Tatiana's Heart Foundation creates opportunities that help children heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win — one scholarship, one child, at a time.
Because Every Child Is a Gift
We open doors. We build confidence. We create opportunities. We remind every child that their future matters.
Awarded at the founders' discretion to a child who embodies resilience, hard work, and heart.
Supporting academic excellence and a love of learning.
Encouraging curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Promoting discipline, teamwork, and athletic excellence.
Supporting eligible graduating students and recent graduates pursuing approved skilled-trades, technical-training, and professional-certification programs.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation serves eligible children and youth throughout the United States, creating access to scholarship categories and meaningful opportunities without limiting the program to a single focus state.
Scholarship recipients will be celebrated through an awards banquet and/or a special presentation in the recipient's home state, allowing Tatiana's Heart to honor each young person and the community supporting them.
Nationwide from day one.
Read Our StoryTatiana's Heart Foundation is currently raising funds, developing provider relationships, and building the systems needed to administer scholarships responsibly across the United States.
The first Rising Winners Scholarship application cycle is scheduled to open January 6, 2028, with the first scholarships anticipated to be awarded in May 2028. Scholarship availability, categories, and award amounts will depend upon donations received, available funding, and final Board approval.
Supporters can help build the first scholarship fund by donating, becoming a monthly partner, sponsoring a future scholarship, introducing the Foundation to an approved program provider, or sharing the mission.
Your gift helps bridge the gap between a child’s potential and the opportunities they need to thrive, while helping Tatiana’s Heart prepare its first scholarships.
Every donation brings us closer to our $10,000 launch goal.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation.
You matter. You are loved. You can win.
This is the story of a little girl with a big heart, her twin brother by her side, and a dream that refused to fade.
My name is Tatiana Ruckert, and I am the Founder of Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
When I was eight years old, I learned that not all children have the same opportunities, support, and experiences that I have been blessed to have. I remember feeling sad knowing that some children face difficult situations and challenges through no fault of their own.
That day stayed with me. I kept thinking about how I could help children who needed encouragement, opportunities, and someone to believe in them. For years, I talked about a dream called Tatiana's Heart.
When my twin brother, Octavius, and I were twelve years old, we decided it was finally time to start turning that dream into reality. Tatiana's Heart Foundation was created because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
We know we cannot solve every problem, but we hope we can help open doors for children who may need a little extra support to pursue their goals and dreams. We are beginning with scholarships because opportunities can change lives.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for supporting children. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Founder, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
My name is Octavius Ruckert, and I am the Co-Founder of Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
When Tatiana first shared her dream of helping children, I supported her because I believed it was important to help people whenever we can. Sometimes all a child needs is a chance — a chance to attend a camp, learn a new skill, participate in an activity, or discover their potential.
At twelve years old, Tatiana and I decided to begin building Tatiana's Heart Foundation so that we could help create some of those opportunities. My hope is that every child we help will know that they matter, that they have value, and that their future is full of possibilities.
Co-Founder, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
As a parent, there are moments you never forget. One of those moments occurred when my daughter, Tatiana, was eight years old. After learning that many children face abuse, neglect, foster care placement, financial hardship, and other difficult life circumstances, she was heartbroken. What impacted me most was not her sadness — it was her response. She did not ask what someone else was going to do. She wanted to know how she could help other children.
That evening, she and her twin brother, Octavius, came downstairs with a dream. Most childhood dreams fade with time. This one did not.
When the twins turned twelve years old, our family challenged them to create a meaningful project as part of their homeschool education. Without hesitation, both Tatiana and Octavius chose to build Tatiana's Heart.
As parents, my husband, John-Thomas, and I recognize that Tatiana and Octavius are still young. While they provide the vision and heart behind this organization, it is our responsibility, along with our Board of Directors, to provide the governance, oversight, accountability, and stewardship necessary to ensure the Foundation is managed responsibly and ethically.
I have always said, “Never accept a problem; find a solution.” Most people close to me have heard me say it before—often, and usually at unexpected moments. That is exactly what Tatiana did.
My faith also guides that responsibility. I believe God's greatest gift is life, and that belief strengthens my commitment to lead the Foundation with integrity, accountability, and purpose.
