Growing up as a young Black student passionate about science and engineering, I often found myself searching for role models who looked like me in the fields I dreamed of entering. Too often, I didn’t see them. That absence didn’t discourage me, it motivated me. It made me want to become the role model I was looking for, not just for myself but for others. Today, as a mechanical engineering student at North Carolina A&T, I’m pursuing that dream with everything I’ve got. I want to lead change, develop technologies that improve other’s lives, and inspire more Black engineers to enter and thrive in the vast world of STEM. My journey began in high school, where I took the initiative to address pollution and waste on my school’s campus. I started by picking up trash during lunch periods and eventually joined the Ecology Club. When I became president, I led initiatives like schoolwide cleanups, plastic bag collections for TREX recycling, and the creation of eco-friendly gardens. Under my leadership, the club received the Innovative School Award for Environmental Education from the Hampton Clean City Commission. That moment taught me the value of teamwork, determination, and being bold enough to lead with a purpose. At the same time, I was building technical skills through programs like the Virginia Space Coast Scholars internship. There, I mentored high school students on NASA-related science, guided them in designing their own mock mission, and led discussions about space exploration and technology. That experience furthered my desire to be an innovator and a problem-solver. It also strengthened my ability to lead and collaborate, especially in high-stakes, innovative environments. I chose mechanical engineering because I’ve always loved figuring out how things work and using creativity and that knowledge to fix problems. Whether it’s through robotics, sustainable energy, or infrastructure design, I see mechanical engineering as a way to turn creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills into long-lasting impacts. I’m especially passionate about using engineering to solve global challenges like climate change, renewable energy, and environmental protection, issues that affect all communities but disproportionately harm underrepresented ones especially. As an African American in a field where we make up less than 5% of the workforce, I carry a responsibility and an opportunity. I want to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and make it clear that brilliance comes from every background. I’ve joined organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Aggies for Engineering and Community Enrichment, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to improve my skills, build my network, and deepen my knowledge. I’m also actively applying for engineering internships to gain industry experience and make meaningful contributions early in my career. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more on academics, mentorship, and leadership. It would support not just my education but my mission: to use engineering to help communities, solve urgent problems, and inspire others to believe in their dreams. I aspire to live in a world where everyone feels empowered to express themselves and pursue greatness. I want to contribute to building that world, one idea, breakthrough, and opportunity at a time.

Growing up as the child of a Navy servicemember has shaped me in ways that continue to guide my journey today. My father, a boatswain, has been a living example of determination, perseverance, and sacrifice. Even while serving full-time in the Navy, raising me and my younger sister, and handling life's challenges, he went back to school to earn his master’s degree online. Watching him push through obstacles to achieve his goals showed me firsthand the value of education and the importance of working hard, no matter what difficulties arise. My father’s service has deeply impacted me. Through the stories he shares about his time in the Navy—stories about overcoming harsh conditions, staying focused under pressure, and never giving up—he has taught me to remain strong and determined in everything I do. His encouragement and example inspired me to pursue a college education at North Carolina A&T, one of the top engineering schools I could find. He is the reason I aim high, try my hardest, and never let challenges break my spirit. Right now, my father is deployed out to sea due to conflicts overseas. He wasn’t able to attend my high school graduation or help me move into college, and we barely get to talk because the ship’s internet is unreliable. It has been incredibly hard without him here. I miss him a lot, and his absence has made starting college even tougher. Still, the lessons he taught me continue to keep me strong. I know he’s sacrificing once again, and that pushes me to stay focused, make him proud, and honor the example he set for me. From my father, I learned that perseverance is not just about pushing through easy days; it’s about showing up and giving your best even when it feels like everything is against you. This mindset has already helped me in leadership roles, such as when I was president of my high school Ecology Club. I faced setbacks when trying to improve my school’s environment, but instead of quitting, I worked with others, led projects, and made real change, earning awards for our efforts. Similarly, in college, my goal is to use my education in mechanical engineering to make an impact on the world, especially in areas like renewable energy and robotics. I hope to make a difference by designing technologies that solve real-world problems and promote sustainability. My dream is to help create a healthier, more innovative future, and also to inspire other young Black students to pursue STEM fields, where we are still underrepresented. My father’s service taught me that the work we do can go beyond ourselves—it can improve the lives of many. I want my engineering work to do the same: serve communities, protect the environment, and open doors for others. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a major financial burden and allow me to fully focus on my education, internships, and leadership activities. It would be a huge step toward helping me achieve my goal of making a long-lasting, positive difference in the world. Most importantly, it would honor the sacrifices my father has made for our family and for our country, and empower me to carry forward his legacy of service, strength, and resilience.

