Rochester Beacon (https://rochesterbeacon.com/2024/12/10/for-scholarship-recipient-at-rit-the-skys-the-limit/)
Aerospace engineering student Amos Prince has a lot of dreams.
In choosing his field of study, Prince combined his childhood dream of becoming a pilot to see the world with a desire to make the aviation industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
“I am particularly passionate about developing technologies that reduce pollution and address the environmental impacts of aviation,” he says. “I believe it is imperative to invest in cleaner energy solutions and develop technologies that make aviation more sustainable. By contributing to this field, I hope to play a role in creating a greener future for generations to come.”
Prince is currently in his first year at Rochester Institute of Technology, an institution he selected based on its co-op curriculum and history of strong engineering programs. He attends thanks in part to being one of 40 high school students who were awarded $10,000 through the “Bridging the Dream” scholarship.
The scholarships are awarded by banking corporation Sallie Mae, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall Fund. Since 2021, the scholarship fund has awarded nearly $4 million with the aim of helping underrepresented and underresourced students “access and complete higher education.”
Previous winners include Rochester native Azhyia Clemons, who used her scholarship to attend North Carolina Central University, a historical Black college. Thirty of this year’s recipients are attending HBCUs.
“(Prince’s) determination really stood out and embodies everything our Bridging the Dream Scholarship is about,” says Caron Jackson, corporate communications manager at Sallie Mae. “His story is truly inspiring. He’s an immigrant from Guyana, a first-generation college student, and he’s paying for his education on his own, all while excelling academically and showing incredible character.”
Prince’s family moved to Schenectady when he was 10 years old. The move took him away from a support system of extended family, a factor that was difficult to adjust to, he says.
However, Prince adds, he was fortunate to live in a diverse community while in New York. Music also became an important part of his early life, helping him develop and connect to his own identity.
“(Music offered) me both solace and inspiration. Singing, in particular, is a skill I deeply cherish, and my time performing with my church band remains one of my most fulfilling experiences,” Prince says. “These moments not only fostered my creativity but also taught me the value of collaboration and dedication.”
Education was also always intertwined with success, Prince says. However, as a first-generation immigrant college student, the responsibility of financing his higher education has fallen entirely on his shoulders. The scholarship has significantly alleviated his financial burden and allowed him to focus on his studies.
“Without the constant pressure of balancing multiple part-time jobs, I can dedicate myself to excelling in my studies and pursuing opportunities that enrich my educational experience,” he says. “I am deeply curious about understanding the world and using that knowledge to enact positive change in society. Higher education serves as a gateway to innovation, progress, and solutions to global challenges.”
Sallie Mae’s Jackson agrees.
“Access to higher education opens doors to life-changing opportunities, helping students achieve their goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities,” Jackson says. “Students from underresourced and underrepresented communities often face barriers to higher education. It’s crucial that we bridge these gaps by providing the tools and resources to help them make confident, informed decisions about their future.”
Jackson mentions Sallie Mae’s other efforts in this field, including the company’s scholarship search app and step-by-step guide for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. She adds that Sallie Mae also offers expert tips for crafting scholarship essays and insights from families on how they plan and pay for college.
As for Prince, the impact of this scholarship and the opportunity for higher education is not lost on him. He hopes to help pave the path for others who come after him.
“By combining my technical expertise with my passion for education, I hope to create meaningful, lasting change,” he says. “Additionally, I aspire to advocate for and expand access to education for younger generations. While changing the world may be a gradual process, I am committed to laying the groundwork for future generations to build upon.”
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
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