Rachel Esther Sanyu, a Pharmacology and Toxicology student from Kampala, Uganda, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024. This annual $100,000 award recognizes exceptional students who have significantly impacted learning, their peers, and society.
Chegg.org, the impact, advocacy, and research arm of Chegg, Inc., partnered with the Varkey Foundation to launch this prize in 2021. The aim is to highlight extraordinary students who are reshaping the world. The prize is open to all students aged 16 and above enrolled in academic institutions or training programs, including part-time and online students.
Rachel was chosen from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries. Her journey from Uganda to the United States is a testament to resilience and commitment. Inspired by her community’s Ubuntu philosophy, she tackled cancer treatment accessibility issues after shadowing at the Uganda Cancer Institute. At the University at Buffalo – SUNY, New York, Rachel excelled academically, contributed to significant research, and led cultural promotion and mentoring initiatives.
Ugandan students have a history of excelling in this prize. Previous nominees include Erikan Baluku, a Molecular and Cell Biology master’s student, and Alex Kyabarango, a Veterinary Studies student.
Heather Hatlo Porter, Chegg’s Chief Communications Officer, congratulated Rachel, stating, “Chegg not only celebrates your achievements but also the endless possibilities that exist when a passion for change drives young minds.”
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, added, “Rachel Esther Sanyu’s story is a testament to the crucial role that education plays in building a better world for us all.”
Applications and nominations for the Global Student Prize are assessed on academic achievement, community impact, creativity, innovation, and global citizenship. Previous winners include Nhial Deng, a South Sudanese refugee; Igor Klymenko, a Ukrainian teenager; and Jeremiah Thoronka, a Sierra Leonean student who created a start-up transforming vibrations into electricity.
The top 10 finalists are expected to be announced in September, with the winner chosen by the Global Student Prize Academy later in the year.
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