This year, we launched the HiHello Scholarship to support college students making an impact in their communities—and in their careers. After reading through inspiring applications from students across the country, we’re thrilled to announce our two winners.
Passion for Technology Scholarship
Meet the recipient of the HiHello Passion for Technology Scholarship: Josh Curtis, a Business Administration student at Brigham Young University. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to solving real-world problems truly inspired us.
As a full-time business student, Josh stood out for his innovative approach to modernizing the vending machine industry through his startup, Pocket Vending. His vision to create an affordable, user-friendly point of sale system—empowering small vendors with technology typically out of reach—demonstrates both empathy and ingenuity. Despite not having a technical background, Josh has shown remarkable initiative by teaching himself the ins and outs of payment systems, app design, and hardware restoration.
His commitment to making technology accessible and meaningful, paired with their use of HiHello to foster genuine, professional connections, exemplifies the very passion for technology that this scholarship celebrates.
“I’ve used [HiHello] to share my digital contact card with mentors, business owners, and potential partners. I love how easy it is to update my information and present myself professionally, even while I’m still building the business. It makes networking feel intentional and organized, which has helped me create stronger connections with people who can support my vision.” - Josh Curtis
Networking Scholarship
We are honored to present our Networking Scholarship to Tara Giblin, an Architecture and Design student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Tara is a student whose journey is a powerful testament to how even a single connection can profoundly shape one’s path.
What set her apart was her ability to recognize that success is not just about what you know, but who you know—and how one meaningful relationship can open doors to entirely new worlds. Her story began with a chance encounter with a teacher whose mentorship and encouragement introduced her to the field of architecture and the vital role technology plays within it. This connection didn’t just spark her interest; it transformed her ambitions, broadened her perspective, and gave her a sense of direction she hadn’t imagined before.
Through her teachers' continued support and willingness to share his experiences, she discovered the true power of networking: how one person’s guidance can inspire confidence, fuel passion, and set someone on a course toward a fulfilling future. Her experience is a reminder that a single, genuine connection can be life-changing, and that is exactly the spirit our scholarship seeks to celebrate.
“Success can be determined by who you know as well as what you know, especially when it comes to finding direction in life. One connection I had made both deepened my passion for technology and moved me to join a field that extensively uses it to create meaningful design: architecture.” - Tara Giblin
HiHello for Students
If you're a student looking to stand out, HiHello can help you make a lasting impression. Whether you're applying for internships, attending career fairs, or connecting with mentors, networking in college is crucial.
If you’re a career center looking to bring HiHello to your school, reach out to info@hihello.com.
Become The Next HiHello Scholar
Want to be the next HiHello Scholar? Stay tuned—applications for next year will open soon.
