Amazin’ Mets Foundation Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to LaGuardia Community College Students
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (October 24, 2025) — The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, led by philanthropist and Mets Owner Alex Cohen, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to LaGuardia Community College students for the 2025–26 academic year. The funds will help cover tuition, textbooks, and living expenses.
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation Scholarship Fund, administered by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, provides $1,000–$1,500 scholarships per semester to 13 full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation Scholarship Fund seeks to help students gain access to a life-changing education. It was made possible thanks to the support of New York Mets fans through an online fundraising campaign and a generous donation from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation for supporting our students,” said Jay Golan, Executive Director of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation. “This scholarship helps remove financial barriers so students can stay focused on their education and career goals. It’s especially meaningful that both LaGuardia and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation are rooted in Queens and dedicated to uplifting our shared community.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded over $19 million in grants to more than 200 organizations in the community, including the communities surrounding affiliate teams.
Meet the 2025–26 Amazin’ Mets Foundation Scholars
Kalyan Bhattarai, Civil Engineering major
“Growing up in a rural village in Nepal, I witnessed how proper infrastructure could transform daily life. That experience inspired me to pursue civil engineering,” said Kalyan, the first in his family to attend college.
While studying full-time, Kalyan works as a CAD Assistant at Juniper Industries Inc. in Middle Village, where he applies his design and drafting skills to real-world engineering projects.
Maintaining a 3.59 GPA, Kalyan is actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and student leadership. As a CUNY Research Scholar, he conducts research with Professor Yves Ngabonziza on the effect of 3D printing parameters on the tensile strength of specimens. “These experiences have helped me strengthen both my technical and analytical skills,” he said.
“This scholarship lightens my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on transferring to a four-year university after LaGuardia,” said Kaylan, who plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2026 and aspires to become a structural engineer focused on designing safe, sustainable infrastructure. “I’m passionate about using engineering to solve real-world problems and improve community resilience.”
Daniel Campozano, Human Services: Mental Health major
Daniel, 42, was raised in Queens in an immigrant family with roots in the Dominican Republic. He previously worked as a paralegal and stay-at-home-parent before returning to school after two decades.
“My therapist suggested that I go into mental health and social work after facing a tough time in my life,” said Daniel. “I started my return strong with a 3.9 GPA after my first semester back. A huge accomplishment for a dedicated full-time father with two kids.”
“This scholarship is more than financial help; it’s a vote of confidence that shows me I can overcome what I’ve been through and finish what I started,” continued Daniel, who describes himself as an avid Mets fan. “After earning my associate’s degree next Spring (2026), I plan to continue at Hunter College for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”
Samiha Mohd Doha, Civil Engineering major
“This support from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has shown me that I am not walking this path alone,” said Samiha, who is from Saudi Arabia and plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2026. “More than just financial help, this award is a reminder that someone believes in my potential and my future.”
Alcides Egusquiza Godoy, Business Administration major
“Since moving to New York City from Pirayú, Paraguay, I have been pursuing my studies at LaGuardia Community College while balancing part-time work and staying active in extracurricular activities, including playing kickball, volleyball, and soccer, which have taught me skills like discipline and teamwork that I will carry into my career,” said Alcides, who plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2026. “This scholarship eases the financial burden and allows me to focus on becoming a real estate developer, contributing to the growth of communities in New York City.”
Malgorzata Kasinska, New Media Technology major
Malgorzata, who is from Poland, says that receiving this scholarship is not only an honor, but a powerful motivation to pursue academic excellence and achieve her educational goals.
“Last semester I completed my studies with a 3.96 GPA, and I am excited to continue my educational journey,” Malgorzata said, who is on track to graduate from LaGuardia in Fall 2026. “My mission is to create a business or service that helps others grow—personally and professionally. LaGuardia’s New Media Technology program, with its emphasis on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offers the tools and supportive environment I need to begin that journey.”
Upashana Magar, Computer Science major
Upashana, 20, who is from Nepal, is the first person in her family to go to college.
“Moving to a new country is fun and exciting but never easy, especially when you’re doing it all alone, leaving your family almost 8,000 miles away,” she said. “Managing tuition costs, rent, and daily expenses as an international student is stressful.”
Upashana is thankful to have found a home at LaGuardia. “Everyone is so open-minded, diverse, and accepting here. With classmates, instructors, and other staff, there’s always someone who’ll help you or support you. It makes the whole college experience less scary and more inspiring.”
