Bernard Antonio Andrews Memorial Scholarship 'Because I Can'

Bernard Antonio Andrews was an incredible man who demonstrated a lifelong commitment to mentoring future engineers and helping others build successful careers.

When Bernard was asked by the young Black women and men he mentored why he devoted so much of his time to helping them professionally, his answer was always the same: "Because I can." Those three words reflected his philosophy that if you have the ability to help someone, share your knowledge, open a door, or create an opportunity, you have a responsibility to do so.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Bernard Antonio Andrews by supporting students who demonstrate technical excellence, perseverance, leadership, and a genuine commitment to mentoring, serving others, and opening doors for those who follow, just like Bernard did.

Any undergraduate junior or senior pursuing mechanical engineering at one of the following universities may apply for this scholarship: Alabama A&M University, California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, City College of New York – Grove School of Engineering, Cornell University, Florida A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Howard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, Pennsylvania State University, Prairie View A&M University, Purdue University, Southern University and A&M College, Stanford University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, University of Texas at Austin, University of the District of Columbia, Texas A&M University, or Virginia Tech. Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in NSBE, ASME, or a comparable engineering, mentoring, leadership, or community-service organization, with preference given to students involved in NSBE or ASME.

To apply, tell us about a time when you used your knowledge, skills, leadership, or services to help someone else, how that experience impacted your character, and how you will carry Bernard’s philosophy forward as a mechanical engineer and leader. Additionally, upload up to five images that best demonstrate your journey as a mechanical engineering student, such as images of your resume, letter of recommendation, portfolio, research paper, project summary, engineering design or fabrication projects, CAD models, prototypes, manufacturing work, robotics, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, ASME, other engineering competitions, laboratory or research work, presentations, or inventions.

Finally, upload a two-to-three minute video essay introducing yourself. Submit a link to your video as a public YouTube link or a Google Drive link. Settings should be set to "public" or “anyone with this link can view.” You may also include other materials that demonstrate technical ability, innovation, leadership, or service.