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Ellucian Foundation’s 2024 Path Scholarship: $500K for Needy Students
Ellucian Foundation, founded in 2020, now accepts applications for the 2024 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship Program from qualifying institutions. PATH offers block grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000 to higher education institutions to assist students in financial difficulties and help them stay in school.

“A lack of financial resources is one of the biggest obstacles students around the world face in reaching their educational goals,” stated Laura Ipsen, President and CEO of Ellucian. “At Ellucian, we’re proud to support students through our PATH Scholarship Program, helping them stay in school and achieve success.”

In 2024, the Foundation is accepting PATH applications from:
- U.S. 4-year public institutions that are eligible to participate in the Federal Title IV Student aid programs. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- In Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, not-for-profit higher education institutions that are approved by the country’s ministry of higher education (or other national government ministry) to provide associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
Since the program’s inception in 2020, PATH has provided over 145 grants totaling more than $2.3 million to higher education institutions. Those grants have supported more than 2,650 students.
- “This scholarship is much more than just financial aid; it represents an invaluable opportunity that allows me to continue my pursuit of a career in law and politics, despite the financial challenges I’ve encountered as a low-income, underserved student. It enables me to balance my responsibilities as an honors student.”
  – 2023 PATH Scholarship Recipient, Bergen Community College
- “This gift has a direct and immediate impact on the Middlesex teaching and learning environment as it benefits students who need it most. It is truly an investment in our students’ ability to learn and grow.”
  – Administrator at Middlesex College
- “I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities this scholarship will afford me. With this financial support, I can focus more on my studies, involve myself in extracurricular activities, and contribute positively to the college community. It is through scholarships like this that students like myself are empowered to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact in society.”
  – 2023 PATH Scholarship Recipient, Casper College.
- “Financial concerns are the single biggest barrier to post-secondary education. The PATH Scholarships are helping us to level the playing field through offering additional financial support to students most in need. These funds help cover tuition, living costs, and books.”
  – Administrator from Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada
The Ellucian Foundation’s Executive Director, Jen Welding, stated that PATH is a resource for colleges to help students stay on track. “PATH partners with institutions to increase access to higher education globally, and remove financial barriers for students working to finish their education and take the next step in their lives.”

Applications for PATH will be accepted from institutions in the United States (April 8–May 24, 2024) and Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, and the United Kingdom (April 8–June 21, 2024).

An independent judging committee will select the institutions that will receive a PATH Scholarship award. Selected institutions in the United States will be notified in late July, while those abroad will be notified in late September.

For more details and application access, visit: https://stayonpath.org/.
April 19, 2024
U.S.: 4 Iowa Faculty Honored with Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards
Four University of Iowa faculty members have been named recipients of the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards for 2024.

This is the third year of the award, which grants financing and development opportunities to excellent tenured associate professors who have built national or international reputations in their fields and are exceptional teachers both within and beyond the classroom.

This year’s recipients are:
- James Ankrum, associate professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering
- Natoshia Askelson, associate professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health in the College of Public Health
- Abbey Dvorak, associate professor in the School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- David Miles, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“This year’s Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholars are a strong representation of the talent, ambition, and excellence of our faculty,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “We look forward to supporting the continued growth of these four individuals and seeing how they will further impact our university and their fields in the coming years.”

Each awardee will get $25,000 each year for the following three years to fund their scholarly endeavors. In addition to financial support, scholars will collaborate with mentors to construct a personalized growth plan and attend an annual symposium to present their work to the university community. Development conferences on themes such as research leadership, mentoring, and resource management will allow grantees to connect with members of past cohorts and institutional leaders, building a community of researchers from various fields.

The Iowa Mid-Career professors Scholar Award program demonstrates the university’s dedication to recognizing and supporting the professional development of its outstanding professors. By fostering the development and achievement of these scholars, the institution advances its purpose of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

James Ankrum

Ankrum is an accomplished researcher who has made important contributions to the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. His team develops treatments based on mesenchymal stem cells—self-renewing cells—to battle inflammation and mend wounds and ischemia-damaged tissues. He has also created in vitro models of adipose tissue to investigate how environmental pollutants in the body contribute to disorders like obesity and diabetes. Ankrum has published 46 peer-reviewed academic publications since moving to Iowa. He is an academic editor for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, is on the advisory board of Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, and was recently designated a Fulbright scholar.

Ankrum has played a key role in improving courses in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering, including redesigning the department’s second-year professional seminar course and the two-course senior design sequence, as well as developing a new course called Communicating Science. The course, which is great for engineers who wish to connect with nonexpert audiences, has proven particularly popular, with graduate students from outside the biomedical engineering department registering for it.

“Dr. Ankrum is an extremely productive scientist and a blossoming world-class scholar,” according to Kim Blackwell, chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. “Simultaneously, he excels in the classroom, is an outstanding mentor, and is generous in service.”

Ankrum earned a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Iowa, a Master of Philosophy in engineering design from Cambridge University, and a PhD in medical engineering and physics from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. In 2014, he joined the Iowa faculty as an assistant professor.

Natoshia Askelson

Askelson is a well-known behavioral science researcher in the fields of mother and child health and prevention. She is the deputy director of the UI Prevention Research Center for Rural Health, one of 26 CDC-funded centers in the United States. She also directs the Iowa Immunization Research Network, the Research and Evaluation Core for the Institute for Public Health Practice, Research, and Policy, and serves as the interim Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the UI Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Askelson has worked as the main investigator or project director for important funds that have financed research on areas such as COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and eliminating cancer disparities in African American communities. Askelson engages Iowa students in the implementation of her research projects and is a highly sought after mentor.

“Dr. Askelson’s scholarship and research impact, in addition to her leadership roles, undoubtably indicate a promising and productive career trajectory,” say Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health, and Mark Vander Weg, department executive officer for community and behavioral health, in a letter of support.

Askelson has a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and German from Iowa, a Master of Public Health in International Health and Health Education from Emory University, and a PhD in Community and Behavioral Health from Iowa. In 2015, she joined the Iowa faculty as an assistant professor.

