Rodney James Pimentel Memorial Scholarship
Rodney James (RJ) was a remarkable soul. He embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm, inspiring all who knew him to find adventure and joy in each day. RJ was a mentor, a brother, and a best friend who was beloved by all. One of RJ’s most inspiring qualities was his dedication to education. His enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge was contagious. During his time at UC Berkeley, RJ studied Computer Science, while teaching classes on topics ranging from Sleep Psychology to iOS Development. He was a spirited and steadfast member of the Berkeley community, always encouraging those around him to get involved. To honor his life, love of education, and kind heart, the Rodney James Pimentel Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student in California who is pursuing an education in STEM. High school and undergraduate students in California are eligible to apply if they are (1) majoring or intending to major in a STEM field and (2) come from a low-income household or disadvantaged community. To apply, please respond to BOTH prompts below, sharing about how you would provide guidance on a major life event to a close friend or loved one AND about a challenge you've faced in your pursuit of a degree in the STEM field.
- One of the greatest values of education is the human connection formed along the way. None of us would be where we are now without the support of the people in our lives. Whether it’s a close family member, an educator, or an irreplaceable friend, we can all name someone who has had a hand in shaping us into the individuals that we are today. RJ was one of these people for us. Imagine a situation where a close friend or a loved one comes to you for guidance on a major life decision. Describe how you would respond and handle the situation. This can be an anecdote from a real life experience or a hypothetical scenario.
- Describe a challenge you’ve faced in your pursuit of STEM. How would you recommend that future students navigate this challenge?
Winners and Finalists
May 2025
May 2024
Winning Application
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FAQ
The application deadline is Apr 30, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 30, 2025.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on May 30, 2025. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
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Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.