Where are they now? Catching up with C.H. Robinson Foundation scholarship recipients

A year can change a lot-especially for students navigating college, internships, and new experiences. For past recipients of the global C.H. Robinson Foundation scholarship, the last year has been about momentum: leaning into opportunity, exploring interests, and building confidence for what's next.

We caught up with a few recent scholarship recipients to see where their journeys have taken them-and how the support they received continues to make an impact.

Studying policy, history, and global impact

A C.H. Robinson Foundation carrier scholarship recipient, Lejla Mehmedovic is pursuing economics and public policy at Carleton College in Minnesota with a global lens. That perspective came to life through a transformative internship with the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There, Lejla explored postwar economic development, collaborated with international organizations like the United Nations, and connected with people from around the world. The experience deepened her interest in how economic systems and policy decisions shape communities-especially in regions navigating recovery and change.

She credits the C.H. Robinson Foundation scholarship with opening doors that might otherwise have been out of reach, allowing her to focus on learning and professional growth rather than finances. Next on her horizon: studying abroad in Romania-and continuing to build skills both inside and outside the classroom (including learning how to Nordic ski!).

Turning curiosity into hands-on exploration

For carrier scholarship recipient Navorina Vaca Razo, a marine science student with a biological oceanography focus, learning happens well beyond lecture halls. Field trips with her university's marine science club have been a highlight of the year, offering opportunities to connect theory with real-world observation.

Looking ahead, Navorina is preparing for a study abroad experience this spring and working toward completing her divemaster certification, with plans to begin instructor training over the summer. The scholarship support has helped reduce financial stress for both her and her family, making it possible to pursue these experiences with confidence.

And when she's studying? You'll likely find her favorite snack nearby-pistachios and sunflower seeds.

From the classroom to the world stage

For Gavin Denning, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying marketing and public policy, the past year has been defined by stretching beyond campus borders. One standout moment: being selected as one of four students to represent the Wisconsin School of Business in an international case competition at Georgetown University.

The experience brought Gavin to Washington, D.C., where his team spent nearly a week consulting for a nonprofit organization and presenting recommendations to industry professionals. It was a milestone that reflected both academic focus and hands-on learning-something Gavin says the scholarship helped make possible by easing financial pressure during his first year of college.

When he's not juggling coursework, Gavin is also a trombonist in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band-an outlet for creativity and community that's taken him to performances at Lambeau Field. Up next: a 2026 internship supporting local government operations and training for an 8K race.

Apply for a 2026 scholarship now

Applications are currently open for the 2026 C.H. Robinson Foundation scholarship program, which will award 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to contract carriers, employees, and their dependents around the world. Scholarships can be used at accredited colleges, universities, or vocational-technical institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The application deadline is February 27, 2026, at 3 p.m. CST.

To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/chrobinson.