Abbey Dvorak

Dvorak directs Iowa’s prestigious music therapy program, one of the few in the country that provides instruction from undergraduate to doctoral levels. She is widely regarded as a top academic in the field, having published over 30 articles in major music therapy journals. At Iowa, she has created four new graduate courses, chaired four doctoral committees and 21 master’s committees, and supervised over 30 student research presentations and publications.

Dvorak is studying the long-term consequences on young music therapy practitioners who participate in course-based undergraduate research experiences, or CUREs, which include research projects within a course. While CUREs are most commonly utilized in science-related domains, Dvorak’s research suggests that they can also be applied in arts-based healthcare disciplines. She co-created and conducted the first CUREs for music students in music therapy and music education, working alongside her research team.

“In her four years at the University of Iowa, Dr. Dvorak has made a significant impact not only on the School of Music, but Iowa’s reputation in the field,” says Tammie Walker, director of Iowa’s School of Music, in a letter of recommendation. “As a prolific researcher, she has set the bar very high for her students but has also provided them with the support they need to achieve success.”

Dvorak received her Bachelor of Arts in music education from Briar Cliff University, as well as her Master of Arts in music therapy and PhD in music education/music therapy from the University of Iowa.Prior to joining Iowa in 2020, she worked as an assistant professor at the University of Kansas.

David Miles

Miles is one of the finest experimental space physicists at research universities throughout the world, and he directs Iowa’s highly recognized instrumentation and scientific program. His research on magnetic field measuring instruments has reaffirmed the country’s ability to build and produce such devices to detect magnetic fields linked with the northern lights and violent geomagnetic storms. These measurements can also help us comprehend the attributes of other planets, moons, and asteroids.

Miles has worked on important space programs at the university and has played a critical role in the TRACERS mission, which got the largest government award in UI history. Last year, he became the mission’s principal investigator. He has also secured money to help students attending the biannual sounding rocket field school in Norway, where undergraduate students build and launch equipment, and is currently working on a sounding rocket project at Iowa.

“Professor Miles is a highly respected scientist who is a dedicated teacher and mentor,” says Mary Hall Reno, executive director of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Already the mission leader of a major space physics project, he is regarded as a departmental head. Professor Miles aims to grow his leadership, improve his research record, and pursue new opportunities at the university and in space physics.

Miles received a Bachelor of Engineering in computer engineering from the University of Victoria, a Master of Science in physics from the University of Alberta, and a PhD in geophysics from the University of Alberta. He spent ten years as a trust professional at the University of Alberta before becoming an assistant professor at Iowa in 2017.
April 19, 2024
West Virginia University Names 2024 Foundation Scholars

The 2024-25 WVU Foundation Scholars are five exceptional incoming freshmen with academic interests in humanities, medicine, and science. They aim to use their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills to generate new ideas and innovative solutions for a better future. This is the highest academic scholarship awarded by the University.

The new scholars are Ama Ackon-Annan from Woodrow Wilson High School, Isaac Brown from Clay County High School, Liam McCarthy from Musselman High School, Clare Talbott from Elkins High School, and Zadie Worley from Liberty (Raleigh) High School.

“Our five Foundation Scholars represent the best of West Virginia and I look forward to officially welcoming them to the West Virginia University family this fall,” said Gordon Gee, president of West Virginia University. “Ama, Isaac, Liam, Clare, and Zadie will face challenges while pursuing their ambitions at West Virginia University. I am confident they will all achieve success in their chosen pathways of purpose.”

Last month, 20 high school graduates competed for the famous Bucklew Scholarship for West Virginia students.

The scholarship covers the costs of four years of undergraduate studies, including tuition, lodging and board, and a book stipend. Each Foundation Scholar will also receive a $4,500 stipend to enable them broaden their academic experiences through study abroad, internships, or research.

Ackon-Annan, a biomedical engineering major who grew up attending STEM camps guided by her engineer mother, was driven to work in the health care field since an early age. She describes West Virginia University as a “home away from home” and plans to participate in intramural sports and DEI programs. She is a passionate fan of professional soccer and hopes to study abroad in England or France someday. Ackon-Annan is delighted to combine her interests in biology and technology to pursue a career as a family physician.

Brown, who discovered his professional ambition while volunteering for local political campaigns, plans to major in political science and mathematics. Brown decided to pursue his degrees in his native state of West Virginia, where he hopes to make a difference. He aims to join the Student Government Association and Model United Nations, and eventually work as a legislative intern in Charleston or study comparative law in Europe. His long-term objective is to study law and/or teach mathematics.

McCarthy plans to major in political science and jazz piano. He claimed he expects to feel like “a big fish in a small pond and thrive at WVU.” As a French horn and piano musician, he aims to join the WVU Jazz Ensemble, participate in youth music outreach projects, and become a Presidential Student Ambassador. Eventually, he wants to study politics in Germany and pursue his ambition of studying music in the Caribbean. As a second-generation Foundation Scholar, he aspires to be a music professor or to study law.

Talbott plans to major in environmental, soil, and water sciences. An elementary school assignment on global warming fueled her interest in sustainable development, namely the protection of Appalachian Mountain habitats. She aims to engage with the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to sustainability at WVU. Talbott, who spent a gap year working on an organic farm in Italy, intends to study abroad in a country with strict environmental rules as a means of developing innovative ways to protect the earth for future generations.

Worley plans to major in neurobiology. After seeing a young family member suffer from epilepsy, she intends to use her degree to become a pediatric neurologist in West Virginia. Worley said her priorities are similar to those of WVU’s best health care professionals, which include coming up with new ideas and assisting people while pursuing her passions. She aims to join the Medical and Dental Brigades and assist in important research at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.

To be eligible for the Foundation Scholarship, students must achieve a stringent set of requirements, including West Virginia residency, a minimum grade point average of 3.8, and a composite score of 30 on the ACT or equivalent SAT.

April 19, 2024
Baylor’s Exceptional Scholar Clinches 4th Straight Churchill Scholarship in University History

Alagu Subramanian, B.A. ’23, a Baylor University Scholar with concentrations in biology, medical humanities, and business administration, has been named one of 16 recipients of the highly competitive Winston Churchill Scholarship in science, mathematics, and engineering by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States.

