Meet our diverse class of STEM Promise Program scholars

Emmanuel Abuah plans to transfer to either MIT or Virginia Tech’s engineering program. Julie Jackson fell in love with code the very first time she typed it in for a class project. I.C. Norcom High graduate Jadelyn Perry didn’t want to choose between a graphic design or computer science degree, so she’s pursuing both.

Meet Tidewater Community College’s fourth class of Women’s Center STEM Promise Program scholars, each of whom will receive full tuition and fees for two years of study. The 20 recipients will pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related disciplines at TCC.

“The STEM Promise scholars embody TCC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by identifying underrepresented students and supporting them as they prepare to enter the workforce in STEM fields,” said Jeanne Natali, director of the Intercultural Learning and Women’s Center at TCC.

The newest class includes students from all over Hampton Roads selected from a competitive pool of more than 100 applications. Recipient Noah Boucher, aiming to complete a doctorate in electrical engineering, is a former intern at Jefferson Lab. Zackary Kopp, who will major in Mechanical Engineering Technology, is a former IMS Gear intern. Madison Millspaugh researched, designed and built a prototype for a propeller-based bladed boat while in middle school. She plans to pursue her associate in engineering.

Ten of the recipients intend to study some form of engineering at TCC.

“Our newest cohort is a combination of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, all with a common desire to pursue degrees and successful careers in the STEM fields,” said Jaedda Hall, coordinator for the program. “TCC continues to be committed to creating a larger and more diverse STEM workforce pipeline — with 70 percent of students in this cohort identifying as an underrepresented student in STEM.”

The TCC Educational Foundation started the Women’s Center STEM Promise Program four years ago with the goal of creating a larger, more diverse STEM pipeline in Hampton Roads. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply for the scholarships, which are open to all.

Applicants must meet requirements that include a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and eligibility for in-state tuition. Recipients must enroll as full-time students in the following associate degree programs: Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Information Systems Technology, Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering Technology.

For more information about the program, contact Hall at jhall@tcc.edu. To learn how you can support the STEM Promise Program, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu.

The 2020 recipients

Emmanuel Abuah, returning student

Noah Boucher, Grassfield High

Loren Butts-Bails, returning student

Brenden Dial, Kempsville High

Alex Grant, returning student

Jasmine Grant, Bayside High

Julie Jackson, Princess Anne High

Benjamin Johnson, Deep Creek High

Halimat Kadri, Salem High

Zachary Kopp Kellam High

Shannon McGuire, Kellam High

Madison Millspaugh, First Colonial High

Kaileen Myers, Landstown High

Courtney Njoo, college graduate

Jadelyn Perry, I.C. Norcom High

Hunter Pollock, Ocean Lakes High

Taeya Richardson, returning student

Ryan Stites, Grassfield High

Shelleby Watson, returning student

Kyler Wimbush, First Colonial High