Over a decade ago, CARNEVALE began providing digital services to non-profits at low- or no-cost. When Nika Price joined our company in 2018, she brought with her insight and passion for community with roots in the nonprofit world. Under her guidance, CARNEVALE co/op blossomed and transformed into a brilliant model for corporate social good.
After her untimely passing in 2022, we feel honored to carry forward her work through the co/op by manifesting her vision. While her life may have been cut short, her impact isn’t. And through the Nika Marie Social Impact Scholarship, that impact can be carried on for future generations.
Donate or find out more on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's website at givegr.org/nikamarie.
Press Release from November 27, 2023
NEW SCHOLARSHIP FOR FINANCIAL NEED STEAM STUDENTS
Kent County students in a STEAM-related field can soon apply for new scholarship
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – CARNEVALE, a Grand Rapids-based technology and user experience agency is announcing a brand new scholarship. The Nika Marie Social Impact Scholarship, held at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, will open general applications on December 1st for the 2024-2025 school year.
“Nika was an amazing friend and inspiring coworker,” said Lydia Kauffman, Project Manager at CARNEVALE. “Losing her to cancer last year was devastating to say the least. It has been healing to see her memory and legacy honored through this scholarship. Our hope is to immortalize her vision for social change, by providing financial support to passionate students in our community who need it most.”
CARNEVALE worked with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation to set up a new fund that would enable this new scholarship to exist in perpetuity, keeping Nika’s missions and memory alive for years to come. CARNEVALE imagines, designs, and develops advanced technology applications like virtual reality for some of the biggest brands in the world, while also making their services available to nonprofits positively impacting the community at low or no cost.
“CARNEVALE co/op was built on the idea that contributing to the community is a core responsibility of every business. Nika was the mind behind taking an unofficial practice of work in the community that we’d done over the years to new heights by forming CARNEVALE co/op. This scholarship is another small step toward creating equity and opportunity for the future,” says Mike Carnevale, Founder and Creative Director.
Students will be able to apply to the general GRCF application on their website starting December 1. Applicants must be a resident of Kent County pursuing a major in a STEAM-related field of study (science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics) and must demonstrate a financial need to be considered. Decisions will be made by the second week in May.
Donations may be made to the scholarship fund at any time by visiting givegr.org/NikaMarie.
CARNEVALE is an advanced technology and user experience company headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI. They provide development and design services for companies around the world and brands like Walmart, Honda, and Rockstar Games famous for the Grand Theft Auto video game series. CARNEVALE helps creative leaders prepare for the future to consistently be first to market with new tools and experiences. Their co/op initiative also provides the same services for low or no cost to nonprofits and projects creating a more just and equitable society.