Dr. Benjamin L. Davis STEM Scholarship

Giving back to my community is something I deeply believe in because I know how much impact a single person can have on the lives of others. I’ve seen it firsthand through my uncle, who has been an inspiration in my life. His commitment to helping others, especially young boys in urban communities, has opened my eyes to the power of mentorship, guidance, and access to opportunities. Because of him, I feel a strong responsibility to do the same, to give back in a way that provides young boys with alternatives to the dreams they are often limited to and access to the opportunities they may not even know exist. Growing up, I watched my uncle make a difference in the lives of many. Whether it was through mentorship, offering guidance, or simply being present for those who needed support, he showed me that sometimes all it takes is one person to change the trajectory of a young boy’s life. Many kids in urban communities grow up believing that their options for success are limited. They see athletes and entertainers as their only path to a better future, not realizing that there are countless other ways to build a successful and fulfilling life. My uncle made it his mission to provide alternatives to show them that they can be doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, or anything else they set their minds to. Watching him inspired me to do the same. I believe that access is just as important as inspiration. It’s one thing to tell a young boy that he can become something great, but it’s another to provide him with the tools, resources, and connections to make it happen. That’s why giving back isn’t just about words it’s about action. I want to create pathways for boys in urban communities to explore careers and opportunities they might not have considered. Whether that means connecting them with mentors, providing educational resources, or exposing them to different career fields, I want to make sure they have the support they need to dream bigger and achieve more. Giving back isn’t just about helping others it’s about building stronger communities.It is my goal to build a stronger community for young men like myself and provide a variety of pathways for success for my community. If it wasn’t for my uncle, my father and my coach I am unsure where I would be. So I will be more for those that follow behind.