Urban Food Alliance Launches Annual Afrin Memorial Scholarship to Open Doors in Technology and AI Careers
New in-kind scholarship program, awarded to multiple recipients every year in memory of Afrin Bhuiyan, will help people rebuild careers in technology and AI through training, mentorship, and career support
Kendall Park, NJ | October 21, 2026 - Urban Food Alliance (UFA), the nonprofit known for combining food-insecurity relief with AI and workforce training, today announced the launch of the Afrin Memorial Scholarship, a new annual program created in memory of Afrin Bhuiyan, niece of UFA Founder and CEO Mushi M. Bhuiyan.
Afrin passed away unexpectedly after a period of being stressed and uncertain. The talented and ambitious young woman is being honored with the Afrin Memorial Scholarship so that she can keep inspiring others to learn and move forward in their careers even posthumously.
Mushi M. Bhuiyan, Founder and CEO of Urban Food Alliance, said, "Every year, we want to give people who are exactly where Afrin was capable, but stuck and unsure a real path into technology and AI. It won't bring her back, but it means her name keeps opening doors for others."
About the Scholarship
The Afrin Memorial Scholarship is an in-kind program, not a cash award. Each year, it will support multiple recipients over a training period of approximately three to six months, coordinated and delivered directly by Urban Food Alliance. Recipients receive:
A structured training track in AI literacy and in-demand technology skills
A named mentor for the length of the program and beyond
Career coaching, resume support, and interview preparation built for people re-entering the workforce
Placement in a peer cohort going through the same transition together
In its first year, the program represents a total value of $10,000 in training and support resources, made possible through Urban Food Alliance's own resources together with in-kind contributions from corporate technology partners, shared across this year's recipients.
The scholarship is open to all qualified applicants. Preference is given to women including women returning to the workforce after a career break though every candidate who demonstrates need and potential is encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications for the first cycle of the Afrin Memorial Scholarship open on October 21, 2026, and close on October 30, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the scholarship and submit their applications through the Urban Food Alliance website: https://www.urbanfoodalliance.org/education
Looking Ahead: A Community Scholarship Fund
UFA also plans to introduce a broader Community Scholarship Fund, allowing members of its 1,000+ member community to sponsor or name scholarships of their own in honor of a loved one, a mentor, or simply a cause they care about. More details on this program will be shared in the coming months.
About Urban Food Alliance
Urban Food Alliance (UFA) is a nonprofit organization built on two connected pillars: meeting immediate food insecurity needs and equipping people with AI and workforce skills to become self-sufficient. UFA has served over 4.4 million meals to vulnerable communities and trained more than 10,164+ students through its AI and technology programs. UFA is currently pursuing New Jersey Eligible Training Provider (ETPL) status to expand its training programs statewide.
Media Contact
Mushi Bhuiyan
Founder and CEO, Urban Food Alliance
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