10 Years of the Centric Scholarship Fund: Empowering Young Talent

For the past 10 years, the Centric Scholarship Fund has been more than just a program—it’s been a catalyst for change, empowering young minds to dream bigger, develop, grow, and build bright futures. The program offers financial support and dedicated mentorship and has touched the lives of over 100 students in Iași, supporting their educational efforts to prepare for meaningful careers in IT and STEM fields.

At Centric, education has always been a priority and is also part of our set of values - "KeepImproving". The Scholarship Fund began as a way to support young, ambitious students who showed potential but needed extra resources to realize their dreams. Over time, it has become part of our brand identity and a testament to our efforts to foster growth and community impact.

What sets this program apart is its focus on mentorship. Every scholarship recipient is paired with a Centric mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights to help them navigate not just their education but their personal and professional growth.

Ana Tirnovanu

Mentor

“For me, this program is a journey of discovery and growth. Each interaction with my mentee brings a new perspective and teaches me to appreciate the diversity of thinking and ideas. It’s an experience that enriches me and motivates me to continue investing in education and mentoring.”

Mentorship lies at the heart of the Centric Scholarship Fund, transforming it into more than just financial help. Through one-on-one connections, mentors guide students to build confidence, explore new perspectives, and prepare for their future careers. And mentors often find the experience to be as transformative for them as it is for their mentees.

“When I first met my mentee, he was shy and unsure. A year later, he stood beside me at the launch of the 10th edition, speaking confidently about his personal growth. Moments like these are living proof of the power of mentorship.” — Ana Tirnovanu, Mentor.

“What surprised me most was how mentees approach their development on both professional and personal levels. I initially thought they joined the program just to build technical knowledge, but it’s so much more—combining technical skills, human interaction, discipline, and dialogue. This inspires me to grow alongside them.”
George Dumitrasc, mentor.

Silvia Carciu

Mentor

“I found out my mentee was preparing to speak publicly in English. To support him, we practiced together, having conversations in English to make him more comfortable and confident. It was rewarding to see how this helped him express himself more easily and with constructive emotions.”

Since its beginning, the Centric Scholarship Fund has impacted lives in ways that go far beyond academics. Students gain the skills and confidence to build their futures, while mentors learn new perspectives and add a new dimension to themselves. The impact is clear in every story shared, every challenge overcome, and every success celebrated. It’s a reminder that investing in people builds stronger communities and a better future.

As we celebrate 10 years of the Centric Scholarship Fund, we pride ourselves on the many lives it has impacted and the bright futures it has helped shape.

Here’s to the next decade of empowering young minds, sparking curiosity, and creating a future full of opportunities.

To learn more about the Centric Scholarship Fund and the incredible stories behind it, visit Fundația Comunitară Iași.