Subramanian is Baylor’s fourth consecutive Churchill nominee, a remarkable achievement given the University’s short history of nominating institutions. Baylor Churchill Scholars Arvind Muruganantham, B.S. (cell and molecular biology) ’23, Kate Rojales, B.S. (chemistry) ’22, and Emily Schultz, B.S. (biology) ’21, are studying for a master’s degree at Churchill College, Cambridge.

According to Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D., associate dean for active learning at Baylor, the Churchill Award is the most prestigious for undergraduates in STEM due to its high standards and limited number of recipients. “That Baylor has done something unparalleled in the history of the prize by winning for the fourth time in a row is simply amazing – a credit to our great students, dedicated science faculty, and thriving undergraduate research enterprise. Alagu clearly merits a spot in the Baylor-to-Cambridge pipeline.

The Churchill Scholarship was established at Sir Winston Churchill’s request as part of the foundation of Churchill College in Cambridge. It carries on his aim of strengthening the US-UK partnership to develop science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, assuring future prosperity and security. The Churchill Fellowship provides full tuition, a competitive stipend, travel expenses, and the opportunity to compete for a $4,000 special research award.

Subramanian plans to pursue an M.Phil. in Medical Science at Cambridge’s Department of Surgery and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. He will collaborate with Dr. Andrew McCaskie and Dr. Mark Birch on a project to study biological circumstances that enrich stem cells for transplantation as a regenerative therapy for osteoarthritis.

Subramanian intends to pursue an M.D. after finishing his studies at Cambridge, where he will perform research in translational drug discovery and first-in-class therapeutic development.

“I applied for the Churchill Fellowship so that I could go to a new nation while performing groundbreaking research at a world-renowned institution. My research experiences in academia, industry, and government inspired me to pursue science. Every question I asked resulted in a new topic and a chance to apply results to improve each patient’s lived experience with sickness,” Subramanian explained.

“The Churchill Scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to encounter a new culture and broaden my horizons in a new nation. An experience that allows me to study abroad while developing relationships that will affect my professional destiny. “I’ve heard that Cambridge science dances on the rooftops, and I can’t wait to dance,” he said.

Subramanian received his second major scholarship after winning the sixth consecutive Goldwater Scholarship at Baylor in 2023. The Goldwater Scholarship, awarded to outstanding undergraduates in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics, motivated him to pursue revolutionary therapies for patients.

Subramanian, a Baylor undergraduate from San Ramon, California, found a natural research mentor in associate biology professor Joseph Taube, B.S. ’03, Ph.D. The Taube Lab focuses on molecular pathways and cellular features that enable primary tumor cells to spread. He initially met Taube while attending an Invitation to Excellence event as a prospective Baylor student.

“Dr. Taube spoke to me about his research in breast cancer metastasis which inspired me and was a key factor in my decision to come to Baylor and work with him,” Subramanian said in a statement.

Despite starting his undergraduate study during COVID, Subramanian demonstrated exceptional independence and skill, according to Taube.

Subramanian, an aspiring medical researcher and physician interested in novel therapeutic discovery, worked on the lab’s small molecules project and served as the biology lead of the MiniPharma collaboration, a collaborative undergraduate research program focused on molecular modeling, synthesis, and cellular assays to identify novel drug leads.

“I asked Alagu to evaluate the anti-cancer effectiveness of numerous substances offered by the Romo research lab. He not only analyzed cytotoxicity in a variety of malignancies, but he also discovered a potential biomarker that could predict vulnerability to these chemicals,” Taube added. “I loved having Alagu in my lab because I enjoy supporting Baylor students who are interested in research. Getting to be a part of their discovery that they can provide relevant and innovative data and join the community of research scientists is a blessing for me.”

At the University of Texas at Austin’s SURE conference in Natural Sciences, Subramanian presented his research on cancer biology, specifically cancer stem cells. In October 2023, he was one of the few undergraduates to present a poster at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Boston. He was also the first author of the paper published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. Taube explained that the work he began serves as the foundation for a new graduate student’s thesis, and they would collaborate on an upcoming book.

April 19, 2024
10 Best Companies to Work for Women in the World

For women to thrive in business, firms must create an inclusive environment that nurtures the abilities of female employees and gives possibilities for advancement.

Inequalities in the workplace, such as the gender wage gap and diversity challenges in industries like technology, disproportionately harm women, making it crucial for organizations to prioritize women in leadership positions.

The Comparably Best firms for Women rating analyzes anonymous comments from female employees over a 12-month period to identify the top firms for women.

The platform examined a set of 50 questions covering 16 culture parameters, including remuneration, career advancement and opportunity, and workplace climate. Overall, the ranking was based on 15 million ratings from 70,000 companies.

The ranking of the best firms for women in large companies included those with more than 500 employees; only those with at least 75 employee ratings made the list.

According to the 2022 Comparably ranking, the following companies are the greatest places to work for women.

1. RingCentral

RingCentral, a cloud-based software company, is ranked as the Best Company for Women in 2022 by Comparably.

SaaSY Women and RC Women in Leadership are just two of RingCentral’s many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) dedicated to making women in business feel encouraged and empowered.

Female RingCentral employees selected Executive Team, Team, and Leadership as the top categories out of those scored.

With 81% of women believing they are paid equally, RingCentral demonstrates that its commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond hollow claims.

2. ADP

ADP, a management services organization, ranks second for Best Company for Women 2022.

With female CEO Maria Black heading the company, women in business rated it favorably in categories such as Team, Executive Team, and CEO Rating.

Women account for more than half of ADP’s workforce.

ADP has received another amazing accolade: it is one of the top 100 companies for working mothers.

Female ADP employees are part of a corporation that organizes Women in Leadership events, which bring together influential female executives.

3. Chewy

Chewy is an online pet supplies marketplace that aims to be a reliable source for all your pet’s requirements.

However, the company’s passion to pets appears to extend to its employees, as seen by its third place in the Comparably ranking.

Women in the legal department ranked Chewy’s culture the highest.

One Chewy employee stated, “The leadership team is actively engaged with employees and uses employee feedback to make decisions.”

4. Baylor Scott and White Health

This nonprofit healthcare organization was started as a Christian healing mission. The company claims that its objective is to promote the well-being of all individuals, communities, and families.

