New American Scholars

03/06/2026

✨ One hour can change a child’s future

Many of the children in our program arrived in the United States from refugee families and are working incredibly hard to succeed in a new school system and a new language. With the guidance of a caring tutor, their confidence grows, their reading improves, and new possibilities begin to open.

New American Scholars is seeking volunteer tutors for our Spring Reading & Writing Program in Manchester, NH.

You don’t have to be a teacher—just someone who believes every child deserves the chance to learn, belong, and succeed.

📚 One hour a week
❤️ One student
🌍 A lifetime of impact

Join our incredible community of volunteers and help support the next generation of learners.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.NewAmericanScholars.org

LiteracyForAll

10/13/2024

📣 Exciting News! 📣
We’re thrilled to announce that New American Scholars has been selected to participate in Charitable Gaming Week at The Brook casino from October 13th to 17th! 🎉

Proceeds from gaming activities during this week will directly support our mission of empowering refugee children in New Hampshire through education and mentorship. We are also proud to be sharing this week with Seacoast Crime Stoppers another incredible organization making a difference in our community.

So, come on down to The Brook Casino, play your favorite games, and help us continue transforming lives! Every contribution makes an impact. ❤️🎲

Learn more about our work: https://newamericanscholars.org

Visit Seacoast Crime Stoppers: https://www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there! 🙌

🎉 Join us for Charitable Gaming Week at The Brook Casino! 🎉

From October 13th to 17th, we’re excited to support New American Scholars and Seacoast Crime Stoppers with proceeds from our gaming activities.

Play your favorite games while helping these amazing organizations make a difference in our community. Every contribution counts!

To learn more, visit:
https://www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com
&
https://newamericanscholars.org

Let’s come together for a great cause! ❤️🎲

06/25/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 This morning, New Hampshire Women's Foundation released the Status of Girls Report 2024, the most comprehensive compilation of data on girls in the Granite State. We are thrilled to share that our Founder and President, Riyah Patel, was honored to contribute to this important report.

We're also proud to announce that New American Scholars is spotlighted in the report! 🎉

This report is a vital resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing girls in New Hampshire, and we are grateful for the chance to be part of this incredible initiative.

📘 Read the full report here: https://nhwomensfoundation.org/status-of-girls-nh/

Together, we can continue to support and uplift the young women in our community!

04/27/2024

Do you know a Changemaker in your community? Nominate them now!

Riyah Patel is senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, the Founder & President of New American Scholars, and also the 2023 recipient of the Rising Stars Changemaker of the Year award.

"Receiving the “Changemaker of the Year” award from Stay Work Play has been a truly transformative experience. Professionally, it has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with other visionaries committed to positive change in New Hampshire. Academically, it has deepened my understanding and appreciation for civic engagement, inspiring me to integrate these principles more deeply into my studies and future career plans. Personally, the recognition has fueled my commitment to our community, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and collaboration in creating meaningful impact.

Do you know a Changemaker in your community? I encourage you to nominate them for the Rising Stars Awards. Recognizing the hard work and impact of local visionaries not only uplifts them but also inspires all of us to engage and contribute positively. Let’s continue to highlight and support those who are making a real difference in New Hampshire!"

Are you ready to submit your nomination form? ✨

https://www.stayworkplay.org/nominate

04/25/2024

I am truly honored to be a part of such an inspiring group of young leaders at the NH Next: A Summit for Young Changemakers. Sharing the stage with these trailblazers is not just an opportunity—it's a privilege. I look forward to the engaging discussions and innovative ideas that will surely come from this event!

You won't want to miss this incredible lineup taking the stage May 16 at NH Next: A Summit for Young Changemakers.