Through Tatiana's Heart Foundation, our goal is not simply to provide scholarships. Our goal is to create opportunities. Together, we can help children heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
Chairperson, Tatiana's Heart Foundation
The story of Tatiana's Heart began with an eight-year-old girl asking questions about the world around her. While the Ruckert family was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England, during John-Thomas Ruckert's service with the United States Air Force and the 48th Security Forces Squadron, Tatiana watched the beginning of "A Chance in the World," a movie based on the life of Steve Pemberton. While the movie ultimately tells a story of hope and success, the early scenes introduced difficult realities that shocked her.
Tatiana and her twin brother, Octavius, began asking questions. Their parents talked with them about how some children do not live the life they have or receive the same opportunities because of financial hardship, abuse, neglect, or circumstances beyond their control. Some children grow up in foster homes, as Steve Pemberton did, without the consistent support and resources every child deserves.
Tatiana was heartbroken, but she wanted to do more than feel sad. Her original idea for Tatiana's Heart was to help children who had experienced abuse. Based on eight-year-old Tatiana's vision, every child helped by the Foundation would also receive a comforting blanket and teddy bear as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved.
As the family continued talking and learning, the vision grew. Tatiana's Heart would not serve only one group of children; it would create opportunities for many different groups of young people who could use a lifting hand. Scholarships would help children participate in educational programs, camps, activities, and experiences that financial hardship might otherwise place beyond their reach. Each scholarship recipient will also receive a teddy bear and blanket as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved. These gifts will accompany the scholarship rather than form a separate program, while the Foundation's services will continue to grow in the years ahead.
For Tatiana, the idea of helping children became more than a passing thought. She began talking about an idea she called Tatiana's Heart and told people for years that one day she would create it. Most childhood dreams fade with time. This one did not.
When Tatiana and Octavius turned twelve years old, they were challenged through homeschooling to create a meaningful project that could positively impact the lives of others. Without hesitation, they chose Tatiana's Heart. What began as a homeschool project quickly became something much bigger. It became a mission.
Tatiana's dream has never been limited by state lines. Tatiana's Heart Foundation serves eligible children and youth throughout the United States and is preparing a responsible national scholarship program.
Our nationwide approach reflects a simple conviction: every child is a gift, and geography should not determine whether a child can receive support. Recipients will be honored through an awards banquet and/or a special presentation in their home state.
"You may not be able to remove the mountain, but you can remove a stone or two."
Every scholarship awarded through Tatiana's Heart Foundation represents a stone removed from a child's path. One child. One opportunity. One scholarship at a time.
Tatiana learns that not every child has the same opportunities she's been blessed with, and decides she wants to help.
Tatiana and Octavius are challenged to create a meaningful project — and choose to build Tatiana's Heart Foundation.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation is raising scholarship funding, developing national partnerships, establishing provider-verification procedures, and preparing responsible scholarship-administration systems.
The first application cycle is scheduled to open, subject to final funding and Board authorization.
The first scheduled application cycle closes.
The first scholarships are anticipated to be awarded based on available funding and final Board approval.
Future application dates, categories, award amounts, and availability will be announced annually and remain subject to funding and Board approval.
Leadership workshops, mentorship programs, and expanded community engagement.
Expanded scholarship capacity, strategic partnerships, and youth leadership conferences.
Tatiana's Heart scholarships open doors to a brighter future by supporting children with opportunities that build confidence, spark potential, and change lives.
The mission of Tatiana's Heart Foundation is to empower children and youth by funding scholarships and opportunities that support healing, education, leadership development, personal growth, and future success. Through charitable donations, we help eligible young people access approved programs and activities, with scholarship funds paid directly to the approved provider on their behalf.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation envisions a future where every child has access to opportunities that inspire hope, build confidence, encourage growth, and create pathways toward lifelong success.
We lead with empathy, understanding, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of children and families.
We believe access to opportunities can change the trajectory of a child's life.
We operate with honesty, transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
We encourage youth to become leaders within their families, schools, and communities.
We believe meaningful service creates lasting impact.
We honor the trust placed in us by donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the communities we serve.
Foundation Motto: Healing Today. Empowering Tomorrow. Raising Winners.