Women in the customer success department rated Baylor Scott & White Health’s culture the highest.

5. Globants

Globant, the fifth-ranked software development firm, has offices in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia.

The company has already been named one of the best companies for women three times: in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

The administration department assessed Globant’s gender score as the highest.

One employee stated, “Everyone seems relaxed and open. No bossy culture or haughty attitude. Nobody tries to take control of you.

6. Workday

Workday, a global human resource management organization, describes its approach to diversity as embracing everyone.

Female employees at Workday ranked Team, Happiness, and CEO Rating as their top categories.

Women in the business development department rated Workday’s culture the highest.

One employee stated: “I enjoy working at Workday because I feel respected every day. Also, I enjoy being a part of a community of individuals that care about others and always look on the bright side of things.”

7. Task Us

This company, founded in the United States in 2008, offers outsourced digital services and customer experience to innovative businesses.

TaskUs is ranked as one of the finest organizations for women, and they develop affinity groups like Women@TaskUs to assist female employees feel more engaged at work.

8. Concentrix

Concentrix, a business services company, provides an excellent workplace for women, according to the Comparably assessment.

Concentrix has been named as one of the top companies for women four years in a row, beginning in 2019.

Women at the organization rated Team, Executive Team, and Leadership as the top categories out of those scored.

9. HubSpot

HubSpot, a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, is ninth on the list of comparables.

Employees rated HubSpot, which is led by female CEO Yamini Rangan, as one of the greatest companies for women.

The organization hosts initiatives like Women@HubSpot, which strive to empower talented women in the workplace.

One employee stated, “Working at Hubspot has been transformational for me personally and professionally.” My teammates, who are world-class in their fields, make me feel both supported and challenged. I’ve never worked in an organization that has nailed culture like Hubspot does.”

10. Adobe

Adobe is ranked in the top ten best employers for women; up to 85% of female employees who supplied feedback said they would suggest working at Adobe.

Women at the company ranked Perks & Benefits, CEO Rating, and Happiness as the top categories.

“[The] organization provides a number of programs, employment alternatives, and learning opportunities. Also encourages work-life balance. “It is a fantastic company for women,” stated one Adobe employee.

April 15, 2024
10 Exemplary Company Cultures at Microsoft, Chegg, and Others
Salaries, working hours, and prospects for advancement are all key factors to consider while looking for a new workplace.

However, a positive business culture is just as crucial. Knowing what to look for is easier said than done; knowing where to look is even more difficult.

Every year, the employer and brand comparison website Comparably compiles a list of the top global firms with the finest cultures. To make your search easier, we’ve broken down the top 20 organizations on this year’s list, emphasizing the distinctive programs and activities that distinguish them as strong company culture examples.

But first, what exactly is organizational culture?

Company culture refers to an organization’s shared values, habits, standards, and goals. It represents not only why people do what they do (the value they derive from their work), but also how they collaborate to achieve their objectives.

The employee benefits provided by a firm reveal a lot about its culture. To foster a positive company culture, employees must be provided with enough health insurance, paid time off, and family leave. All of the companies on this list provide these benefits.

1. Microsoft

Global tech company

Headquarters: Washington, USA

Microsoft’s workplace culture is well-known around the world for its friendly and stimulating work environment.

One of the prevalent themes in employee reviews is the growth attitude that underpins the Microsoft company culture, with employees having adequate help to expand and use their talents.

An example of this in action is Microsoft’s annual hackathon, which is the world’s largest private hackathon.

Employees gain from on-the-job “stretch” assignments, which allow them to expand their knowledge and skills beyond their existing roles.

Other staff benefits that contribute to the friendly Microsoft business culture are:
- Employee resource groups to connect employees of marginalized identities across global teams
- Generous family leave, parenting classes, and adoption assistance
- Financial education and tuition assistance
2. Workday

Cloud-based HR software

Headquarters: California, USA

Employees describe Workday as a people-first corporation that promotes a positive workplace culture built on caring and inclusive teams.

“People are our first core value, and this ethos is lived throughout the company,” a staff member remarked.

A staggering 92% of Workday employees are satisfied with the benefits provided by their employer, which include substantial family support as well as non-traditional employee benefits such as period health care and a well-being subsidy.

3. Chegg

Online student services

Headquarters: California, USA

Employee reviews show that Chegg has succeeded in creating a strong business culture capable of coping with a volatile market.

“I’ve worked at a lot of places that claim to care but don’t,” said one poll participant. “We stay up with the latest trends and technological advancements. “We have new programs and B2B ideas coming in.”

In accordance with its educational mission, Chegg provides an Equity for Education benefits package to assist employees in paying off student debt and bringing this issue to the forefront of employers’ attention. Chegg has already paid employees more than $1 million to help them pay off their student debt.

The organization also provides a tuition reimbursement program for work-related learning.

4. RingCentral

Cloud-based communications

Headquarters: California, USA

RingCentral fosters a positive workplace culture through numerous campus events, which employees applaud for increasing community spirit and providing opportunities to mingle with people they do not work with directly.

Remote and hybrid work options are also offered, in addition to significant mental health care, which includes:
- Once-a-quarter mental health days
- An employee assistance program offering 24/7 counseling sessions
- 1:1 wellness coaching and meditation guidance
Finally, employees perceive a positive business culture that values recognition and appreciation.

“[The leadership team’s] acknowledgment of individual contributions not only motivates team members but also cultivates a sense of belonging and fulfillment within the organization,” a staff member remarked.

5. HubSpot

Marketing, sales, and customer service software provider

Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA

HubSpot is a famous thought leader in developing a positive business culture, and employees hold leaders to a high standard.

“We hold our leaders accountable for walking the walk on culture,” one employee told Comparably. “People care deeply about culture and wish to make it a priority. Personally, that is what keeps me at HubSpot.

HubSpot goes above and above when it comes to developing a positive business culture by offering non-traditional employee benefits such as:
- Unlimited vacation
- High stock grants
- Five-year sabbatical
- Egg-freezing coverage
- Up to eight hours of volunteering in company time annually
6. Concentrix

Customer experience software

Headquarters: California, USA

Employees at Concentrix commend the company’s emphasis on employee well-being and growth for fostering a positive workplace culture.

