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At 18 years old, a young woman from Caxias earns a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania after a project on climate change impacts public schools in Maranhão
Gianna Vitória Torres Santos, 18, has earned a full scholarship to study Environmental Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, starting in August 2026, following a journey marked by actions on climate change in Caxias, Maranhão.
Approval with full scholarship
Originally from Caxias, about 360 km from São Luís, Gianna is a scholarship student at a private school and has been accepted to one of the most important universities in the United States.
The young woman is the daughter of a teacher and a public servant. From an early age, she showed interest in the environment, politics, and society, themes that began to guide her education and initiatives.
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At 10 years old, she began to observe problems faced by her city, including flooding, pollution, and wildfires. This direct contact with local reality helped direct her actions.
Project created in Maranhão
From these perceptions, Gianna founded the environmental project Gi Naturalize. The initiative discusses environmental injustices in the region and seeks to bring the voices of affected people to political decision-making spaces.
The proposal is to allow these people to also participate in building a more sustainable future. Even with her move abroad, the project’s activities are expected to continue online.
According to Gianna, moving to another country could broaden her perspective on climate change and bring new ideas to be applied in the project she created in Maranhão.
Impact on public schools
In an interview with g1, Gianna stated that the project has already impacted over 500 people and has gone through about eight public schools in Caxias, in the interior of the state.
The initiative began with discussion circles among family members and community members. Later, the activities gained momentum and reached public schools, expanding the reach of discussions on climate change.
In the meetings, students participate in conversations about environmental preservation, climate change, and the effects of pollution and wildfires on the daily lives of communities.
Academic preparation and involvement
To secure her spot, the student took an English proficiency test, studied independently, and prepared for her application with support from the Prep Program, a free course from the Estudar Foundation.
While still in school, she participated in UN simulations, where she trained on environmental issues. With high academic performance, she received medals in simulations and school olympiads.
In addition, Gianna is an ambassador for the NGOs Construindo o Futuro and Engajamundo. Along this journey, she developed an interest in politics and accumulated awards.
For the student, climate change is not limited to glacier melting, but also includes extreme heat, wildfires, and lack of adaptation.
“These highlighted impacts form collective awareness and strengthen collective action,” she explains.
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