Foundation Philosophy: You may not be able to remove the mountain, but you can remove a stone or two.
Investing in today. Inspiring tomorrow. Tatiana's Heart scholarships provide children with opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential — because every child deserves a chance to win.
For low-income students and families experiencing financial hardship.
For military-connected youth, including children of Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Veteran service members.
For current and former foster youth.
For homeschooled students using an approved homeschool curriculum. May be applied for by a parent, provided the application includes one additional recommendation from someone who is not a relative or personal family connection.
For students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
For students with special needs, disabilities, or learning differences.
For student athletes from low-income or military families.
For youth pursuing entrepreneurship education and approved business development opportunities.
For eligible students who are graduating or who completed high school, a homeschool program, or a GED within the previous 12 months and plan to pursue approved trade-school education, technical training, apprenticeship preparation, or an industry-recognized professional certification.
The Rising Winners Career Pathways Scholarship is exclusively for approved trade-school, vocational, and career-technical training. It cannot be used for a university or traditional college degree program. Tatiana's Heart Foundation plans to introduce separate university and college scholarships in the future.
The Rising Winners Career Pathways Scholarship is designed to help eligible graduating students and students within one year of completing high school, homeschool, or a GED pursue approved training in skilled trades, technology, advanced manufacturing, transportation, renewable energy, and other high-demand fields.
The Foundation does not operate a trade school or guarantee employment. Tatiana's Heart provides scholarship support for eligible students to attend approved independent training programs.
Eligible applicants: Students graduating from high school or homeschool, eligible GED graduates, and students who completed high school, homeschool, or a GED within the 12 months before the application deadline. Applicants must be age 17 or 18 on the application deadline. An applicant who turns 19 after submitting an eligible application will not become ineligible solely because of that birthday.
Training must be provided through an approved trade school, vocational school, career-technical program, nonprofit trade-training organization, apprenticeship-preparation provider, or industry-certification organization. A program operated by a college is eligible only when it is a qualifying non-degree trade or vocational program; university and traditional college degree programs are not eligible. The training must lead to an industry-recognized credential, professional certification, license, certificate of completion, or documented pathway into an apprenticeship or skilled occupation.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation intends to build a network of approved providers accessible to students in multiple states and major metropolitan areas. Availability of every pathway in every location is not guaranteed.
This is the only scholarship whose recipient is personally chosen each year by Tatiana Ruckert and Octavius Ruckert. They select a child who demonstrates courage, kindness, perseverance, leadership, and service to others.
Their selection is presented to the Board for approval.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation reserves the right to verify every provider and deny payment to any organization that does not meet Board-approved standards. The Foundation intends to work with nationally recognized credentialing organizations and approved training providers; no partnership is implied unless formally approved in writing.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This applies to scholarship eligibility, selection, volunteer opportunities, employment, and every other activity of the Foundation. All scholarship decisions are based solely on Board-approved criteria applied equally to every qualified applicant.
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Scholarships may cover only part of the total cost. Coverage of 100% of fees is not guaranteed.
Scholarship awards are dependent upon donations received, available funding, the number of qualified applicants, and Board-approved priorities. The number of scholarships and award amounts are determined annually by the Board of Directors.
The Foundation does not guarantee annual scholarship availability, scholarship categories, number of awards, award amounts, or percentage of costs covered. Award amounts may vary annually.
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and recommended to the Board of Directors. Final scholarship approval rests solely with the Board.
The first application cycle is scheduled to open January 6, 2028, and close March 6, 2028. The first Rising Winners Scholarships are anticipated to be awarded in May 2028. Beginning in 2028, future dates, categories, award amounts, and availability will be announced annually and remain subject to funding and Board approval.
We are not looking for perfect children. We are looking for children with potential.
Ages 10–18
Founder's Choice Scholarship: ages 8–18. Because Tatiana's Heart began with the dream of an eight-year-old girl, applicants for this scholarship may be between 8 and 18 years of age.
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Career Pathways Scholarship applicants must:
Graduating and recently graduated homeschool students receive equal consideration. An applicant who turns 19 after submitting an eligible application will not become ineligible solely because of that birthday.