“There are so many places that don’t value the staff or are unforgiving,” one reviewer wrote. “We give the staff every opportunity to be the best they can be and we guide them rather than be punitive.”

In fact, the organization’s learning and development activities earned it a top 50 ranking in Training magazine’s top 100 list.

Employees also value Concentrix leadership’s honesty and expertise of their industry.

7. Elsevier

Global information analytics provider

Headquarters: New York, USA

Elsevier’s employee reviews reveal that it has an excellent workplace culture that values flexibility, supports work-life balance, and trusts people to accomplish their task and contribute useful insight to leadership.

Elsevier delivers the following essential benefits:
- Flexible working
- Monthly mental health webinars
- Virtual mindfulness sessions
8. LexisNexis Legal & Professional

Legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics provider

Headquarters: New York, USA

In a highly technical industry, LexisNexis Legal & Professional’s company culture distinguishes out for its “servant leadership” concept, which provides people with the resources they need to prosper.

“Everyone is encouraged to learn and develop if they want to and, to that end, everyone has access to a wide variety of learning materials covering every conceivable area of L&D,” a staff member remarked.

Another prominent feature in employee reviews is the welcoming atmosphere, which fosters friendship among coworkers.

LexisNexis, like RX Global, provides employees with opportunity to give back to their communities by allowing them two days to do pro bono services or volunteer.

9. Globant

Software product development

Headquarters: California, USA

Globant’s good workplace culture is inclusive, demonstrating that technology organizations do not have to be hostile to women.

“I can be myself, [and] being a woman in tech is not always easy,” said an anonymous reviewer to Comparably. “I believe my colleagues are nice, respectful, and compassionate. People have a growth attitude, which means they want the company to expand and their employees to grow alongside it.”

Globant provides comprehensive health insurance benefits and bonuses for on-site employees, including free food, massages, and even manicures. The corporation also provides relocation options and a “work anywhere” program to provide employees more flexibility.

10. RX Global

Exhibition and event organizer

Headquarters: Surrey, UK

Employees say the company culture at RX Global is inclusive and fast-paced, with supervisors and executives willing to listen to them.

One of the characteristics that distinguishes RX from other company cultures is its emphasis on giving back to the community. Last year, approximately one-third of RX employees volunteered under the RELX Cares initiative. That’s a significantly higher percentage than the sector average, which is only 85%, according to Business for Societal Impact data.
April 15, 2024
5 Tips to Prepare for MBA Summer Internship

MBA summer internships provide an excellent opportunity to get experience, network, and, if you’re lucky, land a job offer following business school.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), internships are the most effective job search approach, with 58% of recent graduates receiving job offers by the end of the program.

MBA internships last eight to twelve weeks and often begin in May or June. If you want to make the most of your internship experience, you can start preparing now.

Here are the five best tips to prepare for your MBA summer internship:

1. Establish specific goals for your MBA internship

To make the most of your MBA internship and boost your chances of getting a job offer, you must first define your goals.

Consider the abilities you wish to develop and the parts of the business you’d like to learn about. Are there any questions you want answered? Are there any specific professionals you’d like to network with?

Setting clear goals from the start is critical to matching your internship experience with your professional ambitions.

2. Keep clear communication with your manager

Starting an MBA internship can require a significant amount of administration and preparation. Regular contact with your manager is essential for establishing expectations and maintaining a smooth onboarding process.

This involves inquiring about the technology and resources that will be supplied, noting the dress code, and obtaining any necessary documentation to bring on your first day.

Taking the initiative to ask any relevant questions displays not just your readiness for the work, but also your passion, even before you begin your summer internship.

3. Research the company before beginning an MBA summer internship

Although you may have done your research before to your interview, it’s a good idea to brush up on your company knowledge to ensure you hit the ground running from the start.

Careful study into the company’s basic business methods, needs, and beliefs can help you better understand where you fit within the organization and how you can contribute to the company’s objectives. This establishes you as a dedicated intern and an asset to the organization, perhaps increasing your chances of securing a full-time career following your MBA summer internship.

4. Stay updated on industry trends

Showcasing your familiarity with the organization is critical, but staying current on industry trends will help you go one step further in showcasing your preparedness for your MBA summer internship.

Your MBA studies are essential for developing specialized knowledge, but reading industry-specific publications and recognizing significant players in your sector helps keep you up to date on market trends. It’s worth attending any local conferences and events where you may network with other experts and share ideas.

5. Review related skills

The required abilities for internships vary by function and sector. While your MBA and professional experience are vital for establishing the necessary skills, you should brush up on any applicable technological skills, such as data analysis or digital marketing tools, ahead of time.

While soft skills may be more difficult to prepare for, skills like interpersonal communication and successful teamwork are vital to remember. This allows you to make a conscious effort to demonstrate these fundamental talents during your internship.

April 15, 2024
APPLY NOW! MaineCF Offers Scholarships for Future Engineers

High school seniors pursuing engineering degrees may be eligible for the K. William Wiseman Engineering Scholarship from the Maine Community Foundation.

The fund assists students who graduate from Maine high schools and attend an accredited college or university. The school does not need to be in Maine. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 1.

For more information and to apply, visit www.mainecf.org/scholarships.

The Maine Community Foundation connects people and resources to create a better Maine through strategic philanthropy, community leadership, customized service, local expertise, and sound investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.

April 15, 2024
Cavaliers Community Foundation Offers $100K Scholarships to High School and College Students

The Cavaliers Community Foundation (CCF) will award 10 Northeast Ohio high school and college students with $10,000 scholarships to further their education. The winners will be recognized at a pregame banquet and a halftime ceremony before the Cavs’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, April 14, at Rocket Mortgage Field House.

This year, with the support of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and a commitment from the Cavs to increase the investment, CCF has doubled the total amount of scholarship grants from $50,000 to $100,000 and introduced an inaugural scholarship for students enrolling or currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Mitchell’s foundation, SPIDACARES Inc., is providing funding for the new HBCU scholarship.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Nic Barlage, Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group, and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO.” Education is a critical instrument for equipping young people with the resources and skills they need to make a good difference in their communities and the world at large. We are proud to collaborate with Huntington and SPIDACARES to support the 2024 scholarship class in their academic pursuits and recognize their hard work and devotion in reaching this milestone.

