IMSA Student and Taco Bell Employee Wins $25,000 Scholarship

PLAINFIELD, IL — Illinois Math and Science Academy student and Joliet Taco Bell employee has won a $25,000 scholarship through the taco chain's Live Más Foundation.

IMSA senior Emma Darbro is one of only 26 students across the country to win the large scholarship and one of 10,000 applicants.

The company splits up $7 million in scholarships annually for 725 student employees to use in pursuing a higher education. Emma's employment at the Taco Bell at 2924 Plainfield Road isn't the only requirement Darbro met, however.

Darbro's current focus at IMSA is the human brain, a concept she's found fascinating since her own struggles with mental illness. She told foundation members in her application video that her studies look at where mental health advocacy and neuroscience can meet. In 2019, Darbro started her school's first TedXYouth Series, a global organization that brings speakers and professionals to conferences across the country.

As an incoming University of Pennsylvania student, Darbro said she looks forward to joining the university's Active Minds club. The mental health support group, which was first founded at University of Pennsylvania, was another initiative Darbro started in 2020 to ensure her peers felt supported during the pandemic.

"Being connected to passionate students advocating for mental health awareness would allow me to continue this inertia for lasting change," Darbro said, "for everyone."

The Taco Bell Foundation is open to any employees or student ages 16-26. This year's scholarships ranged from $5,000-$25,000 per student. A two-minute video on the student's biggest passion is needed to apply.