Hackworth-Rhodes STEM Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 15, 2023
Winners Announced
Jul 15, 2023
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
Georgia
Field of Study:
STEM

STEM fields have the potential to significantly impact society, such as developing new technologies, improving healthcare, and addressing environmental issues. 

STEM fields constantly evolve and advance, providing opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development. 

This scholarship is named in honor of Ms. Jacqueline Rhodes, a retired mathematics teacher. Ms. Rhodes dedicated her 35 years in education to inspiring public school students to embrace (not fear) math and technology. Her passion for education and commitment to young people inspired many generations.

The Hackworth-Rhodes STEM Scholarship aims to support high school seniors in Georgia pursuing STEM. 

High school seniors in Georgia who plan to pursue majors or careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math may apply. Preference will be given to students attending Atlanta Public Schools. 

To apply, please tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to positively impact the world through your STEM career.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition
Published March 7, 2023
Essay Topic

Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your STEM career.

400–500 words

Winners and Finalists

July 2023

Finalists
Bridgette Clarke
Anita O
John Taylor
Nyla Baxter
Zayna Sampson
Kamalia Hewitt
Essence Ervin
Saima Chavenet
Chance Everett
Brian Osbourne
Layla Burrell
Lauryn Cantrell
Anthony Kennedy
Chase Shannon
Antoine Lucas
Trinity Spencer
Adediwura Obasun
Joshua Donatien
Emma Green
Tai Bradley
Laila Hunt
Jocelon Smith
Edjuan Patterson
Sanford Clayton III
alicia harrell
Alaura Kimes
Jada Dickerson
Christiyonna Pitts
Jordan Foster
Nia Salman
Tashyra Lyles
Efeoghene Imarah
Jala Williams
Kofi Nti-Frempong
Nikoi Martin
Sean Reid
Assata Dunn
Isaiah Shakir
Ekemini Johnson
Gicel Princess Nicole Verdeflor
Tatiana Rosario
Zyon Chavez
Kaosi Chijioke
Brandy Leyva Nava
Amir Hubbard
Jamal Ford
Chigozie Imebuogu
Lauren Ezenne
Nina Story
Ezaria Alexander
Madison Weaver
Tiffany Strickland
Victoria Holloman
Jada Martin
Angel Latinwo
Janye Johnson
Isaiah Jones
Kayden Dean
Mahalie Brown
Madison Duval
Julian Warren

Winning Application

Gracia Bass Santiago
Tri-Cities High SchoolEast Point, GA
I am the youngest child of four in a family of six. I don't like a lot of attention and prefer to be in the background. I’m witty and I tend to be the voice of reason. I like good jokes and love puns. I enjoy bike riding, quiet time, and long walks listening to music. I believe that being kind should not be a random act, but what you should live by daily. I love art and illustration and was confident that I would focus solely on art in college, but an experience last Summer changed my direction. Last Summer I was able to participate in an internship at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (ABG). I was placed in the orchid care facility. Taking care of orchids was far easier than conducting tours and I learned how delicate plants respond to the environment, light and sound, what are the best conditions for growth, and what are the best soil conditions. This was the spark that helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a degree in biology. Every Spring, my mom starts her gardening in multiple pots around the house; she would try to engage us in gardening all the time with little success. This year when she asked me my thoughts, I shared what I had learned at the ABG about plant care and how she was not exposing certain plants to enough light and overwatering others. I was very excited to show off my skills and I could tell it made her happy. By studying biology in college with a focus on botany, I will be able to participate in research that will help with the development and understanding of plant life. It is important to find ways to protect plants from the destruction of natural disasters and people. We take so much from the earth and abuse plant life in ways that it is a wonder that we haven’t destroyed the earth and created a level of air pollution that we can not recover from. I believe plant conversation is important as well as plant research and reproduction. If we are to solve hunger issues globally, we must dedicate resources to science, to understand plant reproduction in order to recover from the destructiveness of wildfires, diseases, or other natural elements. As a Botanist, I will engage in research with a focus on plant care and reproduction so that we can combat hunger and global warming; the more plant life there is, the closer we can become to stabilizing the levels of 02 in the air. I will not give up on my love of art and illustration and will find ways to merge the two on some level.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 15, 2023. Winners will be announced on Jul 15, 2023.