January 6, 2028
First application cycle opens
March 6, 2028
First application cycle closes
May 2028
First scholarships anticipated
Applications are not currently being accepted. Dates, categories, award amounts, and availability remain subject to funding and final Board approval.
the application after the authorized cycle opens.
the required supporting materials.
by the Scholarship Committee.
after final Board decisions.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation is currently building its scholarship fund, approving training and opportunity providers, and preparing for the first Rising Winners Scholarship cycle. The application will remain under manual administrative control until funding and Board authorization are confirmed.
Application instructions and official announcements will be posted on this page when the authorized application cycle opens. No scholarship interest list is being maintained at this time.
Questions? Email us at info@tatianasheart.org
Every scholarship. Every opportunity. Every act of kindness. Makes a difference. You don't have to change the whole world — sometimes changing one child's world is enough.
Help provide scholarship opportunities for children.
Businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals can sponsor scholarships that directly impact children.
Partner with Tatiana's Heart to expand opportunities and resources available to children.
Give your time, talents, and heart to support children and families.
Future sponsorship opportunities may include:
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Together, those small moments become something much bigger.
Your support helps create opportunities. Opportunities help build confidence. Confidence helps children discover their potential.
You don't have to change the whole world. Whether you donate, sponsor a scholarship, volunteer, or simply share our mission, you become part of the story.
One conversation can change a life. Help spread the message of hope and opportunity.
Tatiana's Heart is led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and guided by the vision of its young founders. Together, we work to create opportunities that help children heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win.
Serena is an entrepreneur, media professional, public speaker, community advocate, and mother whose leadership is grounded in faith, family, service, and the belief that opportunity can change a child's future. As President and Chair, she guides the Foundation's strategy, governance, partnerships, outreach, and responsible growth while helping turn Tatiana's vision into lasting opportunities for children.
Serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors, maintaining official records, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation for Tatiana's Heart Foundation, and supporting the Board's commitment to transparency and accountability.
24+ year United States Air Force senior leader with an MBA and extensive expertise in project management (PMP) and Six Sigma Lean (Black Belt, May 2027). Provides financial oversight, stewardship, operational excellence, and compliance for the Foundation.
Prior United States Air Force Security Forces member. IT Specialist and Cybersecurity Specialist with extensive experience in technology, systems, and security. Retired professional dodgeball player and current referee. Builds relationships with schools, youth organizations, community partners, and educational programs to expand opportunities for children nationwide.
Oil Services Executive who brings professional leadership and industry experience to the Board of Directors. Leads corporate affairs, strategic outreach, and relationship-building efforts that support the Foundation's responsible growth and nationwide mission.
Tatiana founded Tatiana's Heart at just 8 years old with the dream that every hurting child is loved and that opportunities can change lives. Octavius has supported the mission since the beginning, bringing ideas, encouragement, and the voice of youth to help shape our future.
As minors, Tatiana and Octavius serve in an advisory capacity only. They do not vote on financial or legal matters and hold no fiduciary authority over the Foundation. Upon reaching the age of 18, they may be considered for full voting membership on the Board of Directors in accordance with the Foundation's bylaws.
The voices of today, leaders of tomorrow. Our Founding Youth Directors provide insight, ideas, and feedback to help shape programs and opportunities that matter most to children.
Together, we are creating a future where every child has the opportunity to discover the unique gifts and potential with which they have been blessed and become the winner they were created to be.
Every donation helps create opportunities that allow children to heal, learn, grow, thrive, and win. Because sometimes one opportunity can change a child's future.
Donation acknowledgment: No goods or services are provided by Tatiana's Heart Foundation in exchange for donations made through this website. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Your completed donation receives a numbered, printable receipt with your donation details and charitable-contribution acknowledgment.
Payments are securely processed by Stripe.
Planning to request an employer match? Keep your donation receipt number and complete the matching request below.
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the approved school, organization, program, camp, activity, or service provider on behalf of the recipient.
Funds are never distributed directly to individuals.
Donations may be used for scholarship funding, program development, educational initiatives, fundraising, administration, technology, insurance and compliance, and outreach — always in service of the Foundation's mission.
Make a gift in memory or in honor of someone special.
Sustained giving helps us plan, grow, and reach more children.
