11/24/2020

S-STEM Scholarships Provide Added Support to High Achieving ECC Students

 

Eleven Essex County College students are recipients of the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded S-STEM (Science, Technology,  Engineering & Math) Scholarship, valued at up to $4,000 for this semester and Spring 2021. The scholarship is broken into two $2,000 awards.

“We are very fortunate to be included in this NSF grant. Our long standing participation in the NSF-funded GS-LSAMP (Garden State-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation GS-LSAMP program) made us an especially attractive partner. I’m thrilled we are able to provide financial assistance to our STEM students, especially during these very difficult times,” said Biology Professor Dr. Jill Stein. She said he scholarships are geared toward high achieving, low income students.

“This award shows the high quality of our students,” said ECC alumna Lailatou Bambara (Class of 2014), the College’s S-STEM/LSAMP coordinator. She said recipients must maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average to receive the second half of the scholarship next semester. She earned her ECC degree in Biology before transferring to Rutgers University-Newark for her Bachelor’s degree an then Montclair Sate University where she earned a Master’s degree.

ECC’s scholarship recipients include David Alonge, Computer Science; Narimane El Omari, Engineering; Kelvin Geraldo, Biology, Pre-Medicine; Shenille Francois, Biology; Syed Hussain, Computer Information Systems; DaQwan King, Computer Science; Comfort Nadjiwa, Engineering; Yasmine Raji, Architectural Technology; Malissa Saintus Trammell, General Science; Loyane Sousa, Cybersecurity and Network Technology; and Ulrich Zinsou, Computer Information Systems.

“Congratulations to our S-STEM scholarship recipients. You are another shining example of the outstanding students here at ECC,” said Interim President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye.

“I was very surprised when I got the word and, of course, very happy,” said Narimane. The Newark resident said after graduating from ECC next year, she plans to transfer to Rutgers University-Newark where she will specialize in either Industrial Engineering or Biomedical Engineering. She currently has a 3.78 grade point average.

Kelvin said the scholarship will go a long way toward helping him realize his dream of becoming a biochemist. In addition to his classes, he has a job and is in the Army Reserve.  “This scholarship will keep me going,” said the Union Township resident with a 3.84 grade point average. 

Yasmine has always enjoyed looking at various type of architecture, which inspired her to major in Architectural Technology. Now, the Newark resident said the S-STEM scholarship will help her continue her architectural studies. “I’m very excited to have this opportunity.” Yasmine has a 3.74 grade point average and said the support she has received art Essex County College is allowing her to pursue her career goals.

David admitted he wasn’t overly confined when he filled out the S-STEM application because of the high academic requirements. But he said he made the right decision. “It’s been tough but this is really going to help me,” added the Newark resident with the 3.86 grade point average.  He is undecided on where he will transfer to after earning his Associate degree. “People should apply for this award,” is David’s advice.