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Saleem Griggs-Taylor

895

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I have been working either Part-Time or Full-Time jobs ever since I first stepped foot onto college grounds as I am still working to this day. Life happened and I had a child and now I am trying to return back to school to complete my degree.

Education

Arizona State University Online

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Engineering, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Design

    • Dream career goals:

    • Controls Engineer

      Invio Automation
      2022 – 20242 years

    Sports

    Wrestling

    Varsity
    2010 – 20166 years

    Awards

    • MVP

    Football

    Varsity
    2012 – 20164 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Comstock Park HighSchool — Volunteer Wrestling Coach
      2018 – Present

    Future Interests

    Entrepreneurship

    Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship
    I am a proud Black African American man from Chicago, Illinois, and a devoted husband and father. Since 2016, I have worked tirelessly to support my family while pursuing my college education. Balancing work, school, and family has not been easy, but these experiences have shaped my perseverance, focus, and commitment to building a better future for myself and others. In high school, I was a star athlete in both football and wrestling, and I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that continue to guide me today. When I began college, I chose to study Mechanical Engineering because I was fascinated by how things work and I had the desire to develop my own engine. However, as I gained more experience through various jobs, I discovered that my true interest lies in Electrical Engineering. In 2022, I made the decision to change my major, and since then, I have felt reenergized by the possibilities this field offers for innovation and impact. My goal is to use my Electrical Engineering degree not only to build a fulfilling career but also to inspire and uplift the next generation. After graduation, I plan to return to my high school and speak to students about the power of perseverance, education, and self-belief. I want to serve as a mentor and role model for teens, especially young African American men who may not see many engineers who look like them. Representation matters, and I want to show them that success in STEM is not only possible but attainable. Currently, only about 3.8 to 4.8% of Electrical Engineers in the United States are Black, and the percentage of Black engineers across all disciplines remains around 5%. These statistics highlight a critical underrepresentation that I am determined to help change. By earning my degree and sharing my story, I hope to become part of the solution—to inspire more students of color to pursue careers in engineering and to strengthen our collective voice in the STEM community. Being selected for this scholarship would be more than a financial investment in my education; it would be an investment in building a stronger, more inclusive future. It would allow me to complete my degree, continue supporting my family, and fulfill my mission of mentoring and motivating others. I am deeply committed to using my education not just for personal success, but to create opportunity, restore hope, and spark ambition in others who come after me.
    Saleem Griggs-Taylor Student Profile | Bold.org