Mia Dischner, a third-year psychology student at Colorado State University with a vision for transformative change, has been awarded the prestigious Voyager Scholarship by the Obama Foundation in collaboration with Airbnb. This scholarship, designed to cultivate future leaders and change-makers, provides financial aid, transformative travel experiences, and a supportive network of mentors. 

Dischner’s decision to pursue her studies in psychology at CSU was deeply influenced by her desire to serve the community. “I came to CSU because I love the community here. I felt like the whole institution was structured around supporting its students,” she said. “I’m studying psychology as a lead-in to the nonprofit sector.” 

 Dischner grew up in Yuma, CO, an agriculturally rooted area, where she imbibed values of environmental sustainability and agricultural advocacy. 

“Food insecurity became an interest area for me when I started volunteering with my local family resource center when I was 17,” Dischner said. “I saw how many barriers people in poverty face trying to get good food and I knew I wanted to work to break those barriers.” 

The Voyager Scholarship aligns with Dischner’s passion for public service, providing her with opportunities to accrue enriching experiences. With financial aid, a transformative summer voyage, a 10-year travel stipend and access to a network of leaders, Dischner is poised to grow into a true catalyst for change. Dischner will choose a voyage- a summer work-travel experience- that she will embark on between her junior and senior year of college. Recipients of this scholarship receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing for this trip in addition to receiving an additional $2,000 a year for 10 years after graduation to allow students to continue to travel and pursue a career in public service.  

Dischner’s aspirations extend beyond academic success at CSU. She hopes to make a tangible impact on the issues close to her heart during her voyage, planning to dedicate most of her summer to her project. “During my voyage, I’m hoping to create lasting change in the community I enter,” she said. She’s certain about her desire to travel to South America; however, she’s currently deliberating on the organization she’ll collaborate with to maximize her impact for change. “I’m planning on spending most of my summer on my project and I believe that with the time and resources afforded to me, I can make lasting change a reality,” Dischner said. 

The Voyager Scholarship holds great significance for Dischner. 

“For me, receiving the Voyager Scholarship means that I can get a leg up into the field I want to work in for the rest of my life. I think the point of this opportunity is to maximize what I can do to help others and I am so grateful for that,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Dischner envisions a career dedicated to public service and plans to join the Peace Corps or a similar service organization after completing her bachelor’s degree. “After finishing that term of service, I have my sights set on a master’s either in industrial psychology or nonprofit management,” she said. 

Dischner’s journey exemplifies the values and mission of the Voyager Scholarship- fostering a new generation of leaders committed to bridging divides and addressing society’s most pressing challenges.