by Christine Salinas, Grants Manager

We love sharing stories of our college scholarship recipients like Noor Almusahwi, a former foster youth, and current Pivotal scholar. Noor is well on his way to realizing his career goals. He sets the bar high for all college students, not just those from foster care.   

A quintessential student-athlete, Noor is now a senior with a 3.9 GPA at Arizona State University and wrestler in the school’s Top-10 wrestling program. Before transferring to ASU, he was California’s top-ranked wrestler. Although his days are jam-packed with classes, homework, and perfecting the wrestling skills and technique he began learning in high school, he also finds time to conduct policy research on the rights of refugees.

When Noor entered foster care at age 14, he had a great deal going on in his life. His high school's wrestling coach took him under his wing and encouraged Noor to try the sport as an outlet for the range of emotions he was grappling with. Noor joined the team and soon found his happy place. Of wrestling, he says, “When I go to practice, I feel free. I get to do something that I love.” With unwavering support from his coach and a relentless work ethic, Noor evolved into the top-ranked high school wrestler in California.

Armed with newly minted confidence and a focus on his future, Noor enrolled in a community college with plans to study law and pursue a career in politics. He learned about Pivotal soon after, and because he was in foster care in Santa Clara County, is eligible to continue receiving our scholarship despite transferring out-of-state to ASU. 

Noor has determined his path and is on his way to success. An impressive scholar and role model for our foster youth,  we're thrilled to play a small part in his amazing journey.