Huntington’s Cavaliers grant Program provides five graduating seniors with a $10,000 grant to attend college, vocational/trade school, or a similar education course leading to certification or a degree in the 2024-2025 academic year. Scholarship funding can be used to cover genuine college or vocational/trade school expenditures, such as tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. Scholarship applicants are chosen based on their academic performance, exceptional community service, and financial need. In addition to the five scholarships, Huntington will help five other kids establish pre-funded savings accounts worth $1,000 each.

“At Huntington, we think that education is a crucial step toward success. “We’re honored to continue our financial support and partner with the Cavs Community Foundation to provide these scholarships, which we hope will truly transform these students,” said Roshonda Smith, Vice President, Regional Community Development Manager, Huntington National Bank.

CCF advanced its aim of engaging in youth development by launching the HBCU scholarship program this year in collaboration with Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell and his nonprofit SPIDACARES. The initiative, which aims to encourage students who are either pursuing or seeking an education at an HBCU, grants five students a $10,000 stipend. SPIDACARES, founded in 2019 by Mitchell and his family, provides resources and opportunities for youngsters through various athletic activities, as well as grants and scholarships to students in financial need who demonstrate the spirit of hard work, empathy, and leadership.

Donovan Mitchell, Founder of SPIDACARES, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this scholarship and see its success. “We are honored to partner with the Cavs on this HBCU initiative, and we’re confident that the recipients will seize this opportunity to push their dreams forward and create meaningful change.”

The following students received the Cavaliers and HBCU Scholarship:

April 15, 2024
Whirlpool Foundation Grants 25 Scholarships

The Whirlpool Foundation has granted 25 scholarships to Whirlpool Corporation workers’ children through its Sons and Daughters College and Vocational Training Scholarship program.

Since the scholarship program’s establishment, the Foundation has provided regular four-year college or university scholarships. Beginning in 2023, the scholarship program was expanded to address the post-secondary educational needs of students interested in pursuing a career in the vocational-technical field.

These scholarships are awarded to the best and brightest high school seniors from Whirlpool locations around the United States, including the eight manufacturing communities. The Whirlpool Foundation offers scholarships through a competitive procedure to the children of over 20,000 Whirlpool Corporation employees in the United States.

“We know that post-secondary education opportunities may not be the same for everyone, and more importantly, education is different for everyone,” said Deb O’Connor, Whirlpool Foundation managing director. “The Whirlpool Foundation understands that difference, values inclusivity, and works to ensure that all students have access to employment opportunities. We contribute to our inventive workforce by fostering students’ different professional interests and goals.

The following area students were chosen to earn a Whirlpool Sons and Daughters Scholarship:

Alexis Quickle, an Old Fort High School student and daughter of Ed Quickle, received the Whirlpool Corporation Clyde Operations University Scholarship. She is thrilled to announce that she will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall of 2024 to study Aerospace Engineering.

Joseph Faber, a Sandusky St. Mary High School student and son of Tad Faber, has been awarded the Clyde Operations University Scholarship by Whirlpool Corporation. He is thrilled to announce that he will be attending Kent State in the autumn of 2024 to study architecture.

Mackenzie Nevison, Huron High School, is Steven Nevison’s daughter and the recipient of the Whirlpool Corporation Clyde Operations University Scholarship. Mackenzie will attend Ohio University in the fall of 2024 to study Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Kenyon Bilbrey, a Clyde High School student, is Ruben Rosales’ son and the recipient of the Whirlpool Corporation Clyde Operations University scholarship. Kenyon will attend The Ohio State University in the autumn to study Pre-Law Business.

Mikayla Lieske is a Clyde High School student, Amy Flores’ daughter, and a Whirlpool Corporation Vocational Scholarship recipient. Mikayla will attend Owen’s Community College in the fall of 2024 to further her education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

April 15, 2024
Duke University Discontinues Scholarship Program for Black Students

Duke University has discontinued the Reginaldo Howard Scholars program, which provided full-ride merit scholarships to a select group of African ancestry students in each entering class. The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program, open to all students and non-competitive, will replace the previous program, according to a university official. The Duke Chronicle, a student publication, was the first to announce the news.

Current scholars will not lose funds, but no new scholarships will be issued.

The scholarship and leadership programs remember Reginaldo “Reggie” Howard, Duke’s first Black student body president, who died in an automobile accident in his sophomore year, shortly after being elected.

“This transition will continue to offer a variety of options for financial assistance to our students while honoring Mr. Howard’s legacy,” said Frank Tramble, vice president for communications, marketing and public relations, in an email to Inside Higher Ed. “Our commitment to diversity remains strong, including our support of HCBU graduates pursuing graduate programs at Duke and our full tuition grants for undergraduate students from North and South Carolina whose families earn less than $150,000 as well as offer various forms of assistance offered to students from North and South Carolina whose families earn below $65,000.”

The move comes nearly 10 months after the Supreme Court barred the use of affirmative action in admissions decisions, leading to arguments at many schools over how widely to interpret that rule.

April 15, 2024
Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest Awards $15000 | Full List of Winners

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, in collaboration with Edvest 529, Wisconsin’s direct-sold 529 college savings plan, and the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, today named 15 Wisconsin high school seniors as the winners of this year’s 2024 Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest. Ten of the fifteen award recipients are first-generation college students. Each scholarship recipient will receive a $1,000 contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 account in exchange for submitting a winning essay on how they intend to fund their education.

Congratulations to this year’s essay contest scholarship recipients:

● Destiny Counts, Muskego High School, Muskego

● Melanie Fink, New Glarus High School, New Glarus

● Jonathan Jeske, Sword of the Spirit Academy (Homeschool), Ashwaubenon

● Chase Kruchten, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac

● Noah Krueger, DeForest Area High School, DeForest

● Nevaeh Malone, Antigo High School, Antigo

● Hallie Miller, Lodi High School, Lodi

● Xander Neal, Chippewa Falls High School, Chippewa Falls

● Nora Oleniczak, Preble High School, Green Bay

● Andie Otto, Cumberland High School, Cumberland

● Sidhdhi Patel, Prairie du Chien High School, Prairie du Chien

● Bridget Salber, Marathon High School, Marathon

● Cora Stodola, Mishicot High School, Mishicot

● Christopher Vanderwielen, Luxemburg-Casco High School, Luxemburg

● Collin Zimmermann, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School, Elkhart Lake

Members of the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt read and graded 160 essay submissions based on criteria such as identifying financing sources for higher education and explaining how to manage student loan debt.

