Coppin State Student Turns Personal Struggle Into Award-Winning Idea

BALTIMORE – For many college students, academic breaks offer a chance to rest and recharge. For others, they bring an unsettling question: Where will I live?

That question inspired Sayniel Sawmadal to develop an innovative scholarship proposal that recently earned her top honors at the inaugural HBCUniverse Innovation Challenge.

Sawmadal moved from her hometown of West Haven, Connecticut, to attend Coppin State University in the fall of 2023, determined to immerse herself in HBCU culture that wasn't available to her back home. Now a Psychology major with a minor in Business Management, she serves as a Presidential Scholar, TMCF Scholar, and HBCUniverse Campus Ambassador. This June, she added a new title: winner of the first HBCUniverse Innovation Challenge.

Sawmadal's winning idea centers on a scholarship to help Coppin students cover housing costs during academic breaks, a struggle she has faced firsthand. Over her three years at Coppin, she's connected with students dealing with homelessness, financial strain, and difficult family situations, many of whom hesitated to speak openly about it. She didn't share that hesitation. After months of working through her own challenges, she found the courage to bring her idea directly to President Jenkins on behalf of herself and her peers.

The pitch itself came together fast. Ambassadors learned of the competition prompt the same day it was held, and were asked to deliver a two-minute pitch on the spot, no slides or materials involved, answering one question: what problem affecting HBCU students would they solve with funding? Sawmadal went over her time limit but pushed through the nerves. When the group voted, the results came back within a minute: she was named a winner, alongside one other student.

Under her proposal, students who currently pay $1,000 to $2,000 for summer and winter housing would instead receive financial assistance, regardless of enrollment status, a lifeline she says is especially needed by international and out-of-state students furthest from their support systems. Students would apply with a one-page essay and meet with the Housing Office, then take on a summer campus position to give back to the Baltimore community and build connections with faculty. She'd also like to see the Center for Counseling and Accessibility offer regular check-ins so students have a safe space to talk through what they're facing.

"Living independently can be isolating and stressful," Sawmadal said, "but I am confident that Coppin can provide the necessary support and accommodations to help students thrive."

As the fall semester begins, Sawmadal is eager to connect and collaborate with President Jenkins, the Office of Housing, and Financial Aid to help refine the proposal and, eventually, secure sponsors to help the idea reach further. Representing Coppin on a platform like HBCUniverse, she said, has meant serving as a voice for her university: "I take immense pride in being a Coppin State Eagle and actively contributing to the school's reputation."

After graduation, Sawmadal plans to pursue a master's degree and eventually start a nonprofit supporting the economy of Liberia, her parents' birthplace.

Along the way, she credits Coppin's College and Career Services Coordinator, Ms. Helen Dunkley, and Director of Student Experience, Ms. Loretta Campbell, along with her EAC Writing Center coordinators, Matthew and Gilliann Kenerly, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout her college journey. She says they've been there for her at every step, listening closely to her personal experiences and offering valuable insight along the way. Though they haven't known her for her whole life, Sawmadal says these dedicated staff members have watched her grow into a powerful and resilient young woman.

She's equally grateful to her Coppin peers, who have celebrated her achievements, offered her shelter during challenging times, and pushed her to step outside her comfort zone as she adjusted to life in Maryland. Closer to home, she credits her high school friends for their steady support and for witnessing her transformation since she first left, and expresses deep love and gratitude for her family, who have consistently championed every accomplishment along the way. 

Her advice to fellow Eagles: "Reach out to those you trust for support and guidance. Our college journey doesn't have to feel so isolating when we surround ourselves with the right people and don't hesitate to ask for help. Use your discernment and keep pushing forward!"