Teen recognized for contributions to local, global education

in Community/Featured/Headline

She’s had a significant impact in local education and has launched a global foundation.

Meet Shriya Jain, the ultra-impressive San Mateo High student who was recognized at the Redwood City Council meeting on Monday night.

Jain was inspired in part by her work as a summer intern at Hoover School in Redwood City. She saw bright students lacking in supplies and educational opportunities. And so she channeled her passion for dance and launched Illusion Dance School, where she teaches Peninsula children in various dance disciplines and uses proceeds from class tuition to fund educational opportunities is Uganda and scholarships at Hoover.

Jain aims to expand her charity to other parts of the world, having founded the organization Empower Future Foundation.

“She has created a web app where children can take the pledge to continue their education and invite their friends to join and take the pledge,” Redwood City Vice Mayor Diane Howard said during Monday’s council meeting. “She is doing a remarkable job with the young people in our community, and we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize her for the fine work that she does in Redwood City.”

Jain was humble and grateful in accepting the city recognition.

“It’s such an honor to be here and to be recognized,” Jain said, adding, “I can’t wait to see how Redwood City grows.”

Vice Mayor Howard expressed confidence that Jain will inspire others “to give back to the community the way you are.”

For more information about Illusion Dance School, click here. For more information about Empower Future Foundation, click here.

Photo credit: Empower Future Foundation website photo from the June 2019 Academic Excellence Awards ceremony honoring four students at Hoover Elementary