Empowering YOUNG WOMEN to be LEADERS and Active World Citizens through EDUCATION and SERVICE
Nurturing the Changemakers of Tomorrow
The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund’s mission is to empower young women to be leaders and active world citizens through education and service. Our annual college scholarships to Mercer Island High School, Chief Sealth International High School and Rainier Beach High School students acknowledge and support graduating senior women who demonstrate a commitment to the values of Stanley Ann Dunham in education, leadership and community service.
Stanley Ann Dunham’s Legacy
In addition to being the mother of the 44th president, Stanley Ann Dunham earned her Doctorate in Anthropology after graduating from Mercer Island High School in Washington State in 1960 and pioneered a microfinance model that is still in use today around the world.
Meet Our Scholars
Angeline Lee
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High School
Fatima Ibrahim
2023 Scholar, Chief Sealth International High School
Jaya Manhas
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High School
Kayla Buechler
2023 Scholar, Chief Sealth International High School
Maurianna Vega
2023 Scholar, Rainier Beach High School
May Tran
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High School
Ruby Lee
2023 Scholar, Rainier Beach High SchoolMeet Our Scholars
Kayla Buechler
2023 Scholar, Chief Sealth International High SchoolMy education has emboldened me to pursue change in the various inequitable systems that surround us. My commitment to campaigning and organizing around creating meaningful change...
Angeline Lee
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High SchoolAngeline plans to major in Biology on the pre-medicine track at Tulane University starting this fall. Outside of school, she is involved in many volunteering activities relating...
Maurianna Vega
2023 Scholar, Rainier Beach High SchoolI will be attending Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, majoring in business and entrepreneurship. My hard dedication to school and getting good grades has created a different...
Jaya Manhas
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High SchoolJaya will be attending Chapman University in Southern California, majoring in Business Marketing and Public Relations. As a scholar, tennis player, and cheerleader, she hopes to...
Fatima Ibrahim
2023 Scholar, Chief Sealth International High SchoolI plan to attend South Seattle Community College for two years and then transfer to university. My goal is to major in International Relations, focusing on becoming an embassy...
Ruby Lee
2023 Scholar, Rainier Beach High SchoolRuby is planning to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, this fall. She is a filmmaker and community organizer born and raised in the south end of Seattle. At a young...
May Tran
2023 Scholar, Mercer Island High SchoolI plan on attending the University of Washington in the fall studying biochemistry on a pre-dental track. I love to volunteer as I was Lieutenant Governor of 10 Key Clubs in my...
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Featured Blog Posts
Introducing the 2024 Scholars!
This year, we have awarded six scholarships, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce it. Prepare to be impressed by these young scholars who have excelled academically and made a difference in...
May Tran’s First Year College Experience (2023 SADSF Scholar)
My name is May Tran and I received the 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship. I am about a week into my first quarter at the Seattle Campus of the University of Washington and it's been surprisingly fun! I am majoring in biochemistry on a pre-dentistry track and have...
May Tran’s First Year College Experience (2023 SADSF Scholar)
My name is May Tran and I received the 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship. I am about a week into my first quarter at the Seattle Campus of the University of Washington and it's been surprisingly fun! I am majoring in biochemistry on a pre-dentistry track and have...
Jaya Manhas at Chapman University (2023 SADSF Scholar)
My name is Jaya Manhas and I am a 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham scholarship recipient. I am currently attending Chapman University in Orange County, California as a Business Marketing major! So far in my first semester, I have been enjoying the amazing SoCal weather,...
Jaya Manhas at Chapman University (2023 SADSF Scholar)
My name is Jaya Manhas and I am a 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham scholarship recipient. I am currently attending Chapman University in Orange County, California as a Business Marketing major! So far in my first semester, I have been enjoying the amazing SoCal weather,...
Our Growing Impact
$135,000
Total Scholarship Amounts Distributed
27
Total Number of Scholarships Awarded
15
Scholars who have graduated and are contributing to their field of interest
“Stanley Ann Dunham believed that every group of people had something to give. Building relationships with people everywhere you go makes a huge impact on your life and you teach as well as learn from others.”
“Don’t conclude before you understand…after you understand, don’t judge.”
Stanley Ann Dunham
“My mother had a sense that beneath our surface differences, we are all the same…that’s precisely the naiveté and idealism that was part of her. And that’s I suppose the naive idealism in me.”
President Barack Obama
“I know that she was the kindest, most generous spirit I have ever known, and that what is best in me I owe to her.”
President Barack Obama
“My mother was very determined to be remembered for a life in service and thought that service was really the true measure of a life.”
Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng
“If you want to grow into a human being, you’re going to need some values.”
Stanley Ann Dunham to her young son Barack.
“Stanley Ann Dunham was idealistic and pragmatic. She believed that people’s lives could be made better, and that is was important to try.”
Janny Scott, author of A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother.
“In a time that can feel claustrophobic, overwhelming, and short-sighted, the work and values of Stanley Ann Dunham inspire us to expand our sense of what is possible and the impact that each of us can have on the future.”
GRAMMY nominated vocalist, poet and our 2018 guest speaker Hollis Wong-Wear
“My mother would be very proud to know her legacy lives on in the incredible work of these young women.”
President Barack Obama’s letter to our scholars