Project Kennedy received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Project Kennedy, a nonprofit organization in Glenwood, Illinois, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals grappling with cancer, their families, and their communities. Established in 2019 by Kennedy M. Parker, Project Kennedy is dedicated to reducing the emotional toll of cancer by enhancing the wellbeing and happiness of those affected. Project Kennedy distributes specially crafted blankets to comfort young cancer patients during their hospital stays. These Project Kennedy blankets aim to bring children a sense of warmth and solace as they undergo their treatments, offering them a touch of comfort. President and Co-founder Darnesha Evans emphasizes the goal of the late Kennedy M. Parker, which was to bring joy to children facing a cancer diagnosis and to assist as many families as possible. "All Kennedy wanted to do was bring smiles to the faces of families and children struggling with cancer," Evans stated. "She wanted the organization to flourish and help as many families as possible. No one should lose their smile because of cancer." “Project Kennedy brings a much-needed emotional uplift for children with cancer. We are happy to support them,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Project Kennedy stands as a beacon of hope and a source of compassion, offering vital support and kindness to those facing the challenges of cancer. Through their unwavering dedication and thoughtful initiatives, they strive to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of individuals with cancer, as well as their families. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Jeffery Perera a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Perera, a sophomore, studies Molecular and Cellular Biology at Vanderbilt University. In addition to his coursework, Perera was invited to shadow a surgeon to learn about bariatric surgery. He has also conducted research at the Marson Lab of the Gladstone-UCSF Institutes, focusing on CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology. "Jeffery is an up-and-coming scientist. I'm excited to see where his research and dedication to the field take him," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Adhvaith Sridhar a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Sridhar, a sophomore, studies Biochemistry and Psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In addition to his coursework, Sridhar has developed a genetically engineered plant with an enhanced immune system to combat crop losses and address global hunger. He has also designed an alternative mouse model to better reflect human infant immunity for drug and vaccine development. “Adhvaith is a true visionary. His forward-thinking work is sure to change the field, and I’m so pleased we can support him in his journey," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Cynthia Letting a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Letting, a third-year graduate student, studies Mechanical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. In addition to her studies, Letting interned at Air Products, where she contributed to international projects and spearheaded an organizational improvement called the Valve Drawing Repository. She also served as a mentor as part of the Women in Engineering Program Orientation and is the current secretary for the Graduate Women in Engineering Program. "Cynthia's dedication to making space for others and improving the state of her field is commendable, and we are so excited to support her in her education," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s mission (organizations listed alphabetically): A Safe Place (Zion) provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, addressing their immediate and long-term needs. Its services aim to help victims recover and prevent future abuse from occurring. Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Chicago) aims to effectively end homelessness for families and individuals by providing them with hope, assistance, and housing. Reading Power (Lake Forest) provides focused and personalized literacy tutoring for children from prekindergarten to second grade. “These charities are committed to helping our community and we are honored to assist them achieve their goals,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Aravind Sreeram a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Aravind, a first-year medical student, studies at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Previously, he served as a pre-medical intern in neurosurgery at Northwestern University and authored a peer-reviewed article on using mitochondria-filled vesicles as an in vitro treatment for ischemic stroke. He also has a manuscript under review focusing on the Theory of Mind, a crucial sociocognitive skill for neurodiverse populations. "We are happy to support Aravind in his pursuit of a medical degree and his work to make meaningful contributions to the field," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PRWeb and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Christal Mae Concepcion Dita a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Christal Dita, a junior, studies Biotechnology and Zoology at North Carolina State University. Previously, Dita worked alongside Ph.D. students at the Peng Lab at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to investigate how genetic variations affect immunity. She is also a recipient of PixelPlex's STEM Scholarship for an essay reflecting on the "publish or perish" issue in academic scientific research and how augmented reality can be used as a potential solution. "Christal is a dedicated and impressive young scientist, and we are thrilled to support her work with this scholarship," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the October 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture (Chicago, IL) provides immersive, accredited internships and a unique academic approach that cultivates self-awareness and equips students for success in a diverse workforce. They aim to create a community of thoughtful leaders dedicated to positive global impact through lifelong learning and community engagement. Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) (Lake Forest, IL) aims to promote wellness, prevent substance abuse, and nurture healthy relationships through education and community collaboration. Their values include effective solutions, long-term impact consideration, respect for all, and collective efforts for positive change. Salaam Community Wellness Center (Chicago, IL) empowers and uplifts communities by enhancing health, wellness, education, and economic development, fostering overall well-being. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Alex Ochoa a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Alex, a senior, studies Public Health at Ohio State University. He was awarded second place at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute Retreat for his research project titled "Assessing the Nutrition Environment in the South Linden Neighborhood" and serves as the University Council of Latinx Organizations (UCLO) representative in the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Chapter. "Alex is an exciting up-and-coming expert in Public Health, and we are honored to be part of his path," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PRWeb and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the September 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): In His Hands Resource Center (Calumet City, IL) strives to assist individuals and families in achieving wholeness and success. They are dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of Illinois residents and extending a helping hand whenever necessary, all while operating based on a straightforward honor system. Milton Township Food Pantry (Wheaton, IL) provides underprivileged residents of Milton Township access to nutritious, wholesome, and fresh food, encompassing both perishable and non-perishable items, along with proteins, fruits, vegetables, and personal care products, throughout their periods of financial struggle. They achieve this by treating each family and individual with dignity and respect, relying on the generosity of donations and contributions. Project Kennedy (Glenwood, IL) aims to leverage their platform to foster awareness and support individuals battling cancer, their loved ones, and their communities. Their commitment is to offer emotional support, bolstering and inspiring those touched by the challenges of cancer. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire