March 18, 2026 – When Ava Angell set out to make a difference, she didn’t start with a large institution or a major campaign. She started with something much more powerful: a personal connection, determination to create change, and a belief in education.
Ava, a high school junior from Berkeley, California, grew up deeply connected to her Turkish heritage. For her, Kayseri is more than a place; it’s part of her family’s story.
Her great-grandparents were teachers at Kayseri Lisesi for over fifteen years, shaping generations of students. And Ava was determined to add her own line to this story, continuing their family’s legacy with the creation of something new.
Turning Inspiration into Action
In March 2025, Ava launched her very own grassroots efforts to raise funds and support hands-on science education for Turkish youth. But this simple idea quickly evolved from a solo mission into a community-driven movement.
Through bootstrap methods like hanging up flyers, reaching out to her network, and social media outreach, Ava mobilized not only her friends and family but the broader Turkish community. She hosted a luncheon to highlight the importance of interactive STEM education and even spent her Sundays selling homemade cupcakes at the local market, donating the proceeds to her fundraising efforts.
Not only was this approach incredibly creative, but the community that rallied around her was just as powerful.
“What started as a small project has really sparked something special here in the Bay Area among the Turkish youth,” Ava shared. “Seeing everyone come together for such a great cause has been incredibly inspiring.”
A Science Lab and So Much More
Thanks to Ava’s dedication and the generosity of those that showed up to support, a fully equipped science laboratory was built at Aslanbeyli Secondary School in Kayseri, and it is already transforming how students learn.
Instead of only reading about biology, chemistry, and physics, more than 100 students now have access to hands-on science education, many for the first time.
The lab is in constant use, welcoming multiple class periods each day and quickly becoming one of the most loved spaces in the school.
And the impact doesn’t stop there.
With an estimated lifespan of at least six years, Ava’s project is expected to reach around 600 students, opening doors to curiosity, confidence, and future careers in STEM.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
For Ava, this project is deeply personal.
Supporting a school in Kayseri is not only about access to education; it’s about honoring her family’s legacy and giving back to a community that helped shape who she is.
And her impact goes beyond a single lab. Through this experience, Ava has inspired a new generation of young leaders with plans to establish a youth chapter in the Bay Area to continue supporting Bridge to Türkiye Fund’s work.
“We’re really focused on moving the baton to the next generation and keeping this momentum going,” Ava said.
A Reminder: Anyone Can Make an Impact
Ava’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets action. You don’t need to start big. You just need to start.
Whether it’s organizing a local fundraiser, hosting a community event, or rallying your network around a cause you care about, small efforts can create meaningful change.
At Bridge to Türkiye Fund, supporters like Ava make it possible to expand access to education, create opportunities, and build brighter futures for students across Türkiye.
Start Your Own Fundraiser
Inspired by Ava’s journey?
You can create impact in your own community, too.
By starting your own fundraiser, you can bring people together around a shared purpose, just like Ava did, and directly support programs that expand access to education and opportunity. Your effort can open the doors for students to explore their potential.
Start your fundraiser today and help build the next story of impact.
