The application process for our annual Rise STEM Scholarship is now closed, and we’ve chosen this year’s round of winners.
We decided to hold an annual scholarship to support hard-working students in achieving their ambitious goals for a better career and future. Through the Rise STEM Scholarship, the winning student receives $1,000 toward his or her degree. We also award $250 book scholarships to each of the two runners-up.
We were blown away by receiving a total of 368 applicants this year. Many of these applicants provided inspiring stories about themselves and their future goals, but there were a few that stood out.
Without further ado, we present you our 2022 winners.
The Winner
Nicholas Haytko-DeSalvo
Nicholas is currently pursuing his degree in chemical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He’s had a passion for engineering since the 6th grade when his middle school partnered with a local engineering firm to build a hovercraft. They spent 6 weeks learning about the entirety of the engineering process, from simple electronics to how the airflow would allow the vehicle to float. He knew from that moment that he wanted to create elegant solutions to common problems in order to make the world a better place. He later developed a passion for chemical engineering, which he is now pursuing in higher education. He hopes to either get into pharmaceuticals to develop lifesaving drugs for people or help the environment by lending his voice to renewable energies. Nick is a bright student who recently made the Dean’s List. We can’t wait to see what kind of innovative technologies Nick comes up with.
Runners-Up
LouLou deVallance
LouLou is a sophomore at the University of Maine majoring in Biomedical Engineering and considering a minor in Computer Engineering. She is multifaceted in her interests as an artist and poet who played basketball throughout high school and currently enjoys the outdoors with her college hiking club, The Backcountry Squatters. LouLou was also a Girl Scout from 1st grade through graduation and is an ardent supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Skylar Suarez
Skyler is a computer engineer seeking to return to graduate school for biomechatronics and prosthetics at the University of Colorado Denver. He spent the last year earning a certificate in robotics and automation in preparation for his upcoming graduate work and research. He is inspired by his time working closely with the VA and hopes to give back to those who’ve served (and those who were born without) by giving them back lost mobility.
Thanks to our applicants
We’d like to personally thank each of the 368 students that applied for our scholarship this year. It’s been refreshing to hear about how each of you plans to contribute to a brighter future for us all. We believe that with your continued efforts, you can achieve everything you want in life.
Apply for 2023
Although our 2022 scholarship program has been concluded, the Rise STEM Scholarship is held annually. We encourage all students to apply for 2023 here.