
Elom Eskender
Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia
Elom Eskender is a senior at Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. Being a first-generation Ethiopian, and passionate about technology, he is dedicated to empowering first-generation African students to find their own passions. Recognizing the challenges many first-generation Ethiopian youth face — including financial barriers and negative influences — he was inspired to eliminate educational and social gaps. Elom is the president of information technology and innovation at his nonprofit, Volta Community Development, where he founded a mentorship program guiding young African immigrants toward academic success and positive life choices. Elom created a support system offering mentorship, funding for educational programs and STEM workshops for hundreds of young Africans. These efforts have created a culture of ambition and opportunity, helping students discover their passions and pursue higher education. Through Volta, Elom has led initiatives to eliminate educational disparities, such as the school supplies program, funding school materials, STEM equipment or infrastructure to underserved schools locally and in Africa, including the construction of the Argodo Bridge and a computer lab in Ghana, providing thousands of students with access to technology and education. At Grayson, Elom is the president of the Financial Literacy Club (FLC), which equips students — especially minority and first-generation youth — with knowledge to build financial independence. By offering real-world workshops, FLC has challenged harmful financial stigmas and empowered students to make informed decisions about their futures. As he pursues a degree in computer science, he remains committed to mentoring minorities, diversifying STEM fields and leveraging technology to uplift African communities.