Hello! I am excited to share that I have been accepted into the 2024 Yale Young Global Scholars Program, an outstanding academic enrichment initiative held at Yale University’s campus in New Haven, CT.

This rigorous program gathers exceptional high school students from over 50 countries for a two-week interdisciplinary session. This summer, I will be part of the Innovations in Science and Technology cohort. This unique opportunity will allow me to engage with diverse perspectives and explore cutting edge research.

I am so honored(and super stoked) to have been chosen as one of this year’s scholars. If you don’t personally know me, let me introduce myself: I am Molly Chosich and am in the 11th grade. I am homeschooled and live in Cabot, Arkansas. I love music and play guitar in a cover band(rock), viola in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Youth Ensemble, and I also give piano lessons to children. I lead a couple of different nature based-programs in the community and volunteer where needed. I also play Dungeons and Dragons, read a lot, and log hours in Zelda when I have some downtime.

Like a leaf-littered woodland floor to a wolf spider, my niche is also in nature--siphoning up the bound pulp on our ball of rock. Inspired by a host of community and professional science educators over the years, I've had a lot of in-depth exposure to ecology, biology, and chemistry. At present, bioremediation research(microbial ecology) is what I'm finding most interesting, and I'm hopeful I will get to meet some of the students and professors working on this while attending the Yale program. Every single residential science camp experience I've had over the years(Audubon, Nature Conservancy, Arkansas AEGIS programs, Sewanee Environmental Institute) has not only enriched my academic knowledge, but helped me cultivate essential tools and perspectives to address complex scientific challenges.

This particular summer program comes with a much higher tuition price point than others. Despite my excitement, I have a goal I need to reach to cover some of the $6500.00 in tuition and additional travel expenses. The program encourages us to fundraise and after discussions and running all the numbers, I decided to start this campaign. While I am giving music lessons as often as scheduling permits, I have a heavy course load and obligations that complicate in-person fundraising. I am planning a bake sale, but I'm uncertain this will be enough funding to cover the deficit. With your support, you will be investing in my personal growth and the development of a future leader. Please know that if you cannot send a financial contribution, I fully understand and accept good vibes and advice, too!

Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your support and look forward to sharing my experiences with you and demonstrating the positive impact of your investment.

With sincere appreciation,

Molly Chosich

<Photo of me interpreting native plant pressing taken at The Old Statehouse Museum during a day of educational programming.>

https://globalscholars.yale.edu/

February 6, 2024 Update: Thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser. This demonstration shows how much you both value scholarship and believe in me. I have one big test ahead: find a suitcase to hold all of my oversized pets! I look forward to giving you more updates and photos from the program in July.

Please know GoFundMe would not verify my identity and bank account due to being a minor. My mom is listed as the beneficiary now in order to transfer funds into my account.