The AVANADE STEM 2023-2024 Scholarship
In 2014, the AVANADE scholarship was created as a tribute to Michell Hill and as an important part of Avanade’s commitment to inclusion and diversity when it comes to attracting more people from underrepresented groups (especially women) into STEM careers.
In Fall 2023, the AVANADE Scholarship was expanded with a renewed commitment of nearly $340,000.
This year, Cal Poly Pomona awarded ten additional Avanade STEM scholarships which makes a total of 11 current scholars. This is the highest number of scholarships ever granted in the same year.
The financial intent of this scholarship is to cover your unmet financial need as a student. The value of this award was determined by the Cal Poly Pomona Financial Aid office. The scholarship was awarded for 2 semesters – Spring 2024 and Fall 2024. At the end of Fall 2024, the award will be renewed if the students meet the requirements of the scholarship for up to 4 years or until students graduate.
These are the students who have been selected for the 2023-2024 Avanade Scholarship.
- Kayla L. Tang kltang@cpp.edu
- Ally K. Nguyen allynguyen@cpp.edu, Computer Information Systems
- Alessandra A. Gonzalez alessandrag1@cpp.edu, Computer Information Systems
- Safa A. Alasady saalasady@cpp.edu, Computer Information Systems
- Vanisa Suadprathon vsuadprathon@cpp.edu
- Janice Lachan jlachan@cpp.edu
- Arpanjot K. Dosanjh akdosanjh@cpp.edu
- Amelie R. Carrillo ameliec1@cpp.edu
- Gabriel L. Robles glrobles@cpp.edu, Computer Science
- DeeAna V. Phommavanh dlphommavanh@cpp.edu
- Sasha A. Murillo samurillo@cpp.edu
Here you have some testimonies from the 2023-2024 Avanade Scholars:
My name is Safa Alasady. I will be heading into this fall as a 4th year student at Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Information Security and Forensics.
As a person born to immigrant parents, what this scholarship means to me is opportunity and the freedom to pursue my academic goals without the hardship of financial insecurity. I feel more confident in my abilities knowing that the scholarship will give me more space to focus on my academics.
My name is Ally Nguyen and I am an incoming 4th year with a major in Computer Information Systems emphasizing in Business Intelligence. I am also the current President of MISSA, a CIS club that focuses on professional development, various CIS pathways, and the Data Analytics Team.
With a father who has had served in the Navy for 25 years, the Avanade STEM Scholarship provides
My name is DeeAna Phommavanh. I will be starting this fall as a senior at Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in Computer Science with an emphasis in Cyber Security.
One particular circumstance worth mentioning is my experience as a first-generation college student from a low-income background. Growing up in an environment where higher education was not the norm, I had to navigate the college application process largely on my own. Financial constraints often posed significant barriers, requiring me to work multiple jobs while attending school to support myself and contribute to my family's finances. This scholarship represents a vital opportunity and the freedom to fully pursue my academic goals without the burden of financial insecurity. It empowers me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, boosting my confidence in my abilities and allowing me to achieve my potential without distraction.
My name is Gabriel Robles and I am a third-year student at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Computer Science, and I plan to minor in Data Science.
During my freshman year, I had to work full time to support myself through school. This scholarship has allowed me to quit my job and involve myself more in the campus community. With this free time, I have been able to take on leadership opportunities and improve my resume through self-learning and projects. This summer I am working for Los Angeles County as a student worker in their IT department. Next summer, I have accepted an offer to work at Barclays as a Technology Developer Intern.
My name is Arpanjot Dosanjh. I am going to be a 2nd-year student at Cal Poly Pomona for the 2024 through 2025 academic year and I am majoring in Computer Information Systems. As an individual from a middle-income background, I have always thought that I would be in a tremendous amount of debt after college because I do receive financial aid, but not enough to where I would be able to cover the cost of attending Cal Poly Pomona without being in debt. This scholarship will allow me to graduate college debt-free and has taken the burden of money from me.
My name is Janice Lachan. I am going to be a 1st-year student at CPP studying Computer Science. This scholarship means the world to me. Before I received this scholarship in the Spring 2024 Semester, I was working part-time to fund my expenses. This scholarship has relieved me of the financial stress and concerns I've had about college; It's a huge lifesaver for someone from a low-income family. I'm now able to dedicate more time in projects and clubs, such as the Avanade AI hackathon. Additionally, I am very new to the field of computer science, so by having the scholarship offer a mentorship program is such a relief. I'm so excited to hear from professionals because I feel confidence in their guidance. It's a pleasant feeling to know there are others that I can rely on for support or first-hand experiences. Without the scholarship, I'd be so lost and doubtful of my abilities in college, so I'm so thankful for the support, it really changed my world.
My name is Kayla Tang, and I’m a recent graduate from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in computer science. As a first-generation college student, the resources, mentorship, and guidance provided by this scholarship has helped me navigate college and career opportunities. With the skills gained during my time as a STEM scholar, I landed an internship with NASA JPL and am currently there following graduation. I am extremely grateful for all that this scholarship has provided and I'm proud to be part of this network.
Hi, my name is Alessandra Gonzalez, but I go by Ally! I'm a rising senior at Cal Poly Pomona, studying Computer Information Systems with the goal to go into cybersecurity. I also serve as the president of one of CPP's largest new clubs, Women In Tech.
I'm a first-generation college student, and my parents taught me the value of a good education and hard work. This scholarship has allowed me to spend less time working, devote more time to my studies and my club, and has eliminated the feeling of financial insecurity. I feel more secure and grateful with the knowledge that my education is financially covered, and I can dedicate my time and energy to my campus responsibilities: both academic and co-curricular.
