Ember — A student taking on a smaller, often first-time project that does real good for a group or community in need. Where Lumenaries and SparQs often build on long-running work, Embers are just getting started, sometimes from a single class assignment, sometimes as the spark for something bigger.
Below you’ll find stories from our Ember Project recipients. Looking for Lumenaries or SparQs? Visit Our Heroes →
Curious how we select and support these projects? Find out more. Know a student project that fits? Reach out about the Ember Project.
Ember Project Recipients
2026 – Lani, Lily, Mira, and Samirah
These four 8th graders at Westside Neighborhood School channeled their commitment to environmental stewardship and community into a SWIM (Solutionary Work in Motion) project with real, tangible impact. By designing and planting a vegetable garden filled with lettuce, bell peppers, spinach, radish, basil, and parsley for a preschool classroom at Moffett State Preschool, they gave young children a living connection to the natural world and to each other. Their dedication to caring for both community and environment is a beautiful example of what young people can accomplish. Learn more about their project and the garden they grew together.
2024 – The LMS Pride and Equal-I-Tea Club
This dynamic group of 6th and 7th graders is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and representation on their campus. Through thoughtful discussions and initiatives, they’re creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to connect, learn, and thrive. Their commitment to addressing homophobia, promoting acceptance, and enhancing campus culture is truly inspiring. Learn more about their impactful journey and how they’re making a difference in their community.
2024 – Four Student Teams at WNS
This year marked a significant milestone for the Ember Project recipients. LumenSparQ celebrated the achievements of four student teams, each dedicated to uplifting diverse communities and addressing a wide spectrum of needs. Their initiatives spanned support for children grappling with housing and food insecurity, assistance for students with neurodiverse challenges, and aid for animals in shelters requiring proper care and health services. Read their full story.
2023 – Phoebe, Lily, and Fia
These students knew the problem they wanted to address for their capstone project, teen homelessness, was an important and daunting one. They sought out organizations that might have a headstart on the issue and discovered Safe Place for Youth. Read more about their project here.
2022 – Zoë
Zoë has a passion for art and a desire to share that passion with students in a community that does not have the same level of resources as her own. She develops an art lesson to teach to 4th graders in a nearby public school using art supplies provided by the Ember Project. Read Zöe’s full story.
2022 – Selah
After much research, Selah came to the conclusion that Hollywood’s diversity problem is something that needs to be fixed. She decided to create and publish a magazine to highlight a wide range of filmmakers and their movies. Her hope is that by sharing a magazine with the Los Angeles community, little by little, she can uplift overlooked voices.