to be part of this movement. Honor a loved one. Support a cause you care about. Name a scholar. Or simply make a gift that will change a life.
Because at TPF, scholarships are not just financial support. They are hope, opportunity, and belief in what is possible.
Learn more about how to support scholarships at www.tpfund.org or reach out to us directly to start your own journey of impact.