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BRI Announces 2026 MyImpact Challenge Winners

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by Chris Huntemann on

<p>The Bill of Rights Institute is proud to announce the winners of our 2026 MyImpact Challenge. Our annual civic engagement contest highlights students ages 13-19 who actively participate in service, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship in their local community.</p>

<p>BRI received submissions from 49 states and Washington, D.C., in this year’s contest, and the winners were chosen from among hundreds of students and projects.</p>

<p><strong>Grand Prize: Medha and Reshma Lalani – Tech Buddies (Hempfield High School; Lancaster, PA)</strong></p>

<p>After witnessing senior citizens struggle with using technology, sisters Medha and Reshma Lalani launched Tech Buddies. They provide free assistance to seniors with technology such as mobile phones and computers. To date, Tech Buddies has more than 80 volunteers, assisted 2,000 seniors, and generated more than 3 million views on its blog and website. The Lalani sisters also plan to expand Tech Buddies in-person service to five additional states.</p>

<p><strong>First Prize: Amber Chih – A Thousand Words (Northwood High School; Irvine, CA)</strong></p>

<p>Chih started A Thousand Words, which provides advocacy services for students with disabilities that are not easily identified. To date, Amber’s organization has reached more than 257,000 students.</p>

<p><strong>Second Prize: Shaili Chudasama – Startup Stars (Portola High School; Irvine, CA)</strong></p>

<p>In an effort to provide guidance and support to students who want to launch their own business, Chudasama established the nonprofit Startup Stars. The organization has coached more than 100 students so far and hosted a business fair for 52 students who are budding entrepreneurs. Chudasama also raised more than $1,200 to help students offset their startup costs.</p>

<p><strong>Third Prize: Bella and Reese Carson and Leila Murena – Wundie Undies (Miami Country Day School and American Heritage School; Miami, FL)</strong></p>

<p>The trio created Wundie Undies to provide undergarments, diapers, and feminine hygiene products to food banks and shelters in the greater Miami area. To date, Wundie Undies has donated more than 62,000 items.</p>

<p>Visit the <a href="https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge/">MyImpact Challenge page</a> on the BRI website for more information on this year’s winners and to view winners from previous contests.</p>