, in information technology, or in other fields directly linked to the auto industry. The program has been around for four years and, with this […] "'Pin It")
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Doles Out $2.5 Million
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program announced earlier today 100 scholarships, which total up to $2.5 million, to students who are pursuing careers in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), in information technology, or in other fields directly linked to the auto industry. The program has been around for four years and, with this most recent donation, has awarded over $28 million to 3,400 students.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Doles Out $2.5 Million ©GM
“Thanks to this scholarship, I can focus on my studies without having to worry about financial constraints,” said Meri Mullins, a 2014 Buick Achievers recipient and University of Toledo chemical engineering student. “I’ve always been interested in understanding how the world works. It’s my goal to instill this passion in future generations so they too can gain an interest and appreciation for STEM fields.”
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program awards up to $25,000 a year for each student, for four years, unless the student is in a qualified, five-year engineering program; in that case, the scholarship extends the necessary fifth year.
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“Our Buick Achievers are evolving the face of STEM in that half are the first in their family to attend college, more than half are female and minorities make up the majority,” said GM Foundation President, Vivian Pickard. “These milestones are a positive indication that we’re making great strides to pave the way for our industry’s future leaders and innovators.”
It is increasingly important for our students to seek out education in the STEM fields. The U.S. Department of Education reports that only 16 percent of American high school seniors perform well in math and pursue a STEM major in college. And of those that do pursue one, only about half end up working in a related career.
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program gives special consideration to females, first generation college students, military dependents, military veterans, and minorities. This year, 61 percent of the students are female; half of the recipients are the first in their families to seek a college education; and over half of the recipients are of ethnic backgrounds.
“It’s imperative that young women who wish to pursue STEM-related careers are given every opportunity to make their dreams happen,” explained Greg Dehn, general manager and senior vice president, Scholarship America. “By awarding more than half of their scholarships to female students, the GM Foundation encourages women to pursue a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“Buick Achievers’ multi-year, renewable awards will not only make postsecondary education possible for these deserving students, they will also propel them through to graduation and a promising career in STEM.”
Congrats to all recipients.
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