April 20, 2024 · Eden Center Announcement

2024 Ebenstein Scholarship Recipients

Eden Center announces the first-ever Ebenstein Scholarship winners from the Vietnamese American community.

Falls Church, Virginia – Eden Center is thrilled to unveil the inaugural winners of the newly established Ebenstein Scholarship, designed exclusively for Vietnamese American high school students who exemplify a strong dedication to servant leadership and supporting community growth. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Douglas and Norman Ebenstein, whose philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted local communities and supported educational endeavors.

The scholars share a total of $10,000 in scholarship funds to further their education and continue their commendable efforts in leadership and community service. They were selected for their proven track record of servant leadership and their active involvement in AASuccess’ life skills and leadership programs.

Scholars

2024 Ebenstein Scholarship Recipients

Nathan Le

Centreville High School · 11th Grade

An 11th grader at Centreville High School, Nathan Le has been recognized for his exceptional leadership in community service and scholarship initiatives within the Vietnamese American community.

As an Ebenstein Scholar, Nathan contributed to the Marketing and Go-Green teams, attending meetings, coordinating tasks, sending emails, creating content, and brainstorming ideas. The role greatly improved his time management and reinforced the importance of asking for help when needed. Nathan also led the 2024 YouthCon Scholarship Program, empowering middle and high school students in the DMV area to make a positive impact through their projects.

His journey has been instrumental in building his confidence, learning from mistakes, and fostering his personal and professional growth.

Leo Lue

Thomas Jefferson High School · 11th Grade · 4 Years with AASuccess

An 11th grader at Thomas Jefferson High School, Leo Lue has been an active participant in AASuccess for four years. Through his hard work and involvement, supported by the Ebenstein Scholarship, Leo has developed strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to community service.

One of his proudest accomplishments was co-leading The Go-Green Project, an environmental initiative that engaged students in the DMV area in hands-on activities to foster a love of gardening and care for local ecosystems. Leo also organized interactive life skills workshops for AASuccess students and played a key role in planning the 2024 AASuccess Gala.

His passion for environmental advocacy drives his desire to contribute to both local and global communities. Leo hopes to use the skills and experience he gained as an Ebenstein Scholar to make a lasting impact.

McKenzie Tran

University of Virginia · Economics · 6 Years with AASuccess

$5,000 Total Award

A first-year student at the University of Virginia majoring in Economics, McKenzie Tran has been part of AASuccess for six years. After taking part in various AASuccess service projects, events, and a Marketing Internship, she applied for the Ebenstein Scholarship to support the nonprofit at a higher level.

As an Ebenstein Scholar, McKenzie served as an Operations Apprentice, working closely with mentors and operations managers. Over three months, she contributed to key initiatives such as the AASuccess 2024 Gala, the Vietnam Road-Building project, the Life Skills Academy, and the Tennis Fundraiser Social. Despite the initial challenge of managing the Tennis Fundraiser on short notice, she brought the community together to support students, growing as a leader, innovator, and collaborator.

The experience significantly shaped her professional and personal development, unlocking new potential and preparing her for future endeavors. For her remarkable accomplishments this period, McKenzie will be awarded an additional $2,500, bringing her total scholarship award to $5,000.

The Program

Program Overview and Expectations

Program Overview

The Ebenstein Scholarship is a two-phase program that encourages young leaders to mentor other students and manage significant community projects, such as the YouthCon Scholarship Program and the Annual AASuccess Benefit Gala. Beyond financial support, the program offers career development opportunities through externships and specialized workshops, so scholars have the resources they need to succeed.

Expectations and Future Contributions

The scholars are expected to meet the challenge of demonstrating excellent servant leadership during the summer of 2024. This pivotal period will determine their final awards and recognitions, to be announced at the AASuccess Benefit Gala on August 3, 2024, in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Final Note

Eden Center is proud to foster the next generation of leaders within the Vietnamese American community and is committed to continuing the Ebenstein family’s legacy of philanthropy and community support. For more about the scholarship and how to apply, see the Ebenstein Scholarships page.

Become a Future Ebenstein Scholar

Scholars are chosen from students progressing through the Life Skills Academy.

About the Scholarships 2025 Recipients Become a Student