#United States #Washington #NJIT #Aunt Betty Fund #Quantifi

A New Era for STEM Education

In a groundbreaking announcement on March 20, 2026, The Aunt Betty Fund and Quantifi unveiled a new partnership aimed at funding STEM scholarships for talented undergraduates at risk of financial instability. This initiative marks an important step in addressing the financial barriers that many students face as they pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

An Inaugural Program with Real Impact

The inaugural scholarship program was introduced to support students from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Following a rigorous selection process that spanned an entire month, three deserving recipients were identified from among 100 applicants. They are:

• - Mitchell Rodriguez, a mechanical engineering student from Dunellen, NJ,
• - Amir Hayes, who is studying financial technology and hails from Newark,
• - Joshua Hernandez, a computer science major from Teaneck, NJ.

All three recipients are trailblazers in their families, being the first to attend college. This scholarship aims not only to assist them financially but to acknowledge their hard work and determination.

Commitment from Sponsors

Jack Zoeller, the founder of The Aunt Betty Fund, emphasized the unique goal of the scholarships: “Our scholarships are targeted to students in their final year pursuing a degree, who as full-time students are working one or sometimes two jobs to overcome financial challenges. Even a modest scholarship can dramatically improve the value they get from their college education.”

The corporate support from Quantifi has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality, with their employees contributing generously through a custom platform developed by The Aunt Betty Fund. Chris Douglas, Quantifi's head of partnering and go-to-market, spoke passionately about the company's commitment to education:
“As a company built on technical talent, we see firsthand how access to education shapes careers and communities. The Aunt Betty Fund's mission to reduce the burden of student debt, especially at the point of graduation, is a practical way to support the next generation of STEM talent and contribute to the New Jersey community where Quantifi was founded.”

A Lightened Financial Burden

Bruce Bukiet, a mathematics professor at NJIT and part of the scholarship selection committee, remarked on the impact of such financial support: “With this vital support, these highly accomplished students can now focus fully on their academic success with a significantly lighter financial burden.”
The recipients voiced their gratitude, expressing how the scholarships represent more than just financial support. Amir Hayes remarked, “Receiving The Aunt Betty Fund scholarship lifted a huge financial weight off my shoulders and allowed me to stay focused on finishing my degree.” Joshua Hernandez highlighted the personal significance of the scholarship, stating, “It means more than financial support; it represents belief in my potential.” Meanwhile, Mitchell Rodriguez expressed how the scholarship feels like “an incredible blessing for me and my family.”

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

The support for these NJIT scholarships comes not only from The Aunt Betty Fund but also from Quantifi and its employees, showcasing a united effort to bolster the educational pathways for STEM students. For corporations or individuals interested in contributing to or creating similar scholarship programs in their communities, they are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].

About The Aunt Betty Fund

Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2024 in Washington, DC, The Aunt Betty Fund seeks to alleviate the burden of educational debt through a secure online platform designed to direct scholarships, grants, and gifts to students in need. The fund was named in honor of the founder's great-aunt, Elizabeth Butler, whose generosity has inspired its mission. For more information, visit www.auntbettyfund.org.

Together, The Aunt Betty Fund and Quantifi are paving the way for a brighter future in STEM for students who deserve the chance to succeed.