ᰔ Hi girlies! You Will Keep Figuring It Out (With Opportunities Beside You)

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ᰔ ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ Hi girlies!

It’s only my third day at my new job, and honestly, it feels surreal. Just a few months ago, I was in college building out my class schedule—and now I’m in a corporate role learning how to navigate a whole new world.

I also want to introduce my sister, who is just starting college this year. Together, we’ll be sharing two perspectives side by side:
✨ Starting college (Next Week)
✨ Starting a corporate job

My goal is to make both experiences as transparent as possible so you can see that no one here is going through it alone plus obviously tips to help you get there.

In this advice column, I’ll also be sharing some of the little things I’m doing right now to make a strong impression on my team and manager. And don’t worry—these aren’t just for full-time jobs! You can use them to stand out in an internship, a part-time role, or even with professors and teachers when you’re working toward recommendation letters or college applications.

Then my sister (for next week) will jump in to share her side of the journey—everything from what she did during college applications to the steps she’s currently taking, even as a freshman, to position herself for future internships and opportunities. Her perspective will be especially helpful if you’re just starting out and want to know how to set yourself up early.

And because we want to celebrate new beginnings with you, we’re teaming up with Tallo to host a $500 Visa gift card giveaway! Stay tuned for details on how to enter. Enter Here

Learn from this investor’s $100m mistake

In 2010, a Grammy-winning artist passed on investing $200K in an emerging real estate disruptor. That stake could be worth $100+ million today.

One year later, another real estate disruptor, Zillow, went public. This time, everyday investors had regrets, missing pre-IPO gains.

Now, a new real estate innovator, Pacaso – founded by a former Zillow exec – is disrupting a $1.3T market. And unlike the others, you can invest in Pacaso as a private company.

Pacaso’s co-ownership model has generated $1B+ in luxury home sales and service fees, earned $110M+ in gross profits to date, and received backing from the same VCs behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Invest for $2.90/Share

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Advice Column 💌 

It’s only my third day at my new job, and honestly it feels surreal. Just a few months ago I was in college building my class schedule, and now I’m back from training in New York and sitting in my actual office — it feels so real now.

One thing that’s given me confidence is remembering how small proactive actions add up. When I interned here last year, employees didn’t always remember my name, but they remembered my face, my smile, and the fact that I introduced myself even if I wasn’t on their team. That impression lasted long enough that when I came back, people still connected me to that energy.

Here are some actions you can actually take right now — things that go beyond the usual “ask questions” advice and can help you stand out for internships, jobs, or recommendation letters:

✨ Take on invisible work.
The tasks nobody asks for are often the ones that make you stand out.

• At work: volunteer to organize notes from meetings, create a shared resource folder, or draft a first version of something that needs to get done.

• At school: help a professor test tech before class, organize class materials, or manage logistics for an event.

✨ Create opportunities for others.
This is one of the biggest lessons I learned in college. My professor once mentioned he had connections with former students now working at different companies. Instead of just thinking, “That’s cool,” I asked if I could help him organize a panel where those alumni spoke with us. He said yes — and not only did it make me stand out to him, it gave me the chance to network with professionals I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

✨ Document your initiative.
Don’t just do the work — leave a trace of your impact.

• After shadowing a meeting, send a thank-you email with a few takeaways.

• After finishing a class project, create a short portfolio page (Google Doc, Canva, or Notion) that showcases your role.

✨ Practice “micro-leadership.”
Leadership can be as simple as taking responsibility for something small.

• Coordinate deadlines for your group project.

• Be the one to book the study room.

• At work, offer to onboard the next intern or lead a 5-minute part of a team call.

✨ Follow up strategically.

• After a coffee chat, send an article related to what you discussed.

• A month after finishing a class, email your professor to share how you applied something they taught.

✨ Turn small talk into opportunities.
Sometimes being approachable matters more than being polished. People remembered me for being bubbly and introducing myself — that smile carried farther than a perfect elevator pitch.

✨ We usually don’t promote no-essay scholarships, but I personally spoke with the ScholarshipOwl team and they were really kind. They actually have 4 real winners every month, and students have used the funds for college, food, and even vet school! The $50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship is open now and super easy to apply for — no GPA, no essay, just a quick form.