Leave a lasting impact for future generations of children.
Double your impact through your employer's matching program.
Corporate sign-up & donor matching ↓Corporations may apply to participate in the Tatiana's Heart corporate matching program. After Foundation approval, donors can select their employer and submit a verified matching-gift request.
The Foundation may accept restricted donations when the restriction aligns with our mission and receives Board approval, including the General Scholarship Fund, Military Youth Scholarship Fund, Foster Youth Scholarship Fund, and Founder's Choice Scholarship Fund. No donor may direct the selection of scholarship recipients.
Every great journey begins with a conversation. Whether you have questions, ideas, partnership opportunities, scholarship inquiries, or volunteer interests, we welcome you to reach out.
Email: info@tatianasheart.org
Registered nonprofit: TATIANAS HEART FOUNDATION (Tatiana's Heart Foundation)
EIN: 42-3645737
Public mailing address: 30 N Gould St, Ste N, Sheridan, WY 82801
Service Area: Tatiana's Heart Foundation serves eligible children and youth throughout the United States.
If you have questions about scholarship opportunities, eligibility, application requirements, sponsorship, or future programs — we would be happy to help.
Tatiana's Heart began with the simple dream of an eight-year-old girl who wanted every hurting child to know they were loved. Today, that dream continues to grow. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our story, our mission, and the children we hope to serve.
These website policy summaries explain how Tatiana's Heart Foundation protects information, administers its programs, and supports responsible governance. Board-adopted policies and applicable law control if a summary differs from an official document.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity under IRC Section 509(a)(2). EIN: 42-3645737. Federal tax exemption is effective July 8, 2026.
We collect information voluntarily provided through contact, corporate matching, donation, and other authorized Foundation forms.
Information is used to administer Foundation programs, communicate with supporters and partners, maintain records, prevent misuse, and meet legal or compliance obligations. Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not sell personal information. The website does not currently collect scholarship application information or sensitive information about minors.
Access is limited to authorized individuals with a legitimate Foundation purpose. Records are retained only as reasonably necessary and are securely disposed of when no longer required, subject to legal holds and recordkeeping obligations. Privacy questions may be sent to info@tatianasheart.org.
This website provides general information about Tatiana's Heart Foundation and its programs. Submitting a corporate matching, volunteer, contact, or other authorized form does not create a contract, guarantee eligibility, or promise funding. Scholarship applications are not currently being accepted.
Scholarship availability, categories, amounts, and the percentage of eligible costs covered depend on available funding and Board approval. 100% of fees is not guaranteed. Scholarship payments are made directly to an approved organization or program on the child's behalf and are never distributed directly to individuals.
Users must provide accurate information and may not misuse the website or upload unlawful, harmful, or misleading content. External links are provided for convenience and do not transfer responsibility for another organization's website or practices.
Tatiana's Heart Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in the administration of its scholarship programs, volunteer opportunities, employment practices, or any other activities.
Scholarship eligibility and selection decisions are based solely on Board-approved criteria applied equally to all qualified applicants.
The Foundation maintains records for periods appropriate to their legal, financial, operational, and program purpose. Records may include governance documents, financial records, scholarship applications, recommendations, award records, donation documentation, corporate matching records, contracts, and correspondence.
Records subject to an audit, investigation, claim, subpoena, or anticipated legal proceeding will not be destroyed until the matter is resolved. When retention is no longer required, paper and electronic records will be securely destroyed or deleted.
Directors, officers, committee members, and other decision-makers must disclose actual or potential financial, personal, or organizational conflicts. A person with a conflict may provide relevant facts but must not improperly influence or vote on the matter.
The disinterested Board members determine whether a conflict exists, document the decision, and approve only actions that serve the Foundation's best interests. No donor may direct the selection of a scholarship recipient.
Board members, volunteers, employees, applicants, partners, and members of the public may report in good faith suspected fraud, misuse of funds, unlawful conduct, unsafe practices, policy violations, or other serious concerns to the Foundation.
Good-faith reports will be reviewed promptly and handled as confidentially as reasonably possible. Retaliation against a person who raises a good-faith concern or participates in a review is prohibited. Reports may be sent to info@tatianasheart.org.
