Cana Brooks, a Leisure Studies major with a Sports Management concentration at Howard University, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship. This award recognizes her exceptional commitment to community service through her organization, Cana Cares, which focuses on transforming the sports industry into a catalyst for community well-being.
Brooks' initiatives through Cana Cares include raising $1,300 for homeless youth, organizing food and clothing drives, and overseeing monthly service projects aimed at empowering young people to lead community improvement efforts. Her work exemplifies the scholarship's goal of supporting students who make significant contributions to in-need communities.
With plans to obtain 501(c)(3) status for Cana Cares, Brooks aims to expand her outreach nationally, creating sports-based mentorship programs and partnering with professional athletes to further community initiatives. GoFundMe campaigns and other fundraising efforts have been pivotal in her ability to support various causes, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing community needs.
The $2,500 scholarship from Jones & Swanson will assist Brooks in balancing her academic pursuits with the growth of Cana Cares. This recognition not only highlights Brooks' achievements but also underscores the importance of youth engagement in fostering community development and well-being.
