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Scholarships Boost Future STEAM Leaders

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America and the Astros Foundation have announced the recipients of their 2026 Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship Program, which grants a total of $100,000 to ten outstanding high school seniors in the Houston area. Each recipient will receive a scholarship of $10,000 to support their aspirations in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

This initiative, now in its second year, recognizes students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate qualities like initiative, resilience, and leadership. According to Wendy Hall, Senior Director of Communications, Community Engagement, and Culture at Daikin, the program underscores their belief in investing in future talents, essential for fostering innovation.

The selected students hail from various backgrounds and have unique career aspirations, from biology and engineering to physics and medicine. They have all shown remarkable leadership both in academic settings and in extracurricular activities.

Meet the Recipients

The ten scholarship recipients, along with their future academic plans, illustrate the diversity of the STEAM fields:

• - Isabella Adame from Sam Rayburn High School plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study biology and pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She is a leader in her school's marching band and has initiated a tutoring club.
• - Jouri AlHariri, a first-generation college student from Wisdom High School, aims to study chemistry and become a dentist. She has excelled in academic competitions and participated in summer programs at Rice University.
• - Daniel Ayala from YES Prep North Forest Secondary plans to study biology to pursue a medical career and has taken on multiple leadership roles, including captain of the varsity volleyball team.
• - Liya Degefu from Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston will study physics with an interest in astronomy, having demonstrated leadership as a Student Ambassador and founded the Debate Club.
• - Catherin Giesen from Kinder High School aspires to major in mechanical engineering and aims to be involved with NASA's programs, showcasing a blend of artistic and scientific talents.
• - Tiffany Jones, from Stafford High School, plans to pursue civil engineering and is ranked in the top 10 of her class, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
• - Keya Joshi from Harmony School of Discovery is considering biomedical engineering, focusing on health innovations, and has accumulated significant research experience at Rice University.
• - Marissa Mata from C.E. King High School intends to study biotechnology and leads her school's drill team while contributing to award-winning robotics teams.
• - Manthan More from Goose Creek Memorial High School will pursue aerospace engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and has served as State President of Texas TSA.
• - Melody Ziaee from Clear Lake High School will study biology and aims for a career in neurobiology, having participated in competitive internships and leadership within the Red Cross.

Contribution to the Community

The scholarship initiative reflects a broader commitment to community investment by Daikin and the Astros Foundation, which also supports local endeavors like the Cooling Communities program. This initiative aims to enhance neighborhood resilience by improving HVAC systems for those in need.

Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for the Astros and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation, emphasized the transformative power of education and opportunity, stating that the partnership aims to celebrate and empower students making tangible contributions to society.

Daikin's investments in the Greater Houston area, exceeding $1 billion, provide significant local impact and align with their goal of fostering development and innovation while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

For more information on the scholarship program and the initiatives by Daikin and the Astros Foundation, visit their respective websites.