Growing up, I learned that meaningful change begins with people who are willing to serve others before themselves. That belief has shaped the direction of my life and is the reason I chose to pursue both a degree in Industrial Technology and a commission as an Army officer. My vision for the future is to use my education, leadership, and technical skills to strengthen my community, support those around me, and leave every organization I join better than I found it. One of the biggest influences in my life has been the example of hardworking people who continued pushing forward despite obstacles. Watching family members and mentors work tirelessly to provide for those they cared about taught me that success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the opportunities you create for others. Their example inspired me to become someone others can depend on, whether as a leader, coworker, mentor, or officer. Through Army ROTC, I have learned that leadership is built on integrity, accountability, and service. Those lessons have reinforced my desire to give back to my community by serving in the Army National Guard after graduation. As a Second Lieutenant, I will have the privilege of leading Soldiers, helping them grow professionally and personally, and being someone they can trust during both training and real-world missions. I believe leadership is not about authority—it is about earning respect by setting the example every day. My education in Industrial Technology has given me another way to serve. I want to build a career improving manufacturing systems, solving complex engineering problems, and helping organizations operate more efficiently and safely. Better systems create safer workplaces, stronger businesses, and more reliable products that benefit entire communities. I hope to use my technical knowledge to contribute to industries that improve people’s everyday lives while continuing to grow as a lifelong learner. Looking further ahead, I want to mentor young people who, like me, may question whether they belong in college or believe their goals are out of reach. I remember hearing doubts about whether I would succeed in higher education. Those experiences taught me how powerful encouragement can be. I want to be the person who tells students that their background does not determine their future and that hard work and perseverance can open doors they never imagined possible. Ultimately, my goal is to create a life centered on service. Whether I am leading Soldiers, improving engineering processes, mentoring future students, or volunteering in my community, I want my work to make life better for others. My education is more than a pathway to a career—it is a foundation that allows me to lead with purpose, solve meaningful problems, and inspire others to pursue opportunities they once thought were impossible. If I can help even a few people believe in themselves the way others believed in me, I will know I have made the kind of impact that truly lasts.

Being a first-generation college student means being the first in my family to step into the unknown and prove that earning a college degree is possible. Without a blueprint to follow, every application, class, and decision has been something I’ve had to figure out through perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. It has taught me that success is not about having the easiest path, but about continuing forward even when the path is difficult. Throughout college, I have balanced school, Army ROTC, and work. From December through the summer, I worked at Lowe’s while attending classes and continued working there during summer break. I also worked at my university’s golf course during the summer. Managing work alongside a demanding course load and ROTC responsibilities required sacrifice, but it strengthened my work ethic and taught me how to manage my time under pressure. While Army ROTC has helped pay for much of my education, I paid for my first year of college myself and will also be paying for my final semester out of pocket. Those experiences have made me appreciate every opportunity I’ve been given. Long before college, I faced another challenge—people doubting my ability to succeed. In high school, several teachers told me that college was much harder and implied that I would not make it. Instead of letting those comments discourage me, I used them as motivation. Today, I am preparing to complete my degree in Industrial Technology at Northern Michigan University while commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Every accomplishment has been a reminder that determination is stronger than doubt. My dream is to serve my country as an Army officer while building a career in manufacturing engineering . I want to continue developing as a leader, give back to my community, and one day provide my future family with opportunities that previous generations of my family did not have. Earning my degree is not just a personal achievement—it represents a new beginning for my family. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of my final semester so I can focus on graduating, commissioning, and beginning my career. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who has never let obstacles determine his future. I hope my journey shows that hard work, resilience, and service can overcome doubt and open doors for generations to come.