2025-26 Steinfeldt Scholars

Mackenzie Kuiken

When we look at Jesus’ ministry, we see that His compassion always led to action. He lifted up those who felt unseen and reminded them of their worth. In that same spirit, God has placed on my heart a deep passion for empowering young girls to recognize their value and potential. Through my time as a high school and college athlete as well as a Teen involved in pageants, I witnessed how many girls struggle with confidence and belonging and I knew I wanted to be part of the change.

Over the past few years, I have served with organizations like the Salvation Army, Shop with a Cop, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and the Special Olympics. Yet some of my most meaningful moments came from reading to elementary classrooms, sharing my story of overcoming shyness, and encouraging students to find confidence through their unique gifts. I also coached junior high track, where I saw firsthand how mentorship can keep girls engaged in healthy, life-giving activities. My project, Girls with Game, was born from this passion. It focuses on helping young girls stay involved in sports, the arts, and clubs; places where they can build community and self-worth.

I am expanding this mission through a research project at George Fox University that studies how extracurricular participation impacts confidence and inclusion. By listening to students, parents, and coaches, I hope to identify barriers and create strategies that make these opportunities more accessible to everyone.

Ultimately, I want this work to grow into a lifelong pursuit. Whether with Nike, a professional sports team, or within my local community, I hope to inspire programs that give every girl the chance to feel seen, supported, and strong. I believe this is what peace and justice look like; empowering others to step into their purpose and know they belong.

Ariana Jacobs

Hello!

My name is Ariana Jacobs and I am a senior Political Science student. In pursuit of furthering my passion for serving Oregon, I have had the opportunity to both intern in therapeutic drug court and connect with foster care volunteer work. I was shocked when I was going through my training program prior to working with the foster care system as a citizen volunteer, that I discovered that last year 53.8% of maltreatment reports of children during foster care, were perpetrated by foster parent caregivers. Unfortunately, foster care homes are often unsafe places for children, and children being removed from an unsafe home, are frequently moved to an equally unsafe placement while waiting for a more permanent option. I was appalled by the lack of justice for many of these kids who suffer in silence during long court processes, and I want to do something about it.

This year, I plan on hosting an advocacy campaign with help from resources that I have access to with my volunteer work, to help educate the Newberg area (specifically George Fox Students) about the issues in foster care. I hope to get community members informed about what is going on in foster care and engaged with some practical ways they can help support struggling families and children. I will be working with Yamhill County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), to raise awareness and volunteers to fight for foster kids’ rights. The goal by the end of this project would be to cultivate a committed group of passionate volunteers in the Newberg area and connect them with proper resources to get involved with CASA and other foster children care organizations.