“These students have shown us through their essay submissions that they have developed plans to pay for college and manage potential student loan debt,” stated Cheryll Olson-Collins, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. “We praise these kids for displaying excellent money management skills, and we encourage them to continue improving their financial awareness and capacity as they further their schooling. We believe that this scholarship will help them continue to achieve academic success.”

The Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest is part of Money Smart Wisconsin Week, a financial literacy awareness and education event held this week (April 6-13, 2024). Sponsors of the scholarship competition include Ascendium Education Group, Educators Credit Union, Edvest 529, SecureFutures, Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union, the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. For more information, go to debtsmarts.org or contact WICoalitionStudentDebt@gmail.com.

April 15, 2024
University of Montana Forestry Student Awarded Prestigious Truman Scholarship

One of the University of Montana’s College of Forestry students was selected for the Truman Scholarship, along with 59 other recipients.

This year, 709 people competed for the scholarship, but Jaiden Stansberry’s dedication and leadership abilities stood out among the crowd.

Stansberry served as the “chief push” for the Forester’s Ball committee, assisting her peers in tearing down the town erected for the 105th Foresters’ Ball in UM’s Schriber Gym.

She is a member of the Davidson Honors College, pursuing a minor in Fire Science and Management and a certificate from the Franke Global Leadership Initiative.

The Truman Scholarship provides recipients with $30,000 to apply for graduate school, leadership training, federal government internships, and other opportunities.

“It’s probably the most competitive award for undergraduates who want to pursue public service,” said Kylla Benes, head of the University of Michigan Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships. “These are students who are going to do great stuff no matter what, but the award allows them to leverage their talents in a way they may not have otherwise been able to.”

The University of Montana has given the following information:

The day before Jaiden Stansberry submitted her Truman Scholarship application, which included 14 essays, a policy proposal, and multiple interviews, she spent hours with her classmates razing a makeshift logging town built in the University of Montana’s Schreiber Gym for the 105th Foresters’ Ball.

As “chief push” of the Foresters’ Ball committee, Stansberry was tasked with guiding the thriving UM event from conception to completion while continuing to fulfill her regular responsibilities as a senior forestry student.

“After deconstruction, the next day I was at the library fixing all my Truman Scholarship essays,” Stansberry said, noting with pride that her team demolished the timber in record time.

Stansberry, who is also a member of the Davidson Honors College and is pursuing a Fire Science and Management minor as well as a Franke Global Leadership Initiative certificate, was chosen as one of 60 Truman Scholars this year from 709 applicants.

“It kind of felt surreal,” Stansberry remarked of learning about her honor. “My mom cried when I called her, she was so happy about it.”

Truman Scholars exhibit exceptional leadership potential, dedication to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic success. Following a rigorous application process, those selected get $30,000 in support for graduate courses, leadership training, career guidance, and exceptional internship opportunities with the federal government.

“It’s probably the most competitive award for undergraduates who want to pursue public service,” said Kylla Benes, head of the University of Michigan Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships. “These are students who are going to do great stuff no matter what, but the award allows them to leverage their talents in a way they may not have otherwise been able to.”

Stansberry’s application centered on wildland fire, which is fundamental to her schooling, professional career, and personal life.

In addition to studying fire science and management at UM, Stansberry spends summers as a wildland firefighter in Yosemite National Park, where she spent much of her formative childhood years and developed an interest in forestry. Stansberry lived outside a national park for the first time when she relocated to the University of Michigan’s campus.

“I use the term ‘park brat,’” Stansberry joked about growing up in national parks because of her father’s job. “I knew I always wanted to work for the Park Service.”

Stansberry’s concentrated commitment, leadership, and community-mindedness helped her shine as a candidate, Benes said, but it was a rare combination of direct understanding as a wildland firefighter and high-level policy acumen in her area that truly provided her an advantage.

“I think that’s Jaiden’s strong suit,” Benes remarked. “As a scholar, she can discuss fire science and policy.” However, given her experience, she can also carry out on-the-ground firefighting and preventative burning.

Writing the policy proposal was a rewarding and eye-opening aspect of the application. Stansberry consulted with UM professors and National Park Service officials to learn what policy changes they wanted to see and why, with the goal of developing a realistic proposal that could be enacted.

“It was really fun to get into the weeds about what really needs to be changed, and if that can be changed by an action through legislation or through creating programs,” she went on to say.

Stansberry’s suggestion offered strategies to recruit and retain passionate leaders in wildland fire control by enrolling more seasonal workers in the Park Service’s apprenticeship program and then converting them to permanent positions. It also explored developing category exclusions for cultural burning, which would improve collaboration on prescribed burns between the Park Service and local tribes who have long managed the land.

Stansberry recently utilized her concept to provide public feedback on Glacier National Park’s Fire Management Plan, which is being updated.

“It was fun to turn my work into something tangible,” Stansberry added.

Stansberry’s time at UM has been marked by a focus on applying her knowledge to the real world, which is one of the reasons she is pleased to be a Griz.

“The College of Forestry is ripe with opportunities,” she went on to say. “If you tell a professor that you’re interested in something, they will likely be able to accommodate it.”

Stansberry routinely took advantage of leadership chances as an undergraduate, including developing a burn plan for an honors credit. After hours of field modeling, parameter tuning, and contingency preparation, the 100-acre grassland burn was carried out in the Clearwater Junction region.

Stansberry also participates in UM’s Fire Club, Forestry Club, and Woodsman Team. Her experiences, including reviving UM’s Foresters’ Ball after a pandemic-caused hiatus in 2023, made her an ideal candidate for the role of chief push during her final year.

Stansberry is proud to have helped organize another great community ball and to have mentored younger students who will carry on the tradition after she graduates.

