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Neda Nobari's Impact on STEM Education

In a significant commitment to empowering underrepresented voices in STEM, philanthropist Neda Nobari, an alumna of San Francisco State University (SFSU), has announced a major expansion of the Presidential Scholars Program. This initiative introduces the Maryam Mirzakhani Presidential Scholarships, designed exclusively for first-generation, low-income students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Honoring a Trailblazer

The scholarships are named in honor of Maryam Mirzakhani, the late mathematician who made history as the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal. By dedicating these scholarships to her memory, Nobari not only pays tribute to Mirzakhani's contributions to mathematics but also emphasizes the importance of representation in academic fields often dominated by underrepresented groups.

Nobari's decision to create 30 full-ride scholarship awards is a response to the pressing need for support among students facing financial obstacles. Each award will cover essential costs, including tuition, housing, books, and other expenses for a four-year education at SFSU. This expansion effectively doubles the existing program's capacity, revealing Nobari's deep commitment to making education attainable and inclusive.

A Flexible, Student-Centric Approach

The expansion of the Presidential Scholars Program is a response to the concerning trends facing public universities and increasing costs of education. Recognizing that traditional funding mechanisms often hinder student access, Nobari's innovative philanthropic leadership prioritizes the genuine needs of students over bureaucratic structures. "Education is a fundamental human right and the key to unlocking all others," Nobari asserts, a mantra that resonates deeply in current times when many prospective students face systemic barriers.

Reflecting on her own journey as a first-generation student, Nobari recalls her early struggles as one of the few women in her Computer Science cohort at SFSU during the tumultuous Iran-Iraq War. Her experiences fueled her drive to facilitate education for others, underscoring the belief that financial accessibility is not merely a privilege but an absolute necessity.

Transforming Education Through Philanthropy

Nobari's previous philanthropic commitments to SFSU are nothing short of remarkable. In 2016, she donated $5 million to kickstart the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, and has continued to demonstrate a vested interest in the academic success of students. Her ability to adapt funding strategies—redirecting funds towards direct student support—highlights her intuition for prioritizing student needs during critical times for education.

As SFSU navigates budgetary pressures and changing demographics, Nobari’s profound impact grows ever more vital. The recent scholarship initiative offers hope amid growing concerns regarding the viability of public education. Her holistic approach to philanthropy is evident not only in the scholarships but also in her contributions to various programs, such as the SF State Guardian Scholars Program, aiding foster youth in their educational pursuits, and the Student Sustainable Investment Fund, which combines financial education and investment experience.

Building a Legacy of Support

Most notably, Nobari's establishment of the Azar Hatefi Graduate Student Fellowship in Iranian Diaspora Studies serves to honor her late mother while concurrently enriching the academic environment for future scholars. This fellowship expands opportunities for students interested in investigating the complex narratives surrounding Iranian diasporas.

In initiating this latest phase of the Presidential Scholars Program, Nobari seeks to challenge fellow institutional donors to rethink their philanthropy's impact on education. By advocating for more inclusive and equitable funding practices, she envisions a future where all students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, can thrive in their academic pursuits.

Neda Nobari's ongoing efforts to democratize education are a beacon of hope for higher education, transforming not just SFSU but contributing to a broader dialogue around accessibility, equity, and student empowerment across the nation.