Celebrating Our 2025 Bay Area Scholarship Recipients

We are proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Bay Area Native Youth Scholarships, made possible through the partnership between the Lindy Waters III Foundation and the Native American Bear Foundation. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering Native youth and supporting their educational journeys.

This year’s $2,000 scholarships have been awarded to two exceptional students: Jaden Harris and Aiyanna Padilla. Both recipients embody the spirit of resilience, cultural pride, and determination that our foundations strive to uplift.

Honoring Jaden Harris

Jaden Harris is committed to using education as a tool for resilience and positive change. Inspired by his own life experiences, Jaden plans to study philosophy and law with a vision to help others and make a lasting impact in his community. His goal is not only to achieve academic success but also to be remembered for his kindness and respect for others.

Celebrating Aiyanna Padilla

Aiyanna Padilla discovered her passion for radiologic sciences during her senior year of high school. Her personal experience with sports injuries inspired her to pursue a career where she can help others—especially athletes—understand and recover from their injuries. Aiyanna’s empathy, dedication to health and wellness, and commitment to education make her a powerful example of the next generation of Native leaders.

Looking Ahead

The journeys of Jaden and Aiyanna remind us of the strength and promise within Native youth across the Bay Area. Supporting students like them ensures that our communities continue to grow, thrive, and lead with purpose.

We are deeply honored to stand alongside the Lindy Waters III Foundation in celebrating these scholars and investing in their bright futures.