CLEVELAND, Oct. 7, 2024 – The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has awarded $5,000 scholarships to 12 Greater Cleveland-area students pursuing STEM-related postsecondary degrees as part of the Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship program.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Lorraine Dodero of The Sam J. Frankino Foundation developed the Cleveland STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship in 2019 with the goal of bridging the gap between the interest of female students in pursuing a career in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field and achieving their goals.
Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations STEM, but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. The number of women entering STEM careers is increasing, but the retention of women in STEM sees a significant drop even one year after graduation. Women account for only around 29% of entry-level STEM workers, and that number drops even further to around 18% for vice president roles and 12% for C-suite.
Thanks to the generosity of Dodero and The Sam J. Frankino Foundation, the Association doubled the number of $5,000 scholarships awarded for the 2024 cycle, from six to 12. The decision to increase the number of scholarships was born from a dedication to creating pathways for success and breaking down barriers in traditionally underrepresented areas of study.
“Inspiring and equipping the next generation of STEM leaders is a core part of our mission, and we’re proud to support these remarkable young women on their educational journeys,” said Shelley Webber, executive director of the American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland. “The Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship program not only strengthens their futures but also helps drive progress in science, technology, engineering and math — fields that are critical to shaping our world.”
As part of the application process, the students submitted a 500-word essay detailing why they are interested in pursuing a STEM-related degree, how their STEM major will contribute to their future career plans and the importance of STEM in general.
In addition to the essay, criteria for receiving the STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship is based on applicants’ academic achievements, high school transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
The scholarship application committee, made up of volunteers representing the American Heart Association in the STEM fields, reviewed hundreds of submissions before selecting the 12 awardees.
The 2024 Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship recipients are:
Elizabeth Calvis, Berea-Midpark High School
Omayris Delmar Montes, John Marshall School of Engineering
Helena Duffy, Cleveland Heights High School
Amy Ingraham, Bay High School
Karina Krishnan, Beachwood High School
Audrey Malcuit, Pauda Franciscan High School
Angela Mills-Gilson, East Technical High School
Julia Morgan, Gilmour Academy
Samantha Stutler, Gilmour Academy
Kaylee Synk, Saint Joseph Academy
Kayley Thompson, Avon High School
India Makayla Woodson, Bedford High School
The application window for the 2024-25 Lorraine Dodero Scholarship opens on Oct. 21, 2024. More information can be found at www.heart.org/clestemgoesred .
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jordan Van Dootingh, jordan.vandootingh@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.or
12 Greater Cleveland students were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a STEM degree
Listed Left to Right:
Elizabeth Calvis, Berea-Midpark High School
Omayris Delmar Montes, John Marshall School of Engineering
Helena Duffy, Cleveland Heights High School
Amy Ingraham, Bay High School
Karina Krishnan, Beachwood High School
Audrey Malcuit, Pauda Franciscan High School
Angela Mills-Gilson, East Technical High School
Julia Morgan, Gilmour Academy
Samantha Stutler, Gilmour Academy
Kaylee Synk, Saint Joseph Academy
Kayley Thompson, Avon High School
India Makayla Woodson, Bedford High School
12 estudiantes del área metropolitana de Cleveland fueron elegidos para recibir una beca de $5,000 para obtener un título en STEM
copyright American Heart Association
12 Greater Cleveland students were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a STEM degree
Listed Left to Right:
Elizabeth Calvis, Berea-Midpark High School
Omayris Delmar Montes, John Marshall School of Engineering
Helena Duffy, Cleveland Heights High School
Amy Ingraham, Bay High School
Karina Krishnan, Beachwood High School
Audrey Malcuit, Pauda Franciscan High School
Angela Mills-Gilson, East Technical High School
Julia Morgan, Gilmour Academy
Samantha Stutler, Gilmour Academy
Kaylee Synk, Saint Joseph Academy
Kayley Thompson, Avon High School
India Makayla Woodson, Bedford High School
12 estudiantes del área metropolitana de Cleveland fueron elegidos para recibir una beca de $5,000 para obtener un título en STEM
copyright American Heart Association
Please see AHA/ASA Multimedia Materials Usage Policy.
