Dean Economou, AFCEA DC
The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association has awarded $125,000 in scholarships to Washington, D.C.-area students interested in careers in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry and information management systems.
AFCEA’s Washington, D.C., chapter said it considers the scholarships an investment in the future of the local IT community, and hopes its educational plan will assist students in achieving their STEM-related career goals.
“[W]e are excited to continue our partnership with local schools to help prepare the next generation for careers in high-demand STEM fields, as we strengthen our Government and Defense Industrial Base with an increased pool of STEM graduates,” said Dean Economou, president of AFCEA DC.
AFCEA DC awarded 32 scholarships to local students, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, based on a student’s financial need, academic achievement, school activities and community involvement, among other criteria.
The top scholarship, named in honor of retired Navy Cap. Edward Bronson, was worth $10,000. AFCEA awarded 12 scholarships worth $5,000, 18 scholarships worth $3,000 and one scholarship worth $1,000, according to the announcement.
Scholarship recipients will attend American University, Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, George Washington University, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Morehouse College, Penn State University, Syracuse University, Villanova University and University of Virginia, according to AFCEA.
“This year I’m proud to report that we awarded a record number of scholarships to students from D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland schools,” AFCEA DC Vice President for STEM Gary Langston said. “As STEM education continues to be a national issue for both our government and industry, it is our hope that our scholarships will help ease some of the financial barriers for those students with strong academic and leadership potential that have the desire and aptitude to pursue STEM careers.”
AFCEA DC has awarded 360 scholarships collectively worth more than $2.4 million, according to the announcement.
