In today’s competitive academic landscape, education is often viewed through the lens of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), while the humanities, especially writing, can sometimes be overlooked. Recognizing this gap, a teenager in the United States decided to create a platform that would foster young writers and help them thrive in their craft. This is the story of how the Future Scholar Foundation (FSF) came into existence, driven by passion and the desire to make a difference.
The Birth of a Vision
Nathaniel Tok, a young Singaporean who had lived in Shanghai and Washington, D.C., co-founded the Future Scholar Foundation in his high school years. It was a partnership with his middle school friend, Siddarth, sparked by their shared realization that while students excelled in STEM subjects, creative writing was often underappreciated.
As a student in the tech-driven town of Redmond, Washington, home to Microsoft, Nathaniel noticed the lack of recognition for writing as a tool for creative expression. This observation led to the creation of monthly writing competitions, designed to spark a love for writing while offering financial incentives to engage students.
The initiative quickly gained traction, and the duo expanded it into a full-fledged organization. They envisioned the FSF as a foundation that celebrated scholarship in all its forms, balancing the rigorous world of STEM with the creative possibilities within the humanities. Their goal was to give students the platform, recognition, and support to grow as writers and thinkers.
Growing Beyond Competition
Starting small with a few competitions in their local community, the Future Scholar Foundation faced initial challenges in spreading the word. However, with the help of educators and local mentors, their vision took off. The Foundation’s scope expanded to include coaching and feedback programs, helping young writers hone their skills with personalized guidance.
Over time, the FSF attracted writers from across the United States and around the world, including Singapore. Notable professionals, including those from Stanford, Yale, and The New York Times, joined as guest judges, adding credibility and prestige to the foundation’s efforts.
What began as a simple writing competition blossomed into a full-service platform, offering mentorship, workshops, and a supportive community for young writers. By collaborating with schools in Georgia, Virginia, and New York, FSF has made a tangible impact in educational circles, helping integrate creative writing into academic curriculums.
The Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Nathaniel and his team are excited to continue growing the Future Scholar Foundation. They are set to launch a live series in 2025 to share insights into writing powerful short stories, empowering even more students to harness the art of writing for personal and professional development. They are particularly eager to support Singaporean students, giving them the resources to excel in their writing journey and drive meaningful change in their communities.
With over 1,500 submissions from more than 30 states and 25 countries, FSF has proven to be a game-changer for aspiring writers. As the foundation expands, its mission remains clear: to foster creative talent and celebrate writing as an essential skill for the future.
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