Hobbies and interests
3D Modeling
Cars and Automotive Engineering
Engineering
Robotics
STEM
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Reading
Academic
Design
Science
Science Fiction
Action
I read books multiple times per week
Saleem Griggs-Taylor
895
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WinnerSaleem Griggs-Taylor
895
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Finalist1x
WinnerBio
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 programMajors:
- Electromechanical Engineering
- Engineering, Other
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Design
Dream career goals:
Controls Engineer
Invio Automation2022 – 20242 years
Sports
Wrestling
Varsity2010 – 20166 years
Awards
- MVP
Football
Varsity2012 – 20164 years
Public services
Volunteering
Comstock Park HighSchool — Volunteer Wrestling Coach2018 – 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.