In 2025, four families who originated from East Africa and had studied, worked, and settled in the United States came together around a shared purpose: to create opportunity through education. United by common roots and a deep sense of responsibility, they founded Maisha—a community-driven initiative designed to support high-achieving East African youth in their pursuit of higher education.

The name Maisha, which means “life” in Swahili, reflects our belief in the power of education to shape not just a student’s academic journey, but their entire future. Many of the students we serve are the first in their families to attend college. With the right support—financial aid, mentorship, and guidance—they’re not only able to earn degrees, but to become changemakers in their communities and role models for the next generation.

Supporting these students is more than a scholarship—it’s an investment in lifelong impact. When you uplift one student, you uplift an entire family, often a whole community. Access to education opens doors to careers, leadership, and the ability to give back—creating a ripple effect that can break cycles of poverty and build lasting change.

At Maisha, we are driven by the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive. Together, we can help them not just dream of a better future—but build it.