scholarships – Empowered Flower Girl

As the cost of higher education continues to climb, students across the country are searching for tuition money along with their purpose. They’re looking for guidance, access, and opportunity. And Ranyah Bullock has got their back.

The 21-year-old Detroit native is the founder of Next Level Execution, a growing digital movement designed to equip HBCU students with the resources, tools and motivation they need to succeed in college and beyond. Fueled by her own journey, Ranyah is helping students not only afford school but also maximize the experience.

Known by many as “the scholarship enthusiast,” Ranyah built her platform to share the very tools, scholarships, internships and leadership opportunities she once searched for herself. She was able to secure $80,000 in just 11 months.

“I’ve been that student—hungry for success, but not always sure where to look or who to ask,” she said. Now, she’s become the go-to resource she once needed.

Through her platform, Ranyah has helped thousands of students access more than just financial aid. She’s opened doors to leadership programs, campus events and industry connections. Many students have secured over $10,000 in funding thanks to resources she’s posted. Her work also includes digital tools and planners that help students stay organized and on track during the academic year.

Next Level Execution is a movement with real-world impact.

On her HBCU campus at Delaware State University, Ranyah has led in-person activations that reached more than 500 students. Her workshops and one-on-one guidance have connected students directly with career services and empowered them to take control of their college experience.

Now, as she prepares for graduation, Ranyah’s vision is expanding. She plans to enter the field of corporate social responsibility, focusing on community impact and philanthropy. Her goal? To help companies give back in meaningful ways, especially to underserved communities.

Whether online or on campus, Ranyah Bullock is showing what it means to be emPOWERed!

Connect with Ranyah via Instagram.

Volunteers make a difference in communities across the country and around the world. Studies have shown that giving back through service can positively impact mental and physical health. If that’s the case, then Simone Bernstein is the poster child of wellness. Simone, 24, is the co-founder of VolunTEEN Nation, a comprehensive national organization designed to help youth and families find volunteer opportunities. She’s been an active volunteer in and around her community for more than a decade.

We had a chance to connect with the George Washington University Medical School student last month after stumbling upon volunTEENnation.org.

1. When you were in middle/high school, what were some of your volunteer experiences? I first started volunteering at my local library when I was in middle school. I helped check-out and shelve books. Through word-of-mouth I learned of other opportunities for teens in my community. Since I was interested in a career in medicine, when I was 16, I volunteered at the local VA Hospital. Having a variety of volunteer experiences helped me network, develop skills and explore career options. I realized that all youth can benefit from volunteering, but there were limited ways for teens to find opportunities. So in 2009, I created a regional website for youth to find and easily connect with volunteer opportunities in the St. Louis region. The interest from the regional website encouraged my brother and I launch a national website to engage youth throughout the nation in service.

2. As a medical student and nonprofit founder, how do you balance academics and altruism? Med school is challenging, so we are truly fortunate to have a great team of high school and college students that volunteer their time to organize, plan and lead events for volunTEENnation.org.

3. What advice would you give to teens or young adults who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Call non-profit organizations in your area and ask how you can help either on site or off site. For example, a homeless shelter could benefit from a personal hygiene products drive or food banks welcome a healthy food drive. Students can also offer to oversee the social media tasks like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for an organization.