Pulse of Perseverance

06/10/2026

At Pulse of Perseverance Project, some of our early harvests are beginning to bear fruit. These scholars are proof of what happens when determination meets access, mentorship, and support.

This year, we are celebrating students who are breaking barriers and achieving extraordinary milestones:

From Howard University medical student .a.l.e.b_ completing his summer research internship at the Stanford University School of Medicine, to .ciii completing his 1st year at Meharry Medical College and doing summer research, to graduating from USC’s Marshall School of Business, to becoming a decorated student leader at Towson State and creating his own mentorship initiative, to walking across the stage at LSU, these scholars represent the very mission of P3: helping students transform potential into purpose.

Their success is not defined solely by degrees earned, but by the obstacles they overcame, the goals they refused to abandon, and the futures they are now building. The next generation isn’t waiting for the future. They’re creating it.

06/04/2026

We are proud to announce Alejandro Torres Ochoa as the CPS/P3 May 2026 Scholarship Winner through the groundbreaking partnership between Chicago Public Schools and The Pulse of Perseverance Project.

Alejandro’s story embodies the very spirit of perseverance. After immigrating from Mexico, he faced the daunting challenge of learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar systems. Rather than allowing those obstacles to limit him, he committed himself to showing up every day, asking questions, embracing discomfort, and steadily building confidence. His hard work has translated into academic excellence and a clear vision for his future.

As an aspiring architect, Alejandro dreams of creating spaces that reflect and celebrate the rich cultural identity of Chicago’s Latino communities, particularly in Little Village. He understands that architecture is more than buildings—it is a tool for community pride, representation, and opportunity.

Just as inspiring is his belief in mentorship. Alejandro recognizes that guidance, accountability, and access to experienced professionals will be critical as he pursues his goals, and he hopes to one day pay that support forward to future generations.

This scholarship is a testament to what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity.

Special thanks to Dr. Jamie Enge and the Chicago Public Schools team for helping bring this first-of-its-kind partnership to life, to Thomas Paris for his leadership and commitment to expanding opportunity through technology, and to the entire Pulse of Perseverance Project co-founder team for their dedication to creating pathways for student success.

Congratulations, Alejandro. We are excited to be part of your journey and look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your community and beyond.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Kavion Turner, our CPS/P3 May 2026 Scholarship Winner!

Throughout high school, Kavion faced unimaginable adversity. After losing his brother and multiple cousins to gun violence while navigating a difficult home environment, he found himself in one of the darkest periods of his life. Yet instead of allowing those circumstances to define him, he made a conscious decision to reclaim his future.

Kavion recognized that while others could support him, only he could choose to keep moving forward. That mindset transformed hardship into motivation and became the foundation of his pursuit of success.

This fall, Kavion will begin his journey at Loyola Arrupe College, where he plans to earn an associate degree in Business Administration before transferring to Loyola University Chicago to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He also hopes to explore entrepreneurial opportunities along the way, building a future defined by ownership, leadership, and impact.

What stood out most was Kavion’s understanding of the power of mentorship. Having benefited from mentors throughout high school, he is committed to continuing to seek guidance and accountability, as he navigates adulthood and works toward his long-term goals.

Kavion’s story is a powerful reminder that circumstances do not determine destiny. With perseverance and mentorship, obstacles can become stepping stones.

Please join us in congratulating Kavion Turner and follow his journey

05/19/2026

We’re incredibly proud to announce Seth Walker as the CPS/P3 March 2026 Scholarship Winner, a major milestone in the first-ever collaboration of its kind between Chicago Public Schools and The Pulse of Perseverance Project.

Seth, a student at Amundsen High School pursuing aerospace engineering, stood out for his resilience, discipline, and commitment to growth. In his essay, he reflected on the challenge of stepping into environments where he initially felt unprepared: from dual enrollment calculus courses to NASA-affiliated astronomy programs and aviation training. Rather than allowing self-doubt to define him, he learned to adapt, seek help when needed, and stay committed even when progress felt slow.

That mindset is exactly what this scholarship was designed to recognize.

What impressed us most was not only Seth’s academic ambition, but also his understanding of mentorship, perseverance, and long-term impact. He spoke about wanting to use his future success to help other students explore careers in engineering and aviation, a mission that deeply aligns with the vision of P3.

This partnership between CPS and P3 is about creating access, expanding opportunity, and investing in students with the courage to keep pushing forward despite obstacles.

Congratulations again, Seth. The future is bright! Follow his journey

05/13/2026

TO ALL MENTEES ON OUR PLATFORM, OUR Milestone Pathways are now LIVE in the P3 app!!!!

P3 now helps you track every step of your journey while keeping your mentor connected along the way. Every milestone you complete helps create momentum toward the life and career you’re building!

NEXT STEPS:
✅ Update the P3 app
✅ Select your pathway
✅ Start checking off milestones
✅ Keep your mentor in the loop

Your goals become real when you start moving toward them consistently.
The next step is yours. 💪🏾

04/26/2026

1,000 members.

When we started P3, the goal was simple: make sure students, no matter where they come from, have access to the people and opportunities that can change their trajectory. Today, that vision is 1,000 lives strong!

Grateful for every mentor who has shown up, every student who has trusted the process, and every supporter who believes in what we’re building.

We’re not done. Let’s keep going. 💪🏾

NextGeneration

04/15/2026

Final push!

Reframing Mentorship is nominated by The Webby Awards in the category of Belonging & Inclusion, and we need your vote to bring it home.

This campaign is bigger than an award.

It’s about showing what mentorship really looks like when it’s done right: when people feel seen, supported, and connected.

That’s what we’re building with Pulse of Perseverance (P3) every day.

If you’ve ever believed in the power of someone opening a door for you, or being that person for someone else, this is your moment to support.

Vote here (takes 10 seconds):
🔗 https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting #/2026/advertising-media-pr/branded-content/belonging-inclusion

Thank you to .creative.studio, SixDegrees.org and the entire village behind this movement.

Let’s finish strong!

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

We’re honored to be nominated for a Webby Award in the category of “belonging & inclusion” for “Reframing Mentorship”, but this moment is bigger than us. It includes the collaboration of our good friends and .creative.studio

Now we need your help!

Vote for Pulse of Perseverance!

https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting #/2026/advertising-media-pr/branded-content/belonging-inclusion

03/05/2026

Please meet our February 2026 P3 Scholarship winner, Leah O’Brien.

Raised by a hardworking single mother in a Caribbean family, Leah learned early that perseverance means pushing forward even when the path is difficult. Despite experiencing bullying, financial hardship, and being diagnosed with high-functioning autism, she has remained focused on her purpose: serving others.

Leah proudly attends Florida A&M University . She currently volunteers at HCA and St. Vincent’s Hospital, helping support patients and healthcare teams while preparing for a future in medicine.

Her goal?
To become a cardiothoracic surgical physician assistant and advocate for women and minorities in healthcare.

Through service, resilience, and determination, Leah is turning obstacles into opportunity.

Lets keep Leah uplifted on her path to greatness!