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Mia Lied Solano, Hazleton Area High School, has been selected as the 2025 Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership Technical Scholarship recipient. This scholarship will provide $4,000 per year for two years for a total of $8,000.
Solano is a resident of Hazleton and the daughter of Zaritma Solano and Mario Lied. She will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science and criminology from Penn State University.
In addition to her academic endeavors, Mia has participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including softball, track and field, tutoring, Math Club and History Club. In addition, she also holds a part-time job and volunteers at the Hazleton Integration Project Center.
Applicants were asked to write an essay on the value of their work and/or volunteer experience and what they hope to accomplish if awarded the scholarship. The following is some quoted material from Mia’s application:“Volunteering is one of the most beautiful and powerful ways that someone can make a difference in their community and even the world. My own journey with volunteering began in my junior year of high school. Although it has not been that long, it has made a big impact on me, and hopefully on those whom I have helped too. I began volunteering at the Hazleton Integration Project in the summer with the Saturday research sessions, where we researched ways to improve the community through collaborative projects. These projects helped me learn about taking advantage of my surroundings to learn about the needs of the people around me and then figure out ways to help them.
One of the most meaningful parts of volunteering with HIP has been helping organize monthly community dinners and events. Last month, we served nearly 700 people, a number that is very heartwarming. As I was seeing the joy and gratitude on people’s faces, it reminded me that one meal shared in kindness can lift someone’s spirit and help them be seen.
I have also had the privilege of tutoring students from kindergarten through high school by volunteering through HIPs Junior Scholars Program. Watching the children’s confidence grow over time, seeing their faces light up when they finally understand something, is incredibly rewarding in my opinion.
My passion for volunteering is rooted in growing up with an immigrant family. I watched my parents work tirelessly to build a better life for us. This experience in my life helped me become more resilient and aware of how important community support can be, especially for those trying to find their footing in a new country.
Volunteering has helped me grow in ways I did not expect. It has taught me responsibility, empathy, and how to understand other people better with everyday issues. I have learned to see the world beyond my own perspective and to recognize that small acts of kindness can ripple outward in powerful ways.”
“It means a lot to us to be able to say that the future for Mia now includes a scholarship for $4,000 per year for a two-year maximum scholarship of $8,000. We are very happy to help invest in Mia’s future by offering her this funding opportunity and congratulate her on her achievements,” said Cal Herring, administrator, Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership. “The Civic Partnership really wants to be able to award more Technical Scholarships in the future to help area students reach their goals. We encourage parents and teens to watch for information on this scholarship activity next year and give serious consideration to applying.”
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