Beyond Scholars: 10 Years of Impact, Told Through Student Voices

To mark Beyond Type 1’s 10th anniversary, we’re reflecting on how our scholarships—made possible by donor support—have helped students living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes manage college life with a little more ease. 

College with diabetes takes extra planning, persistence and resilience. Thanks to donations, students received financial help that made a real difference. This can relieve day-to-day stress and help them focus more on their academics, health and goals.

What does empowerment feel like? 

Beyond Scholars recipients shared how receiving the scholarship provided tangible relief and emotional encouragement:

• “It gave me room to breathe.”—Madison M., biology and nutrition major, Division I athlete, North Carolina State University 
• “It told me, ‘We believe in you.’”—Kalei P., communications major, Brigham Young University 
• “More than finances—it was community.”—Elisa S., triple degree graduate, University of Connecticut 
• “It was great knowing that I had a team behind me” —Mike K., Santa Clara University grad
• “I saved the voicemail.”—Eloise O., University of North Carolina grad
• “It gave me reassurance.”—Nikhita G., Duke University graduate, who now works at Dexcom
• “I realized I wasn’t alone.”—Caitlin M., student at Duquesne University

How Beyond Scholars helped families breathe easier

Living with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes comes with extra costs like food, prescriptions and gear, not to mention the “hidden costs”—countless hours managing blood sugars, planning ahead, troubleshooting devices, and more.

No scholarship can eliminate these challenges, but Beyond Scholars scholarships helped reduce the pressure:

Scholarships offered meaningful financial support, lightening the load in ways that matter:

• Grace M: Lab fees and housing were covered, allowing her to focus on her biology degree at Maryville College.
• Madison M: Helped her prioritize health and future goals in a household with multiple college students.
• Mike K: Competing 20 hours weekly in Division 1 water polo, Miles relied on the scholarship to stay fueled and focused.
• Kalei P: Lifted some stress from her family, providing more stability during college.
• Mia G: Allowed her to more fully enjoy her first year and explore new academic interests.

A nudge toward opportunity 

The Beyond Scholars scholarship unlocks possibilities. 

In some cases, it made the difference between being able to accept an internship or take part in an academic experience that added value:

• Erika G: Went from undergrad to grad school and joined embecta at their Closing Bell ceremony live on national TV. 
• Elisa S: Participated in international research through study abroad programs.
• Madison M: Completed clinical hours and earned her CNA license.
• Kalei P: Gained financial breathing room to pursue internships and advocacy.
• Izabela G: Got experience with respected PR firms and attended key events.
• Mia G: Joined the Honors College and discovered new academic paths.

Mental relief when it mattered most 

Managing diabetes in college can be draining, both emotionally and physically.

Joining the Beyond Scholars alumni network helped students feel less alone and more capable:

• Kalei P: Found peace, knowing she didn’t have to fight alone. 
• Mike K: Spotting fellow students with pumps reminded him he wasn’t alone, and that he belonged to a quiet, resilient community navigating diabetes together.
• Nikhita G: Received vital support at the start of her college journey. 
• Mia G., Grace M. and Eloise O: Experienced emotional and academic freedom.

What students want Beyond Scholars donors to know 

Gratitude isn’t just thanks—it’s proof of impact.

For these students, your support meant more than aid. It showed trust, care and belief in their future.

Their voices reveal not just relief but also transformation of identity, hope and connection.

• “You eased our stress and expanded our dreams.” – Madison M.
• “This support is priceless. It’s truly a blessing.” – Caitlin M.
• “You help us live, not just survive.” – Nikhita G.
• “You helped us live better lives.” – Erika G.
• “You’re part of a transformation. One gift can launch a lifelong career.” – Elisa S.
• “This program shows students with diabetes that there are people who will support them.” – Mike K.

Where Beyond Scholars recipients are now—and where they’re headed

• Elisa S: Now a Fulbright Scholar, ESL teacher, and aspiring physician-educator.
• Madison M: Division I athlete, aspiring physician assistant, and Dexcom advocate, mentoring future athletes with type 1 diabetes. 
• Kalei P: Storyteller and jewelry entrepreneur building her brand around connection and creativity. 
• Mia G: Researcher and community contributor preparing her undergraduate thesis.

Please donate to Beyond Scholars if you can

Beyond Scholars gave students and their families room to breathe. The funds were transformative in quiet, important ways.

Donate today to support students who live with diabetes and face the unique challenges of college. Every bit of help goes a long way toward lifting burdens and giving space to grow.