Concord Scholarship Winner Aims To Advance Health Equity

Joyce Nishimwe, a Concord High School graduate and proud first-generation American, was named a 2024 Granite Edvance Scholarship winner last summer.

Her selection for the scholarship reflects her academic excellence and a deep commitment to serving BIPOC, low-income and refugee communities. The Granite Edvance program awarded a record $500,000 to 107 New Hampshire students this past year, supporting learners of all backgrounds as they pursue higher education.

Now a rising sophomore at Wellesley College, Joyce is majoring in neuroscience on the pre-health track, with plans to become a physician assistant. She has already immersed herself in research, serving as a research assistant in the college’s Language and Cognitive Development Lab. She also recently earned a prestigious spot in the Caltech Amgen Scholars Program, where she will conduct advanced neuroscience research in summer 2025.

Her passion for advocacy began in high school, where she was active in student government, racial equity and feminism clubs and the National Honor Society. She continues that work today through campus initiatives like Alzheimer’s Buddies and as a Behavioral Health Educator. Each of Joyce’s many accomplishments are steps toward her mission to reduce stigma around health issues and increase access to quality care for marginalized populations.

The future is certainly looking bright in Concord! If you know another Star Student making an impact, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!

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