Written by Ihan Chen
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
Since partnering with the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith (BOMLA) in 2011, Tzu Chi USA’s Central Region has supported students’ growth through Character Education and scholarships as they head to college. Led by then-Executive Director Yuanliang Ling, volunteers visited the school regularly, sharing Jing Si Aphorisms from Tzu Chi’s founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, to guide and inspire, while lifting up a spirit of kindness to help students stride into the future as socially responsible young adults.
Now, Kuocheng Ge, the current Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Central Region, too, has led volunteers to the school to present Tzu Chi Scholarships to 10 graduates, continuing 12 years of ongoing support and encouragement.
Twelve Years of Continued Companionship
Since this partnership began, the spirit of Tzu Chi has become part of the campus culture, especially through character education sessions. Their ongoing presence has helped universal compassion grow on campus, and encouraged students to put humanistic values into practice in everyday situations.
Over time, volunteers also came to understand the challenges students face due to financial hardship and high college costs. To help these youths with strong character and good grades achieve their college dreams, Tzu Chi USA’s Central Region initiated the Tzu Chi Scholarship program at the school, expanding its support from character education to financial aid.
On March 30, 2026, Tzu Chi USA Central Region volunteers, led by Executive Director Kuocheng Ge, held the annual scholarship ceremony at the school. Here, 10 graduating students each received a $3,000 scholarship to help them begin their university journey.
Compassion Takes Root on Campus
The event took place during the school’s morning assembly. After everyone sang the school song, Principal Derek Thomas introduced the Tzu Chi philosophy to teachers and students, saying, “[Being a community leader] means you give back to the community. It is not all about taking, but about what you are doing for someone else to put them in a better position. And that’s what Tzu Chi is about. That’s what they do on a consistent basis. Brothers, again, thank you for this opportunity today. I thank you for the opportunity to stand and lead you all in this capacity.” Principal Thomas then introduced Kuocheng Ge, the new Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Central Region, and thanked Tzu Chi for their ongoing support of the school.
When it comes to Tzu Chi, we definitely want to make sure that we are giving back to them the way that they have given to us. That's how we became brothers.
International Relief Efforts Shared to Expand Students' Horizons
To connect with students and show how genuine care can make a lasting impact, Kuocheng Ge shared stories of Tzu Chi volunteers providing aid, including their recent efforts following severe floods in Africa in January 2026. Through these, he hoped to show students how Tzu Chi’s spirit of respect and gratitude guides their aid — and how compassion knows no bounds.
Kuocheng Ge explained, “We deliver food necessities, and Master Cheng Yen teaches us to use both hands when distributing supplies, and to bow to those people. Why? Because these people are suffering, and we honor their experiences. Nobody wants to be in this kind of situation. We need to respect them.”
By hearing these real-life stories, students learned about Tzu Chi’s mission and the importance of helping others, which inspired their hearts and broadened their view of the world.
With enthusiastic applause, Kuocheng Ge presented scholarships to each of the ten students. These students not only excel in their studies but also demonstrate strong character, serving as role models for others.
Scholarships Encourage and Support the Future
These scholarships help ease financial concerns and encourage students to pursue their dreams with greater confidence.
With applause and good wishes, the awarded students began a new chapter in their lives, filled with gratitude and hope. Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to accompany them as they grow at school and within their community. Over the years, through steady character education and practical help, Tzu Chi Central Region has witnessed compassion flourish in these young adults.
Indeed, education is more than sharing knowledge; it also inspires the spirit and lifts up communities near and far. When compassion and wisdom take root, it can change a person’s path. In the future, many of these students will give back to society in multifaceted ways, spreading kindness and continuing this loving cycle wherever their journey leads.
With education as its foundation and compassion at its heart, Tzu Chi brings hope to young people through ongoing support and real action, helping love and kindness continue to grow in schools.
