Verona High School student awarded record $400,000 Boys & Girls Clubs scholarship

Ja'Kylah Powers plans to study psychology at an HBCU with goal of becoming a lawyer

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:55am

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Verona High School senior Ja'Kylah Powers was chosen from more than 90 applicants to receive the largest scholarship in the history of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, a $400,000 award that will cover all of her college tuition and costs. Powers was selected due to her impressive leadership and community involvement, and plans to attend an HBCU to study psychology with the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer.

Why it matters

This record-breaking scholarship highlights the Boys & Girls Clubs' commitment to supporting and empowering underserved youth in the Madison area, providing life-changing opportunities that can put them on a path to academic and professional success. Powers' story also showcases the resilience and determination of a young woman who overcame personal challenges to become a standout student and community leader.

The details

Powers, who has attended nine elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, was raised by her grandmother Cynthia Hargrove and aunt Alyssa Ivy after her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the instability, Powers remained focused on her schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and community involvement, winning speech and essay competitions and interning with local social justice nonprofits.

  • Powers found out she won the scholarship on Tuesday, April 2, 2026 while working a shift at Jersey Mike's.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County awards over $1 million in scholarships to students each year.

The players

Ja'Kylah Powers

A senior at Verona High School who was awarded a record-breaking $400,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County to study psychology at an HBCU with the goal of becoming a lawyer.

Cynthia Hargrove

Ja'Kylah Powers' grandmother who helped raise her after her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Alyssa Ivy

Ja'Kylah Powers' aunt who also stepped in to co-raise her alongside her grandmother.

Michael Johnson

President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, who celebrated with Ja'Kylah Powers after she signed her scholarship paperwork.

Freedom Inc.

A Madison social justice nonprofit where Ja'Kylah Powers has interned and worked on campaigns, including one to secure free lunch for all Madison students.

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What they’re saying

“We must make sure that this is done the right way, where donors feel that their investment is paying off and we can be a blessing to other students in years to come.”

— Michael Johnson, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County

“She's just amazing; she's always wanted more. I'm so relieved.”

— Cynthia Hargrove, Ja'Kylah Powers' grandmother

What’s next

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County hopes to make this record-breaking scholarship an annual tradition, providing life-changing opportunities for deserving students in the Madison area.

The takeaway

This scholarship exemplifies the transformative impact that community-driven organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs can have on the lives of young people, empowering them to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. Ja'Kylah Powers' story serves as an inspiration for other students facing challenges, demonstrating that with determination and support, they too can achieve remarkable success.