ABC7 Star Scholar: San Jose's Mallika Jain

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 is recognizing seven Bay Area high school seniors for their extraordinary achievements and awards each with a $1,000 scholarship toward his or her college education. Here's a look at a Star Scholar from San Jose who plans to study engineering and possibly double major in entrepreneurship or international relations.

Mallika Jain has a passion for education and service, "High school's been fun," she said, "But I'm definitely ready for a new adventure. Absolutely."

This ABC7 Star Scholar's new adventure starts this fall at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

"I've always had a passion for math and science, and I actually joined my school's robotics team and that's when I really got interested in the world of engineering," Jain said. "Also, I think women bring a lot more of the emotions. And even though that seems to be weak, the whole idea of engineering is solving the world's problems. They can really connect to the people they are trying to help."

Jain recently earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for raising $37,000 to provide three, poverty-stricken schools in India with bathrooms, purified drinking water, and computer labs.

"She's got a heart of gold. She's just a good kid. She truly cares about giving back to the community," said one educator.

"Giving back to my community is something that's really important to me," Jain said. "My service in regards to Key Club and also my involvement with the Girl Scouts has really not only developed me as a student, but also the way I view the world and my passions."

She went on to say, "I've always had a passion for athletics and working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So, sports is really a fun way to do that."

You can watch our ABC7 Star Scholar special on Sunday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to learn about our other Star Scholars.

Do you know a change-maker in your community? They can apply for a $500 Summer of Service grant for their community project. Just go to ysa.org/beinspired.

Written and produced by Jennifer K. Rumple.