Our
Scholarships &
Awards
Updated 2026:
Please check The Giving Universe Project frequently as we continue to get new ideas about ways we can help in the community. We are also adding new awards!
We will be accepting applications for the Summer/Fall 2026 school year February of 2026. Please continue to visit our page for details, updates, new scholarships, and future programs that will be offered by the Giving Universe Project, sponsors, and friends.
We would also like to give a special thank you to our
friends at CONVERSE for making The Stars Award possible.
The Orion Scholarship
The Orion Scholarship is the largest and most prestigious award offered through The Giving Universe Project. Named after the constellation "Orion" that has guided explorers and dreamers for centuries, this scholarship represents light, direction, and limitless potential. This constellation also has special meaning to our project as it was the first constellation and nebula seen by our founder during her recovery.
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Designed for high school seniors preparing to enter college, the Orion Scholarship provides the essential tools and support to help students begin their next chapter with confidence and clarity.
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Recipients Receive
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A brand-new laptop to power their academic journey
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Beats headphones for focus, creativity, and connection
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The Stars Award , (to help with clothing or shoes) as a symbolic gesture recognizing resilience and grace in motion.
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Six months of mentorship through The Giving Universe Project, pairing each recipient with an experienced guide who offers encouragement, insight, and accountability throughout their transition to college
Our Mission
The Orion Scholarship is more than an award, it’s a launchpad. By combining tangible resources with mentorship, this scholarship helps students not only reach for the stars but also stay grounded as they navigate new beginnings.
The Lumen Award
The Lumen Award is presented to families of students entering high school who demonstrate resilience, potential, and a commitment to their future.
“Lumen,” meaning light, represents the spark of curiosity and hope that ignites as students begin a new chapter of learning.
This award provides essential school supplies to help each recipient start high school with confidence, equipped for success.
Recipient Receives
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A backpack filled with essentials
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Notebooks (college-ruled, composition, and spiral)
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Binders and dividers for organization
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Pens, pencils, and highlighters
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Graphing or scientific calculator (depending on grade level)
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Portable storage
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Planner or academic calendar
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Beats headphones or earbuds
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The Stars Award gift card (to help with clothing or shoes)
Purpose
The Lumen Award helps bridge the gap between middle and high school by ensuring students have both the tools and encouragement they need to shine. It honors not just academic potential but also the families who support these students on their journey. “Every spark matters, when one light begins to shine, the whole universe grows brighter.”
The Stars Award
The Stars Award represents the beauty of small but meaningful gestures, reminders that even the smallest act of generosity can lift and inspire.
Presented in partnership with our friends at Converse, these awards come in the form of gift cards in various increments. They are given both individually and as part of larger recognitions, such as the Orion Scholarship.
Like the stars themselves, this award symbolizes resilience, energy, and life, a testament to the idea that great impact can come from even the lightest touch.
Whether received on its own or alongside other honors, each Stars Award celebrates the spirit of giving and the endless ripples that follow every kind act.
The North Star Award
The North Star Award
A Light of Hope for Families During the Holidays
Sometimes, the most meaningful ideas come from the most ordinary moments.
One afternoon last December after a snow storm , I asked a delivery driver why she was making such late stops. The roads were icy, unplowed, unsalted, and it was out of the way. No one would take the delivery. She said she was saving up for something special.
“For my daughter’s school next year. Every little bit helps.”
That simple answer stuck with me.
It wasn’t dramatic or emotional. It was just one of those honest, everyday moments that reminds you how many families are working hard behind the scenes, doing their best with what they have. That moment became the inspiration behind the North Star Award.
Why It Matters
We live in a world full of invisible labor. People doing everything they can to make ends meet, often without recognition or support. The Giving Universe Project was created to bridge that gap: to respond to real needs, at the right moment, with compassion and care.
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The North Star Award is our way of honoring that belief.
Each year, we will now select a family or individual in December facing hardship, particularly those going above and beyond to support their loved ones despite limited resources, and offer them a meaningful gift designed to lighten their load. Whether it’s a new computer, tuition support, transportation help, or holiday relief, the award is a reminder that someone sees them, values them, and believes in what they’re working for.