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For A Bright Future Foundation Awards 2024 STEM Scholarships

On January 16, 2025, the For A Bright Future Foundation, led by Louis Hernandez Jr., announced its 2024 STEM Scholarship awardees: Mariaelena Barajas, Michelle Hung, Lena Schapiro, and Duoduo Pan. This initiative enhances opportunities for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in their pursuit of degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

The four recipients embody resilience and determination, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations in the STEM realm:

Mariaelena Barajas

At just 18 years old, Mariaelena is pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA. As a strong advocate for her community, she aims to work for the CDC to enhance healthcare accessibility for the Hispanic population. "This scholarship not only motivates me but also reassures me that my hard work is recognized," she expressed.

Michelle Hung

Also 18, Michelle is majoring in Sustainability at Tufts University. Despite facing financial obstacles, she shines in academics, sports, and community initiatives. Her involvement in programs like 'Sustainable Westborough' and 'Rangers Give Back' demonstrates her commitment to environmental change. "This scholarship propels me toward my goals in STEM and community impact," she shared.

Lena Schapiro

Lena, 19, is studying Operations Research and Information Engineering at Cornell University. She has faced personal hardships yet maintains an impressive GPA while juggling family responsibilities. Lena expressed, "This award fuels my resolve to excel in engineering and improve healthcare systems."

Duoduo Pan

From New York, Duoduo is seeking a degree in Engineering at Stony Brook University. Originally from Beijing, her passion for environmental engineering stems from experiences with pollution and sustainability. She stated, "The scholarship encourages me to continue pushing toward my ambitions in sustainable technologies."

The Foundation's Mission

The For A Bright Future Foundation is committed to supporting underprivileged youths through education and development programs, with a focus on STEM fields. In 2024 alone, the Foundation received almost 6,000 scholarship applications, indicative of the pressing need for educational support in these communities.

Throughout its evaluation process, the Foundation aims to uplift exceptional talents who exhibit not only academic excellence but also a commitment to community service and leadership.

The Foundation is sustained by the dedication of its Scholarship Committee, including Chairwoman Susie Hernandez and Vice-Chairwoman Jennifer Oddo, along with various notable members from the engineering and finance sectors.

Expanding Opportunities

The scholarships reflect the Foundation's vision to foster a new generation of leaders and change-makers in the STEM fields. The contributions from donors and supporters play a vital role in this mission, as they enable the Foundation to provide meaningful financial support to deserving students.

For everyone involved with For A Bright Future, this year's awardees symbolize hope and potential. By investing in the education of these students, the Foundation is creating pathways for future innovations and improving community resilience.

To learn more about the Foundation and support its initiatives, visit their website at www.forabrightfuturefoundation.org or connect with them on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.