Amazon selects Osbourn Park High School graduates for distinguished scholarship – Prince William County Public Schools
Amazon has selected Muhammed “Zain” Abbas and Awais Yaqoob, recent graduates of Osbourn Park High School, as recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. As part of a cohort of 400 students nationwide, they will receive up to $40,000 in college funding, a paid summer internship at Amazon, and mentorship from industry professionals. The scholarship supports students pursuing careers in computer science and engineering.
Abbas and Yaqoob credit their time in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) for helping them earn the distinguished scholarship. Their experiences in computer science and engineering programs, classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities at Osbourn Park High laid the foundation for their success and inspired them to pursue the opportunity.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the school system and my teachers who were a big part of my success,” Yaqoob said. “The passionate teachers I had, especially in engineering, math, and other core subjects, played a huge role in motivating me. Osbourn Park High School gave me a strong foundation, both academically and personally, which shaped me into a disciplined and curious learner.”
Abbas shared a similar experience.
“From supportive teachers such as Mr. Robinson and Ms. Walters to clubs and classes that pushed me to think bigger, Prince William County Public Schools played a big part in my journey,” he remarked. “I’m super grateful and I hope I can use this scholarship to give back and help others the same way people have helped me.”
Throughout their time at Osbourn Park, Abbas and Yaqoob immersed themselves in computer science and engineering, driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
“I want to become a computer engineer and work on projects that help people,” Abbas stated. “I’ve always loved programming because there’s no limit to what you can create. Whether it’s building apps or solving real-world problems, it just makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”
While Abbas admires the limitless potential of computer engineering, Yaqoob is drawn to the problem-solving aspect of computer science.
“I enjoy computer science because it empowers me to build real-world solutions from scratch,” he stated. “There’s something fascinating about turning logic into innovation. Computer science is a field where creativity and critical thinking go hand in hand, and I love that challenge.”
Both students described receiving the scholarship as a moment they will never forget.
“Receiving the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship feels unreal,” Abbas remarked. “The scholarship covers a big part of my costs for college, and it really helps me and my family out.”
Yaqoob added, “It feels incredibly rewarding and humbling,” he stated. “It’s a huge achievement and a testament to the hard work I put in throughout high school.”
Looking ahead, Abbas and Yaqoob are eager to make an impact and inspire others. Abbas will be attending the University of Virginia and Yaqoob is headed to The George Washington University.
“After college, I want to become a computer engineer and work on projects that help people,” Abbas said. “I think that this scholarship can help me give back and help others the same way people have helped me.”
Yaqoob remarked: “I want to encourage other Prince William County Public School students to take chances and pursue opportunities, even if they seem out of reach. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to try something new.”
