Three Students Awarded $1,000 Scholarships Through the Cognella Cares Student Scholarship Program

Cognella Academic Publishing recognizes three students for their thought leadership on timely topics 

San Diego, CA – May 6, 2025 – Cognella Academic Publishing has announced the Spring 2025 winners of the Cognella Cares Student Scholarship Program: Anjani Sharma of the University of Florida; Fabiola Gonzalez of the University of Houston; and Inaki Bercian of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The annual scholarship program was established in 2018 and provides students with a platform to speak on current issues that affect them, highlight experiences that are unique to higher education, and share ideas that can inspire social, political, and intellectual change.

This year, Cognella asked students to submit personal essays on the topics of navigating ideological differences, sustainability on campus and beyond, and the future of work. The judging panel selected one winning essay per topic, and Cognella has awarded each student a $1,000 academic scholarship.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, and each radiated with passion, empathy, and intelligence,” said Bassim Hamadeh, Cognella Founder and CEO. “Every year, we are deeply inspired by the personal essays we have the privilege to read. These students are shaping the future with bold ideas and meaningful action. We’re proud to support this year’s scholarship winners as they continue their academic pursuits.”

Anjani Sharma’s essay on navigating ideological differences underscores the importance of having difficult conversations in a world that continues to become more and more divisive. In the essay, she says, “I have learned that navigating ideological differences is not about compromising values—it’s about expanding our capacity for empathy, collaboration, and vision.”

In her essay on sustainability on campus and beyond, Fabiola Gonzalez urges universities to implement programs that not only encourage environmental stewardship but also provide students with the opportunity to lead real-world solutions. She posits that students understanding and seeing the tangible effects of sustainability is the key to empowering everyone to make a difference.

Inaki Bercian’s essay on the future of work points to the importance of staying ahead of technological trends to well prepare the next generation of work. Within his field of study—aviation—he proposes greater exposure to AI, automation, and cybersecurity in coursework and additional opportunities for students to meet professionals in the field to promote transfer of real-world knowledge.

Read the award-winning essays: https://cognella.com/company-hosted-awards/student-scholarship-program/

About Cognella®
Cognella® is redefining academic publishing by creating teacher-driven, student-centric higher education course materials in print and digital formats under three imprints: Cognella® Academic Publishing, Cognella® Custom, and Cognella® Active Learning. Cognella also publishes engaging nonfiction titles featuring modern perspectives as Cognella® Press. Learn more at www.cognella.com.  

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Natalie Piccotti
Director of Marketing, Cognella, Inc.
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