“The people that I’ve met in this major and the opportunities I’ve had – to do chief push of the foresters ball and lead clubs and all those other experiences – is exactly what I was wanting from college,” Stansberry said in an interview. “It’s just been a phenomenal time here, and I’m really glad this is the school I ended up going to.”

Being a Truman Scholar opens up new possibilities for Stansberry’s future. This summer, she’ll serve as a wildland firefighter in Glacier National Park before beginning her Truman Scholarship internship in Washington, D.C. next summer. In the meanwhile, she will carefully consider where to attend graduate school to deepen her wildland fire policy expertise.

“It’s definitely changing the course of what I’m going to do with my life,” said Stansberry.

April 15, 2024
Harvard’s Laila Nasher ’25 Earns 2024 Truman Scholarship

Harvard junior Laila A. Nasher ’25 has been awarded a Harry S. Truman Scholarship for 2024, according to a press release issued by the organization on Friday morning.

According to the scholarship website, Nasher is one of 60 “aspiring public service leaders” who received the grant for their “outstanding leadership potential” and “commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector.”

Nasher will be awarded up to $30,000 in financing for graduate studies, “leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.”

Nasher, a History and Anthropology dual concentrator at Mather House, stated in a statement that her experiences with “inner-city school closures and child marriage” have encouraged her to “pursue a JD/PhD to change the social, educational, and legal landscape for Arab and inner-city communities.”

Nasher stated in an interview that she was inspired to fight a lack of education in her neighborhood after watching “the privatization of education” being “utilized against low-income Black and brown bodies.”

Nasher has stated that she intends to use her degree to connect “academia, policy, and legislation with direct community organizing and directly with the communities who fall behind in the cracks, like the Yemeni American community.”

On campus, Nasher expressed her passion in education through research and activism for first-generation students.

Nasher described her experience launching the First-Generation Welcome Ceremony and First-Generation Visibility Week through the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations as “incredibly pivotal” to her leadership on campus, allowing her to find a voice and a first-generation community.

“I feel so privileged to be able to work with and for them,” she said.

For her, becoming a Truman Scholar was a “full-circle moment.”

Nasher claimed she was browsing through her email to discover her office hours on Thursday morning when she noticed the congratulations email and was “immediately in a state of shock.”

“My immediate thought was, ‘Oh my god, I can’t wait to tell my friends and I can’t wait to tell these community members,’” Nasher went on to say.

While it paid off in the end, Nasher admitted that applying for the Truman Scholarship was difficult.

“It was by far the most intense application process I’ve ever gone through,” she told me.

Nasher stated that her next objective is to establish a scholarship for Yemeni girls attending college.

“I remember when I got here, I felt so alone and I ultimately just want to be this inspiration for other Yemeni American girls and Yemeni women generally,” she went on to say.

April 15, 2024
2 UMassD Students Awarded Prestigious SMART Scholarship

Christopher Brunette ’24, ’25 and James Bourgeois ’24, ’25 were awarded the renowned Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship by the US Department of Defense (DoD).

The SMART Scholarship provides full tuition financing, a yearly stipend, summer internships, mentorship, and guaranteed employment. For each year of scholarship support, beneficiaries undertake to work for the Department of Defense for one year.

“Chris and James have both maintained 4.0 GPAs while at UMassD and have participated in faculty-led research initiatives. Professor Dayalan Kasilingam, Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, stated that the recipients deserve this prestigious honor.Brunette studies electrical and computer engineering, while Bourgeois focuses on electrical engineering. Brunette and Bourgeois are both enrolled in the expedited BS/MS program and will begin graduate studies at UMassD next September.

April 10, 2024
Hawaiʻi BOE Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship from University of Virginia

Ahryanna McGuirk, a senior at Kalāheo High School and Hawai’i State Board of Education student representative, will be the first student from Hawai’i to receive the coveted Jefferson Scholar honor at the University of Virginia.

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation honors high school seniors who excel in leadership, academics, and active citizenship. The scholarship covers tuition for four years of education as well as enrichment programs including personal development and travel studies.

McGuirk was one of a few dozen high school seniors who earned the honor out of over 2,500 pupils nominated by their schools. Candidates had to go through a rigorous, competitive, multi-stage selection procedure.

“I am grateful for the people who believed in me and supported me, and I aspire to make all of them proud,” McGuirk said in a statement. “I hope that earning this scholarship will increase awareness of this and other opportunities in higher education for students to pursue, and I look forward to using my education to take care of the people and the place that has taken care of me all these years.”

As the BOE student representative for the 2023-24 term, she represented students in public and charter schools across the state. The student representative has the same responsibilities as regular BOE members, but does not have the authority to vote on Board decisions. She was the first student from Kalāheo High School to become a BOE student representative.

“Ahry has been a great student representative on the BOE and has provided thoughtful and informative perspectives throughout her term,” stated BOE Chairperson Warren Haruki. “Most importantly, she is an extraordinary person with excellent interpersonal skills, a high level of respect, and the ability to communicate effectively. Her future is bright, thanks to her academic abilities and these capabilities, and we encourage her to pursue her aspirations.

McGuirk is also one of 20 Hawai’i juniors and seniors participating in the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders Fellows program this year. She is an executive officer on the Hawai’i State Student Council, volunteers on the Youth Leadership Council for Make-A-Wish Hawai’i, and founded the Wish Club at Kalāheo High School, which helps grant wishes to children with serious diseases. She’s now pursuing her private pilot certificate with a scholarship from the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

“I am really proud of Ahryanna for becoming the first kid from Hawai’i to get this scholarship. She embodies the Department’s objective to prepare students to be globally competitive while remaining locally dedicated. It has been a delight to watch her take on leadership responsibilities and speak for the needs of public school pupils. Superintendent Keith Hayashi expressed his warmest wishes for her future chapter in Charlottesville.

McGuirk intends to major in public policy and global studies at the University of Virginia, as well as minor in Japanese. She aspires to address issues such as affordable housing and educational justice while also finding answers to economic and humanitarian disasters.

“I aim to be a public servant and embody the spirit of aloha in all of my endeavors,” she was quoted as saying.

April 10, 2024