ATLANTA — An incoming Emory University student and Atlanta native has won a $25,000 scholarship from the Taco Bell Foundation for her work on mental health awareness.
Ritisha Lingampally is one of over 1,000 winners of the Live Más Scholarship, which awards passion-driven students aged 16-26 with resources to fuel their educational dreams. Scholarship award amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000 per recipient, with Ritisha receiving the highest amount offered.
"The Live Más Scholarship cultivates a passionate community of diverse individuals united by their shared commitment to breaking down barriers for the causes they believe in," said Jennifer Bradbury, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. "The unwavering passion exhibited by these students never ceases to amaze us. We provide them with pathways to access new opportunities and resources, empowering them to create the change they envision."
To apply for the scholarship, applicants had to submit a two-minute video highlighting their passions and education aspirations, according to a release.
In her application video, 17-year-old Ritisha highlighted her studies in neuroscience and how it lit a fire in her for mental health awareness at an early age. She shared how her volunteer work providing companionship at a hospice facility and supporting a suicide prevention hotline contributes to her advocacy, helping people who need it the most. Ritisha has also previously shared her insights on cutting-edge mental health technologies through a TEDx talk.
Ritisha will be spending the next four years at Emory, where she is determined to deepen her impact by conducting research and furthering the dialogue on mental health and suicide prevention.
In addition to the financial award, Ritisha received a gift card so she can fuel up on tacos during the upcoming school year.
Watch Ritisha's full application video in the player below.
