Howard University Student Cana Brooks Honored for Community Service with Prestigious Scholarship

Cana Brooks, a Leisure Studies major with a Sports Management concentration at Howard University, has been awarded the 2025 Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship. This honor underscores her significant contributions to community service through her organization, Cana Cares, which utilizes sports as a medium for social change. Brooks' efforts have not only provided immediate relief to underserved communities but have also laid the groundwork for a national expansion of her initiatives.

Through Cana Cares, Brooks has orchestrated a variety of programs aimed at addressing critical needs within the community. These include fundraising for homeless youth, organizing essential drives for food and clothing, and supplying school materials to families in need. Furthermore, her organization has engaged in creative endeavors such as baby blanket crafting events for new families and fundraising for St. Jude, highlighting her comprehensive approach to community service.

Looking ahead, Brooks is focused on securing 501(c)(3) status for Cana Cares, a step that would significantly broaden its impact. This expansion aims to introduce sports-based mentorship programs and forge partnerships with professional athletes, furthering the organization's mission to uplift communities through sports. The $2,500 scholarship from Jones & Swanson will support Brooks in her academic and philanthropic endeavors, reinforcing the scholarship's commitment to fostering student-led community impact.

Brooks' recognition by the Jones & Swanson Community Service Scholarship not only celebrates her achievements but also shines a light on the transformative potential of sports in community development. Her work exemplifies how dedication to service, combined with innovative approaches, can create meaningful change, proving that the true measure of success lies in the lives touched and improved.