How One Student-Led Nonprofit Advances Educational Equity Worldwide

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ella Townsend. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Education is a fundamental right, yet access to quality learning resources remains a challenge for many marginalized communities. Recognizing this issue, Ella Townsend founded YIELD (Youth Initiative Embracing Lasting Development), a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging educational gaps worldwide. Under Ella’s leadership, YIELD has become a transformative force in advancing resource access and educational equity. The organization was even recognized as California Nonprofit of the Year in 2024—a testament to its impact.

Through strategic partnerships with social service organizations, YIELD provides mentorship programs, essential school supplies and custom curricula tailored to meet the specific needs of underserved communities. Ella and her team have reached six orphanages across the U.S., Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia, offering support to children living with disabilities or socio-economic challenges. The organization has also been instrumental in empowering underserved students through initiatives like the Brookhurst Jr. High School Prep Club, which equips students with academic skills, career readiness training and personal development tools.

Beyond mentorship and education, Ella has spearheaded large-scale charitable projects abroad, working directly with government officials, social workers and NGOs. Her dedication to providing sustainable support rather than one-time aid has ensured that YIELD’s initiatives continue to thrive long-term. Notably, the nonprofit has raised over $38,000 in aid and secured a $10,000 grant from the John H. Grace Foundation, allowing for further expansion of its global efforts.

One of YIELD’s most meaningful contributions is its commitment to cultural inclusivity. Ella and her team delivered personalized cards written in the native languages of the children, including Khmer and Vietnamese braille, to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Additionally, they have donated over 2,000 articles of clothing, 1,300 books and essential hygiene products, ensuring that children not only receive educational support but also the basic necessities for a dignified life.

With 30 to 40 hours dedicated to YIELD each month, Ella’s passion for equity in education is creating lasting change. Read on to find out more about her work.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I am founder and president of the Youth Initiative Embracing Lasting Development (YIELD), a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves to extend educational resources locally and abroad. Recognized as a former California Nonprofit of the Year, YIELD has spearheaded large-scale campaigns, raising almost $40,000 to fund charitable ventures and was awarded a grant from the John H. Grace Foundation.

Our work spans across five countries: Mexico, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and the U.S. We assist HIV-diagnosed, blind and otherwise disadvantaged orphans. I have connected YIELD to numerous NGOs as liaisons to other countries, including Sharing Love in Korea, Abandoned Little Angels and Love 2 Yêu, and also consulted with government officials and social workers to supply computers, educational and hygiene necessities.

Our goal is to establish an ongoing commitment and build enduring relationships with these orphanages and special needs services. On a local level, YIELD has donated almost 1,300 books by collaborating with schools and even police agencies to support underserved communities, and also led drives garnering 2,000 articles of apparel. I am currently leading an initiative targeting displaced Californian fire survivors by creating 1,000 children’s hygiene kits containing essentials like toothbrushes, soap and lip balm, but also coping mechanism resources and stimulating wobbler toys.

Why is this issue so important to you?

As a direct descendent of interned Japanese Americans during World War II, I was deeply influenced by the letters exchanged between my great grandparents. They revealed that Grandmother Ruth, an internee at a relocation center, and Grandfather Frank, a soldier in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, experienced fates which cut short any hopes for higher education. Drawing from this difficult chapter in our past family history and from my present multiracial heritage—American, Korean, Japanese, German and English—I learned to look beyond national borders to create a more equitable world in the future.

After speaking with other nonprofit leaders, I focused on addressing the needs of orphaned children in difficult circumstances, such as those with disabilities and students in extreme poverty. Inspired by my great grandparents’ letter exchange, every time we visit an orphanage, YIELD delivers cards in the native language of the orphans, ranging from Khmer to Vietnamese braille.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

To personally witness our project’s impact has been extremely rewarding. Visiting a poverty-stricken orphanage in Cambodia that was home to autistic and HIV-diagnosed children, with our limited language skills, revealed a universal language I could understand: facial expressions. Their emotional displays of shock, elation and excitement made me swell with pride and triumph. No matter what YIELD does, or where we serve, happiness is contagious.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

While lived experiences, cultures and homes may differ, everyone likes to have a good time! Hands down, the best part about YIELD is playing games with the children. In Mexico, we stuck animal decals on coats. In Korea, we bantered during the “to-ma-to” contest. In Cambodia, we created the “names” competition. In Vietnam, we danced conga-line style with blind students. Games, no matter where they’re played, foster warmth and connection.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Whether it is climate change, child hunger or gender inequality, my hope is to inspire people in my generation to be active participants in issues affecting our communities, because we all have the power to be changemakers. Even interacting with children in difficult circumstances, I have experienced incomparable positivity in their hands and through their eyes. I strongly believe the world is worthy of optimism, and that united, we can pave the way for a brighter future.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

I’d tell anyone to identify their passion and discover reputable organizations to start volunteering. For example, by becoming a Girl Scout and volunteering with Fullerton’s Love of Orange County Kids, I learned invaluable lessons on how to lead and to network with community leaders, who in turn, later supported my work with YIELD.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ella? Find local volunteer opportunities.