💸 50 winners in total |$1000 each | 🗓️ Deadline: August, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT
👉 Apply here 

If you're even thinking about applying to scholarships this summer, this is an easy one to try. 💕

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win a piece of the $50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Here are some opportunities for high school and college studentsʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

If a link doesn’t work or you can’t find it (sometimes companies update their sites),

please reach out to us at [email protected].

💻 Unpaid Remote

Only Opportunities to add to your resume/college app. All are free by the way.

1. The Love Yourself Foundation (LYF) • Virtual Volunteer
   Applications due: Aug 25, 2025 (flexible)
   What it is: Join a nonprofit promoting self-love and wellbeing through arts, science, and creativity. Volunteers help with events, workshops, and digital content.
   Who’s eligible: College students (virtual)
   Benefits: Letters of recommendation, professional growth, leadership titles
   🔗 Sign-up form: Apply here | Website
   📱 IG: @thelyfoundation

2. Legally Lawtino

   Leadership Volunteer Roles
   What it is: Student-led nonprofit supporting Latino students entering law & politics. Positions include Scholarship Chair, Research Chair, Social Media Chair, and Regional Directors.
   Who’s eligible: College students + high school seniors (in-person, U.S.)
   Benefits: Leadership titles, networking, resume-building
   🔗 Sign-up form: Apply here | Database
   📱 IG/TikTok: @legallylawtino

3. NeuroVista • Virtual Leadership & Volunteer Roles
   What it is: A youth-led neuroscience/psychology platform offering research, writing, and content roles to make science more accessible.
   Who’s eligible: High school (9–12) + college students (virtual)
   Benefits: Leadership titles, certificates, future recommendation letters
   🔗 Role descriptions & sign-up: Apply here
   📱 IG: @theneurovista | TikTok: @neurovista1

4. EmpoweredGirlhood • Virtual Social Media Volunteer
   📅 Applications due: June 15, 2025
   What it is: A global youth-led nonprofit empowering girls through education and leadership. Roles include content creation, scheduling, and engagement monitoring.
   Who’s eligible: Students 13+ worldwide

5.  Benefits: Letters of recommendation, awards, volunteer hours
   🔗 Sign-up form: Apply here
   📱 IG: @empoweredgirlhood

6. Mind Matters • Virtual Volunteer Roles
   What it is: A teen-led mental health initiative offering writing, leadership, and volunteer positions. Create blogs, podcasts, or workshops to promote student wellness.
   Who’s eligible: Students 13+ worldwide
   Benefits: Leadership titles, published pieces, volunteer hours
   🔗 Role descriptions & sign-up: Apply here | Site
   📱IG: @mindmatters.teens

7. The Ocean Project • Virtual Environmental Volunteer
   What it is: A youth-led nonprofit fighting for ocean conservation. Roles include social media content (20 posts) or writing (20 articles) on environmental topics.
   Who’s eligible: Students 13+ worldwide
    Benefits: Certificates of completion
   🔗 Sign-up form: Apply here
   📱 IG: @oceanprojectofficial

💻 Paid Remote-Only Opportunities

These are completely virtual and offer a stipend, hourly pay, or internship compensation.

1. First Gen Fellowship • Grant Program
   📅 Applications due: August 29, 2025
   Award Package: $1,000 grant (50 awards available)
   What it is: Funding for first-gen college students to cover tuition, fees, books, housing, or other education-related expenses.
   Who’s eligible: Full-time first-gen college students in good standing
   🔗 Learn more & apply

2. Project Glimmer • Empowerment Academy (Virtual)
   📅 Applications due: August 29, 2025 (Fall One) | October 10, 2025 (Fall Two)
    Award Package: Up to $250 stipend
    What it is: A virtual empowerment program via Zoom with 6 sessions on leadership, confidence, and growth for high school students.
   Who’s eligible: Female-identifying high school students (10th–12th grade)
   🔗 Learn more & apply

3. Michigan Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program (MI-BHISP)
   📅 Applications due: August 31, 2025 (opens Aug 18)
   Award Package: $5,000–$15,000 depending on internship hours
   What it is: Funding support for students completing unpaid internships in behavioral health settings across Michigan (CMH agencies, tribal health, etc.).
   Who’s eligible: Bachelor’s or master’s students with internships in Michigan behavioral health settings
   🔗 Learn more & apply

4. International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) • Graduate Student Internship
   📅 Applications due: September 1, 2025
   Award Package: $1,000 stipend
   What it is: One-year remote internship focused on writing research-based blog posts on suicide prevention. Work with IASR members and leading researchers.
   🎯 Who’s eligible: Graduate students with interest in suicide research
   🔗 Apply by sending materials to [email protected]

5. Reproductive Freedom for All • Fall 2025 Digital Internships (Remote)
   📅 Applications due: September 19–24, 2025 (rolling by role)
   Award Package: $18.67/hour (Digital Campaigns + Digital Organizing Internships); $21/hour (Legal Fellow)
   What it is: Paid remote internships working on digital campaigns, organizing, or legal research for a leading reproductive rights organization.

