ATKB launches $15,000 scholarship initiative for New York Atatürk School alumni

A striking scholarship campaign has been launched for graduates of the New York Atatürk School who will continue their education in America. Under the TWLA–TPF Changemaker Scholarship, conducted in partnership with the American Turkish Women’s Association (TWLA) and Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), the goal is to create a $15,000 scholarship fund by matching a $7,500 donation raised from the Turkish‑American community with an equal contribution from TPF.

ABDPost New York Representative Özlem Özgüt Yörekli followed the opening ceremony of the 2026‑2027 academic year at the New York Atatürk School, where the scholarship campaign was announced.

TPF Matching Support for the $7,500 Donation

President Berna Gürdal of the American Turkish Women’s Association shared the details of the scholarship initiative announced at the opening of the New York Atatürk School’s new academic year.

Under the TWLA–TPF Changemaker Scholarship, a scholarship opportunity worth up to $15,000 has been created to support the education of this year’s Atatürk School graduates preparing for university.

The campaign’s first goal is to raise $7,500 in donations with the support of TWLA and the Turkish‑American community. If this target is met, Turkish Philanthropy Funds will match the amount, adding another $7,500 to the scholarship fund. Thus, a total $15,000 scholarship fund for Atatürk School graduates is intended.

Berna Gürdal's Call to the Turkish-American Community

Berna Gürdal, President of the American Turkish Women's Association, invited all members of the Turkish-American community, especially parents, to support the campaign.

Gürdal said, 'We want to support the educational journey of our children that began at Atatürk School through their university years. When we reach our $7,500 community goal, with TPF's matching support we will be able to create a $15,000 scholarship fund. Every contribution, big or small, will be a significant support for our youth's education and future.'

In his opening program speech, Gürdal, who also recalled the saying 'Drop by drop, a lake forms', emphasized that every donation will contribute to achieving the scholarship goal.

Goal: Supporting Graduates' University Journey

The TWLA–TPF Changemaker Scholarship aims to support not only the university education of Atatürk School graduates but also their community service and leadership journeys.

Thus, the aim is that students' educational journey, which begins at Atatürk School, does not end with graduation but continues during their university years with the support of the Turkish‑American community.

Support Extending from Atatürk School to University

The New York Atatürk School, operating under the American Turkish Women’s Association, contributes to preserving the cultural ties of young generations by providing Turkish, history, and culture education to Turkish children raised in America over its 55‑year history.

The new scholarship campaign aims to extend this support beyond the school level. If the Turkish‑American community reaches its $7,500 donation goal, the matching support from TPF will double the fund to $15,000, providing assistance to Atatürk School graduates on their university path.