user profile avatar

Dreden Heath

1,075

Bold Points

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, proud to be the first in my family to attend college. I grew up in a small low income community where opportunities are limited that my determination to succeed has always been strong. I spent two years at James Ramsey technical Institute studying cyber security building a strong foundation in a field I’m passionate about. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University pursuing a degree in information technology.Outside of academics so I’m deeply committed to give them back to my community. I volunteer with the local PTO and Little League teams because I believe in the power of mentorship community support and helping the next generation succeed. My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, hard work and service to others. I’m eager to continue my education and use my skills to uplift both my community and the tech world.

Education

Paw Paw High School

High School
2022 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      cybersecurity

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Track & Field

      Varsity
      2022 – 20253 years

      Basketball

      Varsity
      2019 – 20245 years
      Richard (Dunk) Matthews II Scholarship
      My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity.my instructor, Mr.Odom was dedicated in seeing us each succeed not just in his class but in the future. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.
      Bright Lights Scholarship
      Sure! Here's your revised and expanded text, now with **over 409 words** while keeping your voice and message intact: --- My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.
      Ben Bonner Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, proud to be the first in my family to attend college. I grew up in a small low income. Community were opportunities were limited that my determination to succeed has always been strong. I spent two years at James Ramsey technical Institute studying cyber security building a strong foundation in a field I’m passionate about. now I am continuing my education at Fairmont University pursuing a degree in information technology.Outside of academics so I’m deeply committed to give them back to my community. I volunteer with the local PTO and Little League teams because I believe in the power of mentorship community support and helping the next generation succeed, my experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, hard work and service to others. I’m eager to continue my education and use my skills to uplift both my community and the tech world. Technology is helping local communities become better places to live by solving common problems and creating new opportunities. Tech has made it easy for people to stay in touch and share ideas. Social media, messaging apps, and online forums help neighbors, families, and friends connect quickly. Imagine sending a message to a whole neighborhood in seconds! That’s how tech brings people together. Homes and public areas are safer with the help of smart security systems. These include cameras, alarms, and apps that monitor neighborhoods. The Internet, telephones, cars, planes, children's toys, and other gadgets are examples of technology. These types of equipment have impacted society greatly. They have made the movement of goods and people easier and faster. The Internet and cellphones have eased the way people communicate and pass information. In conclusion, Technology significantly benefits society by improving communication, advancing healthcare, enhancing education, and driving economic growth. It also facilitates equality by providing access to resources and opportunities for all, regardless of their background. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential negative impacts like the digital divide, privacy concerns, and the need for responsible development and regulation. Impact technology is the proactive use of responsible technology to create or multiply positive impact and to facilitate your ability to build community. It can change the world for the better. Fostering online communities is an exponentially scalable way to transform the world. When people with shared values, behaviors, and resources come together in an online impact community, the knowledge each person shares multiplies.
      Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship
      Growing up as a young Black man in a mostly white neighborhood in a small town in West Virginia taught me early on about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Even though I was often one of the few African Americans in my school or community spaces, I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who treated me with kindness and respect. My experiences helped me understand that while race, background, or differences may exist, shared humanity and mutual respect can bring people together in powerful ways. Diversity is important to me because it brings different perspectives, experiences, and talents to the table. When people from various backgrounds come together, they create stronger communities and inspire new ideas. As someone who grew up in a hardworking, lower-class family, I know how important it is for every voice to be heard and valued, no matter where you come from. Diversity not only enriches education, but it also helps prepare students for the real world, where we work and live among people of all backgrounds. At college, I want to help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by being a positive example and an active participant. I plan to join or help organize student groups that celebrate different cultures and encourage open conversations about important issues. I want to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, participating in cultural events, or simply standing up for others when needed, I am committed to making my campus a welcoming place for all. I believe that promoting equity means making sure everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed, not just those who come from privilege. I will advocate for programs that lift up first-generation college students like me, as well as students from underrepresented communities. I will use my story and my voice to remind others that success should be within reach for anyone willing to work for it. Inclusion means making sure everyone feels like they belong, not just that they are allowed to be present. It’s about truly listening, valuing different life experiences, and working to break down barriers. I want to build real relationships with people from all walks of life and help foster a campus environment where differences are celebrated, not overlooked. As the first person in my family to go to college, I carry the hopes of generations before me. I want to use my education not just to better myself, but to lift others up, too. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, I hope to help create a future where everyone, no matter their background, feels empowered to chase their dreams just like I am chasing mine.
      Dreden Heath Student Profile | Bold.org