Jason Mathew is a current Junior at Parkway Central High. Jason is someone who believes in the power of community, education, and empathy to create a better world. His passion for helping others comes from a deeply personal place: Jason’s mother (Reni Joseph), who faced incredible challenges, such as experiencing cancer, which showed him the importance of resilience, kindness, and making a difference in the lives of others. In honor of my mother, I’ve dedicated my time to creating a foundation that supports children who, like me, have faced cancer—either in themselves or through a loved one—or experienced the loss of a parent. Through this foundation, I hope to empower kids by helping them discover a passion for STEM. I believe that science, technology, engineering, and math can be more than just academic subjects—they can be tools for resilience, growth, and purpose. Grief can be overwhelming, but Jason’s goal is to help children transform that grief into strength and opportunity. By encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a drive to make a difference, Jason hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. Through mentorship, scholarships, and STEM education, Jason wants every child to know that even in the hardest times, they are not alone—and they can still dream big and change the world.

Jason’s mission is simple: to help others reach their full potential. Whether it’s through mentorship that encourages independent research and fosters a child’s passion, scholarships that open doors to new opportunities, or community engagement that inspires growth, Jason believes that every small act matters. Through his work, Jason hopes to encourage children to channel their grief into a strong sense of purpose. No child should ever feel lost or heartbroken without hope. Instead, he aims to help them find meaning, resilience, and passion—especially through the transformative power of STEM.