Irvine Students Earn National Recognition

Left to Right: Amber Chih and Shaili Chudasama

Two Irvine students have earned national recognition for turning personal passions into community impact.

Northwood High School student Amber Chih won the $7,500 grand prize in the Bill of Rights Institute’s My Impact Challenge for creating A Thousand Words, an advocacy program that amplifies the voices of people with invisible disabilities.

Inspired by her own experience growing up with Tourette syndrome, Amber interviewed more than 50 people across America, created a public storytelling gallery, and developed a classroom curriculum. Her work has reached more than 2,500 students through schools, camps, PTA meetings, and district initiatives. Earlier this year, Amber partnered with the City of Irvine to establish Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week.

Portola High School student Shaili Chudasama earned the $5,000 second prize for Startup Stars, a program that teaches middle school students how to turn business ideas into reality. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience, Shaili has taught more than 100 students the fundamentals of branding, marketing, budgeting, and financial literacy. Her students have launched more than 50 businesses through a culminating marketplace expo, with many selling out of their products.

The Bill of Rights Institute’s My Impact Challenge, a national civics competition, recognizes student-led service and entrepreneurial projects that strengthen communities and promote civic engagement. More than 200 students nationwide participated this year, with the institute awarding $40,000 in student and teacher prizes.