The Goldman Sachs Foundation and Asia Society award high school students who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key issues in international affairs and the global economy.
On November 6, 2007, five U.S. high school students were each awarded $10,000 college scholarships for proposing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges. Students were asked to create a written, audio or video feature about a challenge affecting both their local community and a community abroad, to compare and contrast how the two communities address the issue, and to examine the lessons each could learn from the other. Over 600 American teens applied, representing 46 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
2007 Goldman Sachs Foundation Prizewinners include:
Jacob from Omaha, NE compared irrigation reform in China and Nebraska, exploring the connection between irrigation practices, water conservation, and food supplies worldwide. Jacob won first place in the National Woodmen Speech Contest and the State Science Fair. A high school senior when he wrote his essay, Jacob now attends the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 
Read Jacob's essay
Yena from Old Tappan, NJ examined waste recycling programs in South Korea and New Jersey, comparing government “pay-as-you-throw” initiatives with community-based recycling drives. A senior at the Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology, a public magnet school, she plans on studying environmental studies, chemistry, and history in college, and hopes that her studies will enable her contribute towards global solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. Read Yena's essay
Chelsea from Port Charlotte, FL analyzed water scarcity and access in Port Charlotte and Bayamo, Cuba, comparing governmental and local community responsibilities and approaches. Chelsea is a senior at the public Port Charlotte High School, where she is a student in the International Studies and Communications Academy, and Vice President and active participant in Model UN, the school’s international market, and Heifer International’s Read to Feed program. Read Chelsea's essay
Junyao from Elk Grove, CA drew on her experiences volunteering in a senior home for her essay comparing senior care in the United States and China, exploring both emotional and financial factors. Junyao is a senior at the public Laguna Creek High School, where she is a part of several academic organizations such as National Honor Society and has been president of her class for three years. She is also an award-winning pianist who has performed around the country. Read Junyao's essay
Suruchi from Irving, TX compared the approaches of two community organizations improving education as a pathway out of poverty in Texas and India. A senior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a two-year residential high school program on the campus of the University of North Texas, Suruchi is passionate about international travel and an accomplished classical Indian dancer. She also is editor-in-chief of the City of Irving’s teen magazine, On The Edge. Read Suruchi's essay