My name is Travis Rivers, and I’m an 18-year-old freshman majoring in mechanical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. I come from Hampton, Virginia, and I take pride in everything I’ve accomplished—from leading environmental projects in high school to mentoring students through NASA programs. All of these experiences have led me to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer who solves real-world problems and helps others through innovation. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who is resilient, determined, and committed to making a difference. Ever since I was young, I’ve been curious about how things work. Whether I was building LEGO structures or helping fix things around the house, I loved using my hands and my mind to solve problems. In high school, that curiosity developed into a passion for mechanical engineering. I was particularly drawn to areas like renewable energy, robotics, and infrastructure because I saw the potential to improve people's lives while also protecting the environment. I realized how powerful engineering can be in addressing some of the biggest challenges we face today, such as climate change and energy sustainability. My time at Kecoughtan High School was filled with meaningful experiences that helped shape who I am today. I served as the president of the Ecology Club, where I led environmental initiatives that earned us the Innovative School Award from the Hampton Clean City Commission. I was also active in the Robotics Club, where I assisted in designing and building competition-ready machines. These leadership roles taught me the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and staying committed to goals—even when faced with challenges. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was interning with the Virginia Space Coast Scholars program. There, I mentored high school students as they designed their own NASA missions. I taught them research, teamwork, and technical skills while guiding them through real engineering challenges. Watching them succeed and knowing I played a role in their growth reminded me of the importance of giving back and uplifting others. Choosing an HBCU was a meaningful and personal decision. HBCUs represent more than just education—they stand for history, excellence, culture, and resilience. HBCUs gave us a place to learn, grow, and lead. Now, they continue to be a place where Black excellence thrives. At NC A&T, I’m not just earning a degree—I’m learning how to lead, how to create change, and how to be proud of who I am and where I come from. Being at an HBCU has given me a strong sense of community. I’ve joined organizations like NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), Aggie Toastmasters, and Men on the Move. These groups help me grow as a student, as a future engineer, and as a person. Through them, I’ve built friendships, found mentors, and developed skills in leadership, communication, and public speaking. Being part of this community makes me feel supported and confident in my journey. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer who leads projects that make the world a better place. I want to focus on renewable energy, robotics, and environmental systems—fields that can improve lives and protect the planet for future generations. Whether it’s designing energy-efficient buildings, building robots that help people, or improving transportation systems, I want my work to have a lasting positive impact. But my mission goes beyond engineering. As a young Black man in STEM, I know that fewer than 5% of mechanical engineers are Black. That number needs to change, and I want to be part of that change. I want to serve as a role model for others who look like me—especially young students who may not see themselves represented in engineering or science. I want them to know that they belong, that they’re capable, and that they can succeed. Giving back to my community is one of my top priorities. Whether it’s through mentorship, public service, or innovation, I plan to use my education to help others. I want to return to my hometown and create programs that teach STEM skills to middle and high school students. I want to help build a pipeline of diverse engineers who care not only about technology but also about people and the planet. Right now, one of the biggest challenges I face is the cost of college. My family is doing their best to support me, but the financial burden is heavy—especially with my younger sister starting college in a few years. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a lot of that pressure. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, attend workshops, participate in internships, and continue leading in the organizations I care about. Without the constant worry about money, I could dedicate more time to building my skills and preparing for my future career. This semester, I’m taking tough but rewarding courses like Engineering Design & Ethics, Calculus II, Physics I, Chemistry, and Graphics for Mechanical Engineering. At first, the pace of college hit me hard. I struggled with time management and keeping up with difficult concepts. But I didn’t give up. I sought help from professors, joined study groups, and adjusted my habits. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help and that growth comes from persistence. These lessons have made me a better student and a stronger person. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also help me become the person I aspire to be: a leader in engineering, a mentor to others, and a changemaker in my community. Your investment in me would go far beyond the classroom. It would help me gain the knowledge, experience, and connections I need to lead teams, build innovations, and inspire future generations. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are striving to make a difference.