WORCESTER, Mass. – Eleven seniors from specialized mathematics and science high schools across the nation have been awarded annual scholarships for $10,000 each for four years -- totaling $40,000 for each student -- from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). This new scholarship program promotes the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and rewards students whose high school careers have concentrated in the STEM fields of study.
The recipients attend high schools within the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST), for which the scholarship program is named. Selections were based on academic performance, program of study, recommendations, and personal statements. Submissions of project-based academic work and examples of work from summer programs and other academic experiences were also considered. Standardized test scores were not required for consideration.
"At a time when the United States is facing mounting competition from other nations in high technology, the life sciences, and other sophisticated industries, it is imperative that we educate a new generation of high school students who are well prepared to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in college," said WPI President and CEO Dennis D. Berkey, who testified on the subject of strengthening high school math and science education before the 2006 U.S. Secretary of Education's National Commission on the Future of Higher Education. "The outstanding young women and men who have earned these scholarships exemplify just such a new generation, and I look forward to witnessing their bright futures."
"With this new scholarship, we are rewarding students who have focused their interests in this field of study, and simultaneously are helping to re-invigorate STEM education and increase the United States' competitiveness in the world," said Edward Connor '92, WPI’s director of admissions.
The scholarship winners:
- Elizabeth V. Alexander of Shrewsbury, Mass., Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI
- Christopher M. Busby of Birmingham, Ala., Alabama School of Fine Arts
- Cody L. Evans of San Antonio, Texas, John Jay Science and Engineering Academy
- Kelly K. Hill of Fairfax, Va., Thomas Jefferson Science/Technology High School
- Robert Karol of Fair Haven, N.J., High Technology High School
- Prasant V. Lokinendi of Worcester, Mass., Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI
- Michael D. Lowman of Vienna, Va., Thomas Jefferson Science/Technology High School
- Anirvan Mukherjee of Shrewsbury, Mass., Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI
- Ashley M. Pospisil of Farmington, Conn., Farmington High School
- Jun Qi of Worcester, Mass., Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science
- Franz Sauer of Manalapan, N.J., High Technology High School
