“Let’s Give an Angel Wings”: Ukrainian Community in the U.S. Raises Scholarships to Support Children in Ukraine

The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America, in partnership with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, organized the campaign “Let’s Give an Angel Wings,” calling on the Ukrainian community in the United States to support a scholarship program for children affected by the war. The initiative supports NaUKMA’s educational program “Individual Leader’s Trajectory,” which helps high school students shape a vision for their future and professional path.

This was reported by Radio UA Chicago.

Initiated by the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Professional and Continuing Education, the program was first implemented in 2023–2024. It is designed to support children whose childhood has unfolded amid war — with air raid sirens instead of school bells, forced displacement, the loss of loved ones, and constant uncertainty. Special attention is given to children of servicemembers who have been killed, gone missing, or are currently serving on the front lines.

Thanks to donations from benefactors in the United States, the Foundation has already funded two program cohorts and awarded 82 scholarships to 10th and 11th grade students from Kyiv, Odesa, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and other regions. Each sponsor received a thank-you card from their scholarship recipient. 

For the 2026–2027 academic year, organizers aim to raise $50,000 to provide opportunities for even more children. A $1,000 scholarship covers six months of study for one student.

Participants vary in age and life experience, but they share a common desire to find their own path of development. 

“The program didn’t give me the trajectory itself — it gave me the skill to create one,” said Yehor Romanenko, a participant of the 2024–2025 cohort. 

Originally displaced from Donetsk, he is now a first-year student in the interdisciplinary program “Political Leadership and Economic Diplomacy” at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. 

“I have warm memories of participating in the ‘Individual Leader’s Trajectory’ program. The project became one of the most important episodes in my life. I found friends, learned from mentors, gained new skills — and most importantly, created my own leadership trajectory. Today, when uncertainty prevails in the country and the world, it is critically important for a leader to have a trajectory of personal growth. I follow it, even when I change the details,” Romanenko added.

Anastasiia and Polina Kolisnyk, sisters from Kramatorsk and members of the first cohort, lost their father in the war and, together with their younger brother, came under the care of their aunt. During evacuation in Vorokhta, they organized activities for displaced children. 

“Our aunt told us about the ‘Individual Leader’s Trajectory’ program. We decided it was a chance to learn something new and become better versions of ourselves,” the sisters shared. 

Anastasiia enrolled in the graphic design program at the Mykhailo Boichuk Kyiv State Academy of Decorative and Applied Arts and Design and now lives in Germany. Polina lives in Lviv and dreams of a career on stage. 

“We want a peaceful life, freedom, and independence — for ourselves and for Ukraine,” the sisters said.

Tetiana Prykhodko from Sloviansk became a scholarship recipient in the first cohort at the age of 15. Her father was killed in Luhansk region. 

“It was a difficult step, but it changed my life. For me, ITL was a big and challenging experience. There were many tears, doubts, and a lot of work on myself. But I am very glad I went through this path. I know for sure: without ITL, I would not be where I am now. These memories will remain in my heart forever.” 

Today, Tetiana studies “Therapy and Rehabilitation” at the V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, preparing to help wounded soldiers.

Dariia Halahan from Chernihiv, whose family also suffered losses in the war, said: 

“The ITL program is the best project I have ever participated in — it helped me choose my profession and university.” 

She is now a student at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and a recipient of the “Believe in Yourself” foundation scholarship. 

“I created my Leader’s trajectory back then, and now I am moving toward my goals thanks to it… They open doors to a successful, authentic life,” Halahan noted.

Since 2023, 142 children from across Ukraine have participated in the program. The initiative aims to help high school students affected by war develop a vision for their future, choose a profession, and build a step-by-step model for personal and professional growth. The program is led by Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor, and Dean Tetiana Nahorniak.