One of the best perks of the Live Más Scholarship (LMS) is its vast scholar community, which means scholars are never far from their fellow LMS-recipients. This past fall, the Taco Bell Foundation brought the coast-to-coast community to life by hosting LMS Regionals in Irvine, California, and Nashville, Tennessee. Forty-five attendees enjoyed two unforgettable days of professional development events that were as enriching as they were inspiring.
During the events, scholars dove into workshops and fireside panels that not only discussed early career success and goal setting, but also featured insights from LMS alumni who have walked similar paths. Alongside these sessions, scholars participated in wellness activities, ranging from mental health workshops to a morning wellness session led by scholar Lauren Huffstetler, all designed to foster connections and self-discovery.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Team-building exercises at outdoor adventure courses tested scholars’ teamwork and courage, while community immersions brought scholars closer to mission-driven projects in the area.
And because giving back is in every scholar’s DNA, groups engaged in community engagement programing, such as one led by scholar Collin Paoli, who organized the packing and personalization of sixty meals for homeless children.
LMS Regionals isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about connecting with community, sharing experiences, and making a tangible difference. “I think being able to meet everybody and create those connections that we talked about was the realization that it isn’t just talk,” said Matthew Jensen, a 2024 Live Más Scholarship recipient. “[LMS] is an actual experience, these are actual people that are going to stick with you and help you out.”
For scholars seeking opportunities to grow, connect, and give back, LMS Regionals was truly one for the books. Check out the recap video for an inside look at how the Irvine and Tennessee events unfolded.
The Live Más Scholarship is open to students ages 16-26 who have a passion to create change. You can learn more at LiveMasScholarship.com.
The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information visit www.tacobellfoundation.org