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery represents more than military excellence; it represents a lifelong commitment to uplifting others and standing firm in the face of adversity. These values have shaped my personal journey as an Army ROTC cadet preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant, and as a student pursuing an engineering-focused degree in Industrial Technology. Balancing demanding academic responsibilities with military training has taught me discipline, resilience, and accountability. More importantly, it has instilled in me the belief that leadership is not about personal recognition, but about responsibility to serve and empower those around me. Service and sacrifice have guided my decision to pursue a career that combines military leadership with engineering and technology. I have learned that real progress often requires stepping into uncomfortable situations, carrying heavy workloads, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Through ROTC, I have trained to lead peers, make decisions under pressure, and remain committed to team success. Through my academic journey, I have developed problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience in design and manufacturing. Together, these experiences have prepared me to contribute solutions to complex challenges while remaining grounded in humility and service. These same values inspire my vision for addressing current challenges faced by the African diaspora in the United States. Persistent barriers in education, career access, economic mobility, and mentorship continue to limit opportunities for many young Black students. I believe the most critical reforms lie in expanding access to quality education, increasing exposure to STEM fields, and creating structured mentorship and leadership development programs within underserved communities. Early access to technical training, scholarship opportunities, and career guidance can dramatically shift life trajectories and break cycles of limited opportunity. Community-based mentorship initiatives are particularly essential. When young people see leaders who share their background succeeding in professional, technical, and service-oriented careers, it expands their belief in what is possible. Partnerships between schools, community organizations, military and veteran groups, and industry leaders can provide mentorship, internships, technical workshops, and leadership training. These programs not only build skills, but also foster confidence, discipline, and purpose. Policy reform must also support increased funding for STEM education in under-resourced schools, accessible college pathways, and workforce development programs. Key stakeholders in driving change include educators who shape early learning experiences, policymakers who allocate resources, community leaders who understand local needs, military and veteran organizations that offer structured leadership training, and private-sector partners who provide career opportunities. Collaborative investment across these groups is necessary to create sustainable progress. My goal is to serve as both a military officer and an engineering professional who actively mentors and invests in future generations. By embodying Sgt. Ware’s values of bravery, sacrifice, and service, I intend to contribute not only to my profession and my country, but to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for the African diaspora. This scholarship would support my continued journey toward leadership, innovation, and service —and allow me to help build pathways for those who follow. I hope that I can provide the guidance needed for those under me and above to continue to grow and develop.

My educational journey is a direct pathway toward my personal and professional goals of leadership, service, and technical innovation. I am currently a senior at Northern Michigan University majoring in Industrial Technology with a concentration in design and manufacturing, and a minor in Military Science through Army ROTC. My goal is to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army while building a career in engineering and defense technology. Each course I take and every leadership role I accept is preparing me to solve real world problems, lead teams effectively, and contribute to systems that improve lives. Pursuing a degree in Industrial Technology has allowed me to develop hands on experience in engineering design, manufacturing processes, and technical problem-solving. I have worked on mechanical design projects, CAD modeling, and fabrication assignments that require critical thinking and precision. These experiences have taught me how to take an idea from concept to completion a skill that directly aligns with my career goal of working in engineering environments where innovation and efficiency are essential. My education is not just theoretical, it is practical preparation for creating solutions that can improve equipment, processes, and safety in both civilian and military settings. At the same time, Army ROTC has shaped my personal growth and leadership abilities. Balancing a demanding technical major with military training has strengthened my discipline, time management, and perseverance. Through ROTC, I have learned how to lead peers, make decisions under pressure, and remain accountable for both myself and my team. These experiences are preparing me to serve as a commissioned officer, where I will be responsible for the training, welfare, and success of soldiers. My education and military training together are forming a foundation of technical knowledge and leadership capability that will allow me to contribute at a high level in any organization I serve. My long-term goal is to work in engineering or defense related technology while continuing to serve in the military. I want to be part of developing systems and equipment that enhance operational effectiveness and protect those who serve. Beyond my own career, I hope to mentor future students and cadets by sharing my experiences and encouraging them to pursue education, leadership, and service. I believe that investing in education and self improvement creates a ripple effect that strengthens communities and inspires others to aim higher. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve financial pressure as I complete my final semester and prepare to commission. More importantly, it would support my continued pursuit of education, leadership, