Cumming, Georgia—Three South Asian high school students transformed community concern into actionable change. Sarah Malil, Yashoshree Mopuru, and Elana Paul recognized that skin health conversations were largely absent in their community despite skin cancer being highly preventable.
Their response: SkinScope, a comprehensive student-led initiative bringing sun protection, education, and practical resources directly to Forsyth County residents.
The trio identified a critical gap in their community where sun safety awareness remained overlooked among both young people and seniors. Instead of simply raising awareness, they took concrete action by installing sunscreen dispensers in public spaces throughout the county.
Their approach combines three essential elements: accessibility through dispensers, education through teaching programs, and credibility through partnerships with established organizations.
SkinScope has partnered with respected institutions including the Georgia Cancer Center and Impact Melanoma to ensure their initiatives meet professional standards. The students are actively teaching both youth and seniors about skin health fundamentals and sun protection best practices.
These partnerships provide the expertise and resources needed to scale their impact across Forsyth County.
the founders explained.
The initiative demonstrates how young people can create tangible public health impact through thoughtful advocacy and service. By combining education with immediate, practical solutions like sunscreen dispensers, SkinScope removes barriers to sun protection.
Their work transforms awareness into everyday action that protects community members of all ages.
Community members interested in supporting the initiative can contribute through SkinScope's GoFundMe campaign. Donations directly expand sunscreen access and extend the program's reach throughout Forsyth County.
Financial support enables the students to install more dispensers and reach additional community segments.
The students' focus on sun safety reflects broader health equity concerns affecting South Asian communities specifically. Research shows higher rates of delayed skin cancer diagnosis in South Asian populations, partly due to misconceptions about sun protection needs.
By leading this initiative as South Asian teens, they normalize important health conversations within their community.
Their efforts inspire a larger conversation about youth-led public health initiatives and intergenerational engagement. Forsyth County schools and local organizations are taking notice of how three determined students mobilized community resources.
This model could inspire similar student-led health and safety projects addressing other overlooked community needs.
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