Los Gatos student earns prestigious national scholarship

A national nonprofit educational organization awarded Los Gatos High School student Najman Mahbouba a $25,000 scholarship for college.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans Inc. recognizes students who, in the face of great personal adversity, remain committed to pursuing higher education. The association gives students like Najman financial resources and programming like financial aid counseling, college selection advising, online seminars, and mental health support.

“Growing up, students are constantly hearing that education is paramount. It’s an unmatched social mobility launchpad,” said Najman in a press release. “But for some, the launchpad is positioned too high, just slightly out of reach. The Horatio Alger National Scholarship closes this gap; it lifts high-achieving but underserved students and allows them to reach that launchpad.”

The organization was established in 1947 to encourage young people to pursue their version of the American dream. Since the program was established, it has become one of the largest privately funded need-based scholarship providers in North America.

By the 40th anniversary of the scholarship program in 2024, more than $247 million will have been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 37,000 students.

“We remain dedicated to supporting deserving young people in pursuit of their dreams. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that we need to meet them where they are,” said James F. Dicke II, chairman of the association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “The mental, physical and well-being of Horatio Alger scholars are just as important as decreasing financial burdens. We’re proud to not only provide financial aid but valuable services in these areas as well.”

The 2023 Horatio Alger National Scholars came from households with an average income of $24,323 per year while maintaining an average weighted GPA of 4.0.