2026 LBN Scholarship Recipients
Sandra Huang ($500)
I started volunteering as a Mentor in 2023 when I was in grade 10 before eventually becoming a Program Coordinator, Executive Coordinator, and now a Program Team Member. LBN has allowed me to grow immensely and really helped me step outside of my comfort zone. I'm happy to have been able to contribute to LBN's meaningful mission and help make education more accessible. I'm also grateful for the amazing people I've been introduced to - other volunteers and people who have acted as role models and mentors in my life. Now, I am starting my first year of university at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a Bachelor's of Applied Science with the hopes of majoring in mechanical engineering. I am honoured to be able to be awarded an LBN Scholarship, and I hope to continue giving back to the community.
Kaitlyn Chong ($200)
Kaitlyn started volunteering with Learning Buddies Network as a reading mentor in 2023 and eventually became a Program Coordinator for another year. Through her role as a PC, she has grown significantly as a leader. Despite the long and busy commute after school to the program, she remained committed to the same site for two years because of its close-knit community. She had the privilege of watching many students grow, not only academically, but also in confidence and character, which made the experience especially meaningful.
She is beginning her first year at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Science. She hopes to carry forward the qualities she developed at LBN into her future career in healthcare. In her spare time, I like to play badminton and video games.
Icy Yeung ($200)
Icy has volunteered with Learning Buddies Network since 2024, contributing to the organization in various roles, including Remote Reading Mentor, Program Coordinator, Program Coordinator for On-Calls, and Recruitment and Engagement Team Member. She currently serves as a Regional Officer on the Recruitment and Engagement Team.
She is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, with the goal of majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Bioengineering.
Her experience with Learning Buddies Network has played an important role in shaping her identity and perspective. Through her involvement, she has had the privilege of witnessing the growth of the buddies, mentors, and the organization as a whole. Contributing to that growth has been incredibly meaningful to her, and she is grateful for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that LBN has provided along the way.
Mu Ran Zheng ($200)
I recently graduated from Western University with a Bachelor's in Medical Sciences, completing an Honours Specialization in Physiology and Pharmacology. I started as a Math Mentor with LBN in the summer of 2024, then as a Reading Program Coordinator, and then as an Executive Coordinator. I am curious and motivated to learn and explore new ideas, as I believe every opportunity to learn is a chance to grow and improve. Through LBN, I have been able to refine my leadership, communication, and collaboration skills by providing guidance and working with fellow volunteers and staff. I strive to apply my learnings in my academics and career, as well as in my future work with LBN, so that I can continue to provide meaningful support. I am grateful for the opportunity to have grown through LBN and aim to continue learning from these experiences and opportunities.