Register today to meet, learn from, and be inspired by:
- Doria Brown, The Earth Stewardess creator
- Bianca Carlson, Salem Planning Board member
- Hanna Flanders, Kearsarge Food Hub co-founder
- Helen Leavitt, Auspicious Brew founder
- Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
- Riyah S. Patel, New American Scholars founder and Stay Work Play's 2023 Changemaker of the Year
- Martin Toe, performing artist
- Michael Troung, Manchester Arts Commission ( M | A | C )
- Keating Tufts, Boards & Brews co-owner
- Catherine Workman, Keene City Councilor

Register now: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/526bd21d-1dff-483f-91b5-0a074b72bbb6

04/03/2024

🌟 Exciting news from Stay Work Play NH🌟 They're spotlighting the incredible talent within our Granite State through the Changemaker of the Year Award. This initiative celebrates young individuals making significant impacts in New Hampshire. 🏆

Who will you nominate this year? Let's keep making positive changes in our communities!

03/26/2024

🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟
I am beyond thrilled to share that I have the honor of being a panelist at the much-anticipated NH Next: A Summit for Young Changemakers, hosted by Stay Work Play NH at The Factory On Willow in Manchester, NH on May 16th.

The summit will serve as a vibrant platform for young visionaries across New Hampshire, all united by a common goal: to forge a brighter future for our beloved Granite State. Whether it’s through the arts, social justice, business, or politics, the stories and projects shared here are bound to inspire and ignite a wave of transformative change.

I’m especially excited to engage in a dynamic panel segment alongside other incredible young changemakers. It’s a unique opportunity to delve into our journeys, share our projects, and discuss the profound impacts we’ve made in our communities. For me, this means opening up about the journey of founding New American Scholars and the strides we’ve made toward bridging the educational gap for refugee children in New Hampshire.

Let’s continue to champion change, embrace diversity, and create a more inclusive world, one step at a time. If you’re in the area, come join us, hear our stories, and let’s discuss how we can all contribute to a better tomorrow for New Hampshire.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there and to what promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Are you a young person in New Hampshire who wants to make the Granite State — or your corner of it — a better place?Join other young changemakers, and those who aspire to create change, at NH Next: A Summit for Young Changemakers. At this half-day summit, which includes lunch, you will hear from...

02/22/2024

40 Under Forty Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Updated 20 hrs ago ONE OF OUR long-standing traditions here at the New Hampshire Union Leader is annually recognizing 40 residents who eagerly give their time and talents to volunteer pursuits that strengthen and enrichment communities all across N...

02/17/2024

Honored to be named 40 Under Forty by the New Hampshire Union Leader ♥️

Big congratulations to all of this year's New Hampshire Union Leader 40 Under Forty honorees!

We would especially like to congratulate Stay Work Play Board of Directors member Rich Parsons of RYP Granite Strategies, Stay Work Play's 2023 Changemaker of the Year and New American Scholars founder Riyah Patel, and Stay Work Play's 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year and Teatotaller owner Emmett Soldati.

Congrats as well to Stay Work Play Board of Advisors member employees Elena Alois of Granite Edvance, Tiffany Boyd of Dartmouth Health, Ryan Lessard of Montagne Powers, and Christian Marcelo of Community College System of NH.

01/08/2024

Multicultural Book Drive!

📚 Exciting news! The Junior Service League is launching a book drive to support our New American Scholars. 🌟 Explore our thoughtfully curated book list at online Gibson’s Bookstore and Amazon, easily accessible from our website. Join us in building a library for New American Scholars throughout January. Let’s make a difference together! 📖
https://www.jslconcord.org/upcoming-events
-24

10/22/2023

Grateful and humbled to receive the Changemaker of the Year award from StayWorkPlayNH/NhPR. This recognition is not just for me but for every dedicated member of the New American Scholars team. Our mission at New American Scholars has always been to bridge the educational divide and champion equity and opportunity for every refugee student in New Hampshire. This award fuels our passion and reminds us of the impact we can make. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. 🎓✨

Listen to my speech here: https://youtu.be/zhtcPvqEK4k?feature=shared

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