Empower And Excel

Empower And Excel’s The TrExcel Youth Competition Program Finals was more than just a competition — it was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. As the top teams presented their STEM, Art, and Fitness projects, you could see the confidence, preparation, and teamwork they had built over weeks of hard work. These students, from Title 1 High schools, had poured their hearts into their ideas. They stayed after school, practiced presentations repeatedly, refined prototypes, encouraged one another, and pushed through self-doubt.

But the most unforgettable moment came during the awards ceremony.

When the winners were announced, there was a brief pause, and then tears. Students stood frozen as their team names were called. Some covered their faces in disbelief. Others hugged their teammates tightly. A few openly wept. It was not just about winning. It was about validation. It was about feeling seen. But the most unforgettable moment came during the awards ceremony.

When the winners were announced, there was a brief pause, and then tears. Students stood frozen as their team names were called. Some covered their faces in disbelief. Others hugged their teammates tightly. A few openly wept. It was not just about winning. It was about validation. It was about feeling seen.

When scholarship recipients were asked why they were in shock, their words moved the entire room. One student shared that the scholarship would help ease her family’s financial burden. Another said it was the first time she felt her hard work truly paid off. A young participant spoke about how late nights, balancing responsibilities at home, and overcoming fear of public speaking had led to this very moment. Most of the folks in the room are in tears. Their mentors looked on with pride. Judges nodded quietly, visibly moved.

The room was emotional, not because of the prize money alone, but because of what it represented: opportunity, hope, and a pathway forward. The room was emotional, not because of the prize money alone, but because of what it represented: opportunity, hope, and a pathway forward.

Empower And Excel's The TrExcel Youth Competition Program Finals was more than just a competition it was a powerful reminder of why we do this work.
As the top teams presented their STEM, Art, and Fitness projects, you could see the confidence, preparation, and teamwork they had built over weeks of hard work. These students, from Title 1 High schools, had poured their hearts into their ideas. They stayed after school, practiced presentations repeatedly, refined prototypes, encouraged one another, and pushed through self-doubt.

But the most unforgettable moment came during today's awards ceremony.
When the winners were announced, there was a brief pause, and then tears. Students stood frozen as their team names were called. Some covered their faces in disbelief. Others hugged their teammates tightly. A few openly wept. It was not just about winning. It was about validation. It was about feeling seen.

When scholarship recipients were asked why they were in shock, their words moved the entire room. A young participant spoke about how late nights, balancing responsibilities at home, and overcoming fear of public speaking had led to this very moment. One said it was the first time she felt her hard work truly paid off and another said that the scholarship would help ease his family's financial burden.

Most of the folks in the room are in tears. Their mentors looked on with pride. Judges nodded quietly, visibly moved. The room was emotional, not because of the prize money alone, but because of what it represented: opportunity, hope, and a pathway forward.

TrExcel is not just about competition. It is about empowerment. It is about showing students that their ideas, their voices, and their future matter.
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, Eddie Oberoi, Mody, Meriwest Credit Union, Meriwest Community Foundation, Tessolve Reveti Inc. | Fine Jewelry, and Growers Hub for making this life-changing opportunity possible.

Thank you to the Santa Clara County Office of Education for hosting our event and supporting us with your outreach. Thank you, Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), for partnering to work with students. Thank you to our wonderful judges for dedicating your valuable time and expertise to this program. And of course, heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and the E&E Team. Without each and every one of you, this successful and emotional celebration would not have been possible.

Today, we did not just announce winners.
We witnessed confidence being born.
We witnessed families feeling relief.
We witnessed young leaders stepping into their potential.
And that is the true success of Empower And Excel's TrExcel Program.
We can’t wait for TrExcel 2026–27 — the journey continues.

TrExcel Finals – February 21st!

The excitement is building as we prepare for the TrExcel Youth Competition Finals on February 21st! Our top teams from underserved communities will present their innovative projects to a panel of judges. These students have worked tirelessly to collaborate, create, and push beyond their limits, and now it’s time for them to shine.
CommunityImpact

Spreading Warmth, Preparing One Blanket at a Time for Unhoused!

Huge thanks to the amazing Microsoft employees who joined hands with Empower And Excel to make cozy, heartfelt blankets for our unhoused neighbors. Each blanket was made with so much care, compassion, and warmth a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference during the cold winter months.

Together, we’re wrapping our community in love and hope.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors:

We are truly grateful to our committed partners who stand with Empower & Excel year-round, helping us light up lives and create lasting impact.

Reveti Jewelry: https://www.reveti.com/
Thank you to Nandini of Reveti Jewelry for your generous support! Reveti offers a unique and wide variety of designer collections, with prices starting at $250 and up. In honor of Empower & Excel, Nandini is extending a special sale for our E&E family until Diwali. ✨ Private appointments are available at her studio. DM us if you’d like to schedule a visit and treat yourself or a loved one while supporting the cause.
https://mailchi.mp/f2d861afa77e/reveti-fall-2025-looks-and-designs-s5oa91007c-17992344

Eddie Oberoi & Aliya Mody :
https://eddieoberoi.com/ https://www.aliyamody.com/
Long-time generous sponsors who believe deeply in our mission. Both are active community members who not only work for the community but give back through it. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, going through Eddie & Aliya is another way to support Empower & Excel — just mention E&E family, and they will contribute back to our cause.

Meriwest Credit Union
Dedicated partners who support the community with programs in financial literacy and youth empowerment. Their ongoing commitment strengthens the impact we make together, ensuring brighter futures for children and families.

🙏 These three incredible sponsors — Reveti Jewelry, Eddie & Aliya, and Meriwest Credit Union Foundation — are our annual sponsors, walking alongside us not just during gala season but throughout the year. We couldn’t do this without their steadfast support!