Young Audiences Charter School Student Wins Prestigious Gates Scholarship

YACS Senior Bethany Tiruneh awarded full-ride scholarship to Howard University

New Orleans, LA – Young Audiences Charter Schools (YACS), a prominent network of arts-integrated, open-enrollment schools in New Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, is delighted to announce that senior Bethany Tiruneh has been awarded the esteemed Gates Scholarship. As one of the recipients, Tiruneh has earned a full-ride scholarship to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. This scholarship is highly competitive, with only about 1.3% of applicants receiving it in recent years. 

Rickie Nutik, CEO of YACS, expressed immense pride in Bethany’s accomplishments: “Bethany is an exceptionally brilliant young woman who has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her years at YACS. Her hard work has truly paid off, and we are excited to see the wonderful achievements that await her in the future.”

A student at the YACS Burmaster Campus in Jefferson Parish, Bethany has excelled academically, consistently making the A honor roll and ranking in the top ten of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Art Honor Society, reflecting her balanced excellence in both academics and the arts.

The Gates Scholarship, initiated by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2017, is a highly selective, full funding scholarship aimed at outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. The scholarship not only covers educational costs but also provides ongoing support and resources to ensure scholars succeed from their first day of college to their transition into their chosen careers.

Reflecting on her journey, Bethany shared, “After my rewarding time at Young Audiences Charter School, from elementary through high school, I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter at Howard University. Majoring in political science, I aspire to a career in law. My achievements at YACS have been made possible by the unwavering support of my teachers and mentors. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities YACS has provided, which I will always hold dear.”

YACS’s unique arts-integrated curriculum leverages artistic expression alongside core academic subjects, fostering enhanced educational outcomes and student engagement. This approach not only improves learning but also promotes active parental involvement, which is vital for educational success.