With her scholarship helping her focus on her academics, Upashana, who plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2027, looks forward to a career in the technology industry. “I want to keep learning, making cool stuff, and impacting the world through technology.”
Jennifer Marcelin, Criminal Justice major
“This scholarship will greatly alleviate the financial burden of my studies and allow me to focus more on my academic goals and extracurricular pursuits,” said Jennifer, who is from Haiti. “I’m committed to contributing to my community and pursuing my educational goals with passion.”
She plans to complete her degree from LaGuardia after the Fall 2025 semester.
Carlos Romero, Undeclared Pre-Health Science Major
“I moved to this country five years ago from El Salvador to find better opportunities and to improve my life while working toward my dream of becoming a registered nurse. I’ve worked two jobs while taking evening classes. It is tiring, but my family in El Salvador, my mother, and my sister back home keep me going,” he said. “It took me years to learn English and get accepted into college, but this journey is worth it as I get closer to my dreams and helping my family back home.”
“This generous scholarship means a lot to me and will truly help me cut back on my work hours, enabling me to dedicate more time to my studies and speed up my graduation,” said Carlos, who plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2027.
Camille Mouton, Environmental Science: Animal Science major
“If you had told me 18 months ago that I would be in college, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Camille, 29, who bartends full-time while pursuing her degree. “I had a very chaotic life growing up—I am a member of the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe, though I was born in Louisiana—and dropped out of high school by age 16. Being at LaGuardia has been a wonderful experience, and this Amazin’ Mets scholarship has made a meaningful difference in my ability to focus on school while supporting myself.”
Camille plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2027 and then pursue her bachelor’s degree.
Dawa Sherpa, Business Administration major
Dawa, who is from Nepal, is passionate about pursuing a career in sustainable business.
“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s Scholarship reminds me that I am not alone in my journey—that there are people and organizations like the Amazin’ Mets Foundation who believe in students like me,” said Dawa, who plans to complete his LaGuardia degree after the Fall 2025 semester.
“I hope to one day to give back to my community in the same spirit of kindness and support that LaGuardia and the Amazin’ Mets have shown me,” added Dawa.
Sonam “Kusang” Sherpa, Accounting major
Kusang is from Nepal, where he once climbed Mount Everest—reaching 8,000 meters above sea level. For him, studying at LaGuardia has been both a challenge and a privilege.
“My parents work tirelessly, despite economic struggles in our home country, to support my education abroad while caring for my three siblings,” said Kusang, who is the first in his family to pursue a college degree. “I am determined to make the most of every opportunity here and not take anything for granted.”
Kusang is a President’s Society Ambassador, a student ambassador for Casa de las Américas, and a Student Government Association tutor. He has represented LaGuardia in industry trek and networking programs conducted by City Tutors and New York Jobs CEO Council.
Kusang aspires to transfer to Queens College after graduating from LaGuardia in Fall 2026. His goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), work at a Big Four Firm, and use his skills to serve his community.
Laxman Bahadur Tamang, Paralegal Studies major
Laxman, 51, moved to the U.S. from Nepal six years ago. From 2019 to 2023 he served in the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations. Upon his retirement from civil service in 2023, his two daughters, both of whom have studied at Hunter College, inspired him to go back to school.
“LaGuardia’s International Student Services team has been incredibly supportive,” said Laxman, who is on track to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2026. “I hope to pursue a legal career and continue serving others.”
Randy Wibisono, Cybersecurity major
“I never went to high school and had a shaky upbringing, going for my GED diploma. The only school that accepted me was LaGuardia. It taught me that there will always be a place for a second chance,” said Randy, who plans to transfer to a four-year college after earning his LaGuardia degree in Spring 2026.
“This scholarship helps me focus on cybersecurity studies and continue volunteering as an NYPD Auxiliary Officer and teaching jiu-jitsu to kids,” continued Randy.
About the LaGuardia Community College Foundation
The LaGuardia Community College Foundation is dedicated to supporting LaGuardia Community College students through scholarships, emergency funds, stipends for participating in enrichment programs, and jobs on campus as student mentors and tutors.
To support the Foundation or make a gift to support LaGuardia Community College students, please click here.
LaGuardia students interested in applying for a scholarship should visit Scholarships – LaGuardia Community College or send an email to foundationscholarship@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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