The Power of Giving: How Philanthropy Transforms Lives at ACS
November 11, 2025 – The most extraordinary moments in life often arrive quietly, almost imperceptibly, and yet leave an indelible mark upon the soul. For many students at the American College of Sofia, receiving a scholarship has been such a moment – a sudden opening to a world they scarcely imagined. It is a world of opportunities, of inspiration, of challenge, where young minds discover not only knowledge but themselves. Many of these students began their journeys in ordinary circumstances: public schools, small towns, or classrooms where ambition was often constrained by circumstance. “I studied at a public school, and ACS wasn’t even on my radar,” one student recalls. “I didn’t expect to be accepted, and certainly not to receive a scholarship. And yet, here I am, and it has changed everything.”
For others, it was the first encounter with a school that felt alive, that inspired their curiosity, and offered more than rote memorization. “The teachers here are unlike any I’ve known,” shares another. “You can feel their passion. They inspire you to pursue interests you never thought you would enjoy. They make you believe that if you dream, you can achieve.” And for that, we thank you.
“This scholarship didn’t just allow me to study at ACS,” says one scholarship recipient. “It gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and a space where I could truly grow. I have found my passions here, and they now guide my path forward.”
This belief extends beyond the classroom. At ACS, the hallways echo with more than lessons in mathematics, science, and literature – they resonate with a spirit of discovery, self-expression, and engagement. Students immerse themselves in clubs, volunteering, performing arts, competitions and exchanges. For one scholarship recipient, involvement in the ACS Red Cross Club motivated her to seek a career in the NGO sector and a life devoted to community building and service. For another, performing arts offered a second home – a stage upon which to discover confidence, courage, and voice.
For many, these experiences have set the course of their future. One student discovered a love of medicine, aspiring to become a surgeon, while also exploring diplomacy through the Model United Nations. Another student discovered that “being in the right place, surrounded by the right people, can change everything. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, to try new things, and to embrace challenges.”
And yet, these opportunities are not granted automatically. These opportunities are made possible by the generosity of ACS donors, whose support helps students grow their talents, build confidence, and prepare for a life of purpose and service. Every donation, every contribution, helps unlock potential in students who might otherwise have lacked the means to pursue their dreams.
This coming Giving Tuesday, December 2, is an invitation to join that promise, to add your voice to the chorus of generosity and transform the life of a young person, leaving a mark for generations to come. For that, we thank you!
