Luminari Award
The Luminari Award is our annual scholarship competition that takes place between November and February. Please contact lumininari@luminari.org for more information.
Calling All Students: Applications Now Open for the 2027 Luminari Award
The search for the next generation of leaders, diplomats, and global changemakers is underway. Luminari is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Luminari Award, a merit-based scholarship for students in grades 7-11 throughout the Pittsburgh region.
One outstanding student will be selected as the 2027 Luminari Award Scholar and receive a full scholarship, valued at more than $1,800, to attend Luminari’s acclaimed I Want to be an Ambassador! summer camp.
Camp Dates
Pittsburgh Session: June 8-11, 2027
Washington, D.C. Experience: June 14-16, 2027
The week-long program introduces students to diplomacy, leadership, cultural understanding, and global citizenship through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Campers participate in interactive simulations, meet diplomats and community leaders, develop communication and problem-solving skills, and explore embassies, museums, and historic landmarks in Washington, D.C.
What sets the program apart is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students learn how nations cooperate, negotiate solutions to complex challenges, and build bridges across cultures. They also experience “gastrodiplomacy” by sharing international cuisine and exploring how food can foster cultural understanding.
Our Summer 2026 campers met with diplomats representing countries including Ukraine, the Peoples Republic of China, and Mexico, while gaining first-hand insight into international relations and public service careers.
From the 2026 Luminari Scholar
“This camp equipped me with the skills to be a leader with empathy, effective communication, and cultural awareness, while giving me an experience I’ll never forget.” — Zora, 2026 Luminari Award Recipient
How to Apply
Students may apply in three simple steps:
- Write a one-page essay explaining your interest in diplomacy and how the Ambassador camp could impact your life.
- Complete and sign the application (parent/guardian signature required).
- Submit your materials by February 15, 2026 either by email to luminari@luminari.org or by mail to: Luminari, P.O. Box 81603, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Applications are reviewed on academic merit, leadership potential, communication skills, and a demonstrated interest in global citizenship and community engagement.
2026 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sayed Tawed Sadat (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Zora Rose, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12
2025 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Mariana Ramirez (ESL), Fox Chapel High School
Mira Frawley, Winchester Thurston Upper School
2024 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sofiia Lutsiv (ESL), Carlynton School District
Julia Antunes, Mt. Lebanon School District
2023 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Nolvin Buezo Gutierrez (ESL), Avonworth School District
Arshia Zaidi, North Allegheny School District
2022 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Mitantsiky Rakotozafy (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Benjamin Quint, North Allegheny School District
2020/21 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Vanya Fuller (ESL), Bethel Park School District
Anna Oestreich, Norwin School District
2019 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Hend Hamada (ESL), Fox Chapel Area School District
Cara Leonardi, Moon Area School District
2018 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Fakhar Almlook Munaf Mohammed (ESL), Carlynton School District
Owen Chaffin, Home School student, Bethel Park School District
2017 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Jesus Chacin (ESL), Avonworth School District
Kailee Monaghan, Canon-McMillan School District
2016 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Hao Nguyen (ESL), Sto-Rox School District
Emily Smith, Propel Schools
2015 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Vladyslav Makarenko (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Rohit Nandakumar, Fox Chapel Area School District
2014 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Jacob Clark, West Jefferson Hills School District
Zyaire Fisher, Propel Schools
Kaylee Gross, Chartiers Valley School District
David Han, Fox Chapel Area School District
Sydney Reyes, Riverview School District
2013 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sophie Belch, Riverview School District
Nathan Bindseil, Central Catholic, Diocese of Pittsburgh
Abigail Eberts, Moon Area School District
Shannon Kim, Fox Chapel Area School District
Troy Miles, Propel Schools
2012 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Rohan Chalasani, Fox Chapel Area School District
Nicolas May, Chartiers Valley School District
Malaysia Meador, Propel Schools
Brandon Quinn, Central Catholic, Diocese of Pittsburgh
