Student Spotlights

Updated: 8.12.26

Meet Jayden
We received an incredible update from KCOR scholarship recipient Jayden Goodding, who recently returned from a semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy.

Thanks to scholarship support from Kids’ Chance of Oregon, Jayden shared that the full cost of her study abroad program fees was covered — making an experience possible that she described as both educational and deeply personal.

Jayden wrote that she applied for this scholarship because she wanted to study abroad, knowing it would benefit both her education and her personal growth. She also shared that she has worked to use the circumstances of her past “as a launching pad rather than a mental or emotional blockage.” After spending a semester in Europe, she said the experience did that “and so much more.”

While in Rome, Jayden attended the American University of Rome, taking courses in Art History, Italian Design, and Italian Language. Her art history classes brought her directly into the city, where she toured churches, historic buildings, and learned about the architects and cultural influences behind them. She described Rome as a city “you can’t not fall in love with,” filled with history, tradition, food, language, and connection.

During her time abroad, Jayden also traveled to Spain, France, Portugal, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, and England. She shared that she met people from around the world, built meaningful friendships, and gained memories and experiences she “could’ve never dreamed of.”



One of the most powerful parts of Jayden’s update was her reflection on human connection. She wrote that it is one of the most important things we can nurture, and that while she loves her hometown and family, there is a vast world to discover — and she is grateful she had the chance to experience more of it.

This is what scholarship support can do. It does more than help cover costs — it opens doors, builds confidence, expands perspective, and helps students see what is possible.

Meet Theo
We recently received a thoughtful update from Theo, one of our Kids’ Chance of Oregon scholarship recipients, along with a new photo.

Theo shared that it has now been more than five years since his dad’s heart attack, which led to his disability retirement. He reflected on how that moment changed life for his family, while also sharing the growth, focus, and opportunities he has worked hard to build since then.

This past year, Theo changed his major to Accounting after discovering a genuine interest in the field. He shared that the analytical and creative nature of accounting aligns with his long-term goal of pursuing corporate law.

Theo also became involved with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, where accounting students help prepare taxes for low-income members of the community. What began as a way to gain experience became something more meaningful, giving him the chance to help solve real problems for people and experience the fulfillment that comes from making a difference.

This summer, Theo is taking another big step forward through an internship with McMillan Woods Partners in Singapore, working in audit accounting. He shared how grateful he is for the opportunity to live and work abroad while continuing to build experience connected to his future goals. 

Theo’s update is a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of scholarship support. In his own words, KCOR’s support has helped make it possible for him to stay close to family, remain focused on school, and continue building the future he once hoped for.

“Your support has played a large part in making this possible.” - Theo Iverson