Every year, California's charter public schools graduate students whose stories remind us of what's possible when talent, determination, and opportunity come together.

This year, CCSA is proud to award the Susan Bragato Scholarship to 10 exceptional graduating seniors selected from nearly 300 applicants across the state. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of attending a college or university. 

Named in honor of Susan Steelman Bragato, co-founder of California's first charter public school, the scholarship celebrates students who embody leadership, perseverance, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

The Class of 2026 recipients represent the diversity and strength of California's charter school movement. Their paths are different, but they share a common desire to create positive change for others.

Turning Passion into Purpose

For many of this year's recipients, personal experiences have inspired a lifelong commitment to service. At Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana, Ronit Shiroy discovered the power of leadership through music. As a drummer and advocate, he has worked to promote cultural understanding and create more inclusive spaces for students while preparing for a future in public service.

Sarah Saleem of The Cottonwood School in El Dorado Hills transformed her experiences supporting her autistic younger brother into a passion for advocacy and education. Through her student-led initiative, ClickSafe, she helps older adults safely navigate technology while building meaningful intergenerational connections.

At Birmingham Community Charter High School in Van Nuys, Marithza Mejia has dedicated herself to expanding educational opportunities for immigrant and multilingual students. As a peer counselor and founder of student support initiatives, she has helped others navigate the college process while pursuing her own dream of becoming an attorney.

Fellow Birmingham Community Charter High School student Emily Mena has channeled her family's story of perseverance into a commitment to helping others. Through student leadership programs and community-building efforts, she has worked to ensure her peers feel recognized, supported, and empowered.

Leading Through Service and Innovation

Several recipients have already demonstrated extraordinary leadership by combining academic excellence with meaningful community impact. Jason Bowden of Granada Hills Charter in Los Angeles has spent years balancing scientific research, athletics, and community service. His work with leading research institutions has fueled his passion for cancer immunotherapy, and he will continue that journey at Stanford University, where he plans to study biology.

At Making Waves Academy in Richmond, Bryan Martinez has used personal challenges as motivation to advocate for mental health awareness and community engagement. His leadership efforts have focused on strengthening school culture and creating spaces where students feel connected and supported.

Natalie Ascencio of Griffin Academy High in Vallejo has embraced service through mentorship and teaching. As a martial arts instructor, she has helped young students develop confidence, discipline, and resilience while pursuing her own educational goals as a first-generation college student.

Building a Better Future

Whether through law, technology, public policy, or architecture, this year's recipients are alread
y envisioning ways to improve the world around them.

At The O'Farrell Charter School in San Diego, Samantha Papa has combined her passion for service with a growing interest in public policy and law. Through leadership opportunities and legislative programs, she has explored ways to advocate for vulnerable populations and advance equity within her community.

Jay'Mir Moore of Ánimo Ralph Bunche Charter High School, Green Dot Public School in Los Angeles, as demonstrated leadership through athletics, academics, and student involvement. His experiences have shaped a collaborative mindset that he hopes to bring into a future career in software engineering.

At KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory, Aroldo Alvarado has transformed his fascination with architecture into a vision for community impact. Inspired by his family's experiences and motivated by the opportunities education can provide, he hopes to design spaces that improve quality of life for others.

A Celebration of Possibility

While each student's story is unique, together they represent something larger: the promise of California's charter public schools and the countless educators, families, and communities who support student success.

The 2026 Susan Bragato Scholarship recipients have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, leadership in their schools, and a commitment to serving others. As they take the next steps in their educational journeys, they carry with them not only their own aspirations, but also the hopes of the communities they represent.

CCSA is honored to celebrate these remarkable students and looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.

Congratulations to the 2026 Susan Bragato Scholarship recipients:

• Aroldo Alvarado, KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory

• Natalie Ascencio, Griffin Academy High

• Jason Bowden, Granada Hills Charter

• Bryan Martinez, Making Waves Academy

• Marithza Mejia, Birmingham Community Charter High School

• Emily Mena, Birmingham Community Charter High School

• Jay'Mir Moore, Ánimo Ralph Bunche Charter High School (Green Dot PS)

• Samantha Papa, The O'Farrell Charter School

• Sarah Saleem, The Cottonwood School

• Ronit Shiroy, Orange County School of the Arts

Are you interested in becoming a Bragato Scholarship Recipient next academic year? Visit CCSA's Student Scholarship webpage for more information! 

Want more inspiration? Read about last year's 2025 Bragato recipients: The Future Starts Here: Meet the 2025 Bragato Scholarship Winners