Leadership 1000 Scholarship: Empowering Future Leaders To Achieve Their Dreams
Behind every Leadership 1000 (L1000) Scholarship is a story of belief. Belief in students’ potential, in the power of education and in the lasting impact of community support. As College Success Foundation’s scholarship application season approaches, we’re sharing how CSF’s Leadership 1000 Scholarship has helped one student turn her higher education dreams into reality.
Jocelyn, an L1000 recipient, is working hard to achieve her college and career goals at the University of Washington, where she is studying medical anthropology.
“My career goal is to become a doctor who listens to patients and also understands the cultural and social contexts that shape their health,” explains Jocelyn. “I want to bridge the gap between medicine and lived experience, making sure patients feel truly heard and cared for.”
Jocelyn represents the determination and potential of so many first-generation students who are pursuing college to build brighter futures and give back to the communities that raised them. Recently, she was selected as one of the 2025 Summer Scholars for Seattle Children’s competitive internship program, where she focused on health equity and child and adult health research.
Leadership 1000 Scholarship Donors
Every Leadership 1000 Scholarship begins with the generosity of a donor who believes in a student’s potential. These donors provide not only financial resources but also inspiration, mentorship and connection that help students thrive.
When Barbara Calapristi and Ted Jordan were matched with Jocelyn, they were immediately drawn to Jocelyn’s ambition and optimism. Barbara admired the strong family support system surrounding Jocelyn and believed it would help her navigate the emotional challenges of college life.
When asked what it means to her personally to see students pursuing their college dreams, Barbara offered a thoughtful perspective: “Every person should have an opportunity to go to college. If it’s not for them, that’s fine, but college offers a safe space to grow and learn while you mature. It provides a place to explore different points of view, build empathy and build resilience,” she reflects. “By observing other students and taking their own chances, a college student can learn how to bounce back after failures as well as how to celebrate successes with their collaborators.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors like Barbara and Ted, Jocelyn has the opportunity to pursue her degree with confidence, knowing she has a network of caring adults rooting for her success.
“The L1000 Scholarship has not only provided financial support, but it’s also given me a strong sense of community and encouragement that I haven’t experienced with other scholarships,” notes Jocelyn. “The mentorship, networking and consistent check-ins make me feel seen and supported as a whole student, not just as someone receiving funds. That difference has helped me stay motivated and confident as I work toward my goals.”
Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program
CSF’s L1000 Scholarship model is holistic, offering students significant tuition assistance while providing valuable college coaching, networking opportunities with CSF Alumni and scholarship donors and financial aid guidance. The program also includes flexible support funds to help cover unforeseen costs or emergencies that might otherwise derail a student’s progress.
Since its creation, the Leadership 1000 Scholarship has empowered more than 950 students across Washington state to graduate from college and pursue meaningful careers. L1000 Scholars have an astounding 85% college graduation rate.
For students interested in applying, the L1000 Scholarship application will open on December 1, 2025. Applications are due on January 30, 2026.
Become a Leadership 1000 Donor
You can help create opportunities for more students like Jocelyn by becoming a Leadership 1000 Scholarship donor. Your gift provides financial support and at the same time sends a powerful message of belief, encouragement and hope to a student working toward a brighter future. Join us in supporting the next generation of leaders. Learn how to become an L1000 donor.