6.  Who’s eligible:

   • Digital Campaigns/Organizing: College students & recent grads

   • Legal Fellow: Law students (completed at least 1 year)
     Dates: Sept 22–Dec 12, 2025 (part-time, 20–37.5 hrs/week)
     🔗 Digital Campaigns Intern | Digital Organizing Intern | Legal Fellow

🏢 In-Person / Hybrid Programs- No Housing provided- Currently looking for more

1. HEAL • Hanna Center (Sonoma Valley, CA)
   📅 Applications due: August 22, 2025
   Award Package: Stipends provided
   💌 What it is: A free program blending art, storytelling, and activism to help high school students explore healing, leadership, and community change. Runs Sept 20–Nov 15, 2025.
    Who’s eligible: High school students in Sonoma Valley
   🔗 Learn more & apply

2. Circle Keepers Fellowship • NYC (Hybrid)
   📅 Applications due: September 8, 2025
    Award Package: $500 stipend per semester + swag + community service hours + future paid opportunities
   💌 What it is: Hands-on fellowship for high school students and first-year college students in NYC focused on social justice, restorative justice, and community organizing.
   Who’s eligible: NYC high school students (grades 9–12) + first-year college students
   🔗 Apply here

3. Wisconsin Youth Mental Wellness Champions • Statewide (Hybrid)
   📅 Applications due: September 8, 2025
   Award Package: Travel stipend to attend final ceremony in Madison, WI (May 2026)
   💌 What it is: Statewide cohort of 15 juniors and seniors focused on advocacy and youth mental health through monthly Zoom meetings, with one in-person ceremony.

    Who’s eligible: Wisconsin high school juniors + seniors
   🔗 Apply here

4. New York Historical Society • Student Historian Internship (NYC)
   📅 Applications due: October 29, 2025 (program runs Oct 2025–June 2026)
   Award Package: $700 stipend
   💌 What it is: In-depth research internship where high school students create digital projects, develop historical thinking, and present their work. Meets weekly at the New-York Historical Society.
    Who’s eligible: NYC high school students (grades 10–12)
   🔗 Learn more & apply

5. Rodel “Grow Your Own Changemaker” Program • Delaware State University (Hybrid)
   📅Applications due: August 22, 2025
   Award Package: $1,500–$3,000 stipend
   💌 What it is: Paid teaching assistant roles supporting high school students exploring careers in education. Two roles: in-person TA (New Castle County) + virtual TA (for DSU students).
   Who’s eligible: DSU students (for virtual role) + local students (for in-person TA)
   🔗 Learn more & apply

Scholarships ദ്ദിᵔ.˛.ᵔ₎ for more

Looking for “hidden-gem” money?
Below are lesser-known scholarships with tiny social-media footprints (we’ve seen posts get only a handful of likes—some even say they received zero applications last cycle!). Translation: lower competition and a better shot for you. All awards close in June 2025 unless noted otherwise, so move fast:

1. The ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship – $50,000 (Paid Promo) gives students a chance to win one of 161 awards of $1,000—no essay required. Open to U.S. residents, this sweepstakes-style scholarship is easy to enter, but you must apply by August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM PDT. Winners are announced at the end of each month.

2. The V is for Victory Scholarship offers five awards of $2,000 each to West Michigan residents. Applications are due by August 22, 2025.

3. The David Mann Foundation Scholarships provide multiple awards with varying amounts and welcome applicants from all dance genres and styles (tap encouraged). Previous applicants are also eligible. The programs include the Clap on 3 Scholarship for standout tap dancers, the Mann Family Scholarship for students needing tuition assistance, and the David Mann Scholarship for graduating seniors pursuing a professional dance career. The deadline is August 24, 2025.

4. The Taigah Alexis Brown Foundation Academic Scholarship supports undergraduate women of African descent who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award amount varies, and the deadline to apply is August 25, 2025.

5. The New York Life Financial Empowerment Scholarship awards 20 scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Eligible applicants are high school seniors in the Classes of 2025 and 2026 who complete financial literacy modules through the Zogo app. Applications are due August 25, 2025.

6. The Forté Business Leaders Scholarship is dedicated to supporting undergraduates majoring or minoring in business. Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded across three separate deadlines: August 25, 2025, October 13, 2025, and December 1, 2025.

7. The ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship – $2,025 ScholarshipOwl
   No Essay Scholarship August 31st, 2025, at 11:59 PM PDT. Winners are announced at the end of each month.

8. The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative awards three scholarships of $1,750 each to high school juniors and seniors who complete an environmental project. No citizenship is required. The deadline is August 31, 2025.

9. The California Freethought Day Limerick Scholarship offers five awards of $100 each to U.S. high school and college students. Citizenship is required, and the deadline is August 31, 2025.

10. The Be A Friend Project Scholarship provides one $500 award for a high school student who submits an anti-bullying script. No citizenship is required, and applications close on August 31, 2025.

11. 2025 NACME Block Scholarship – Texas A&M University
    The NACME Block Scholarship awards $5,000 annually to college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors majoring in engineering or computer science. Renewable depending on your year, this program also offers career support and eligibility for a paid summer internship + $5,000 bonus through NACME’s Corporate Scholar Internship Program. Min GPA 3.0. Deadline: September 8, 2025.

 ✈️ Fully Funded Travel Opportunities for Students°｡🧸𓏲⋆.🧺𖦹 ₊˚

(sorted by deadline)

• Intuit TurboTax x Credit Karma Student Brand Ambassador

  An all-expenses-paid, in-person training weekend (October 3–5, 2025) in Mountain View, CA, where you'll deepen your brand knowledge and kick off your role as a Student Ambassador for TurboTax and Credit Karma. Following training, you’ll create engaging social media content (around 8–10 feed posts and 16–20 IG Stories) between October 2025 and May 2026, driving conversations about credit, taxes, and money management. Stipend: $330 for training + $2,000–$2,500 for completing deliverables (plus extra performance-based rewards). Must be a full-time undergrad (US or Canada), apply by October 18, 2025.

• WiCyS Security Training Scholarship

  Offered by WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) in partnership with the SANS Institute, this multi-stage skills-building cybersecurity scholarship is open through August 30, 2025. Participants can progress through Capture-The-Flag challenges, gamified learning, and aptitude assessments, all while being mentored and engaging with peers. Designed for new WiCyS members aged 18+, particularly those entering the job market within 18 months, including a specialized track for veterans and military spouses with benefits like mentorship, employer visibility, and travel stipends for conference attendance.

• ACM-W Computer Science Research Conference Scholarship

  Offered by ACM-W (Association for Computing Machinery’s Council on Women in Computing), this scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate women in computer science and related fields to attend research conferences worldwide. Awards provide up to $600 for intra-continental travel and $1,200 for intercontinental travel, with applications reviewed six times per year. Students can apply for any CS research conference (excluding Grace Hopper and Tapia), and many ACM Special Interest Group (SIG) events also include free registration and mentorship. The scholarship does not require a paper presentation and encourages home departments to match funding. The next deadline is October 15, 2025 for conferences occurring between Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 30, 2026.

💻 Free Virtual Career Programs & Certifications

These opportunities are completely free, remote, and offer certifications, insights, or access to professional development.

• Miss EmpowHer • Remote Fall Internship
  📅 Applications due: August 25, 2025
  💵 Award Package: Unpaid internship, but provides professional development in multiple areas
  💌 What it is: Join Miss EmpowHer, a women’s empowerment brand, as a remote intern. Gain experience in Social Media Management, Content Creation, PR, Operations & Strategy, Web Design/UX, and Event Management.
   Who’s eligible: Undergraduate students in the U.S.
   Hours: 2–3 hours/week (flexible, remote)
  🔗 Learn more & apply

See You Next Week! ❤️
For the summer, we’ll be sending out our newsletter every week to bring you even more opportunities—especially while programs and deadlines are moving fast!

If you ever have questions about accounting, finance, or anything career-related, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karlamartinezmora

I’m always happy to help 💼✨

Until next week, take care, apply for these amazing programs, and keep chasing your goa