Cana Brooks Awarded 2025 Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship for Her Dedication to Community Service
Howard University student Cana Brooks receives the 2025 Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship for her outstanding contributions to community service through her organization, Cana Cares, highlighting the importance of youth leadership in community betterment.
Cana Brooks, a Leisure Studies major with a Sports Management concentration at Howard University, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship. This award recognizes her significant efforts to benefit in-need communities through her organization, Cana Cares, which focuses on transforming the sports industry into a catalyst for community well-being.
Brooks' initiatives through Cana Cares include hosting a GoFundMe campaign that raised $1,300 for homeless youth, organizing food and clothing drives, and collecting school supplies for families in need. Her work extends to crafting baby blankets for new families, fundraising for St. Jude, and providing gifts to foster children, showcasing her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Looking ahead, Brooks aims to secure 501(c)(3) status for Cana Cares, enabling her to expand her outreach nationally. Her vision includes creating sports-based mentorship programs and collaborating with professional athletes to further community initiatives. "A winning season isn't just about the trophies, it's about the lives we uplift along the way," Brooks remarked, encapsulating her philosophy.
The $2,500 scholarship from Jones & Swanson is intended to support Brooks in balancing her academic pursuits with the growth of Cana Cares. The firm's selection of Brooks underscores its commitment to fostering youth leadership in community service, reflecting its broader mission to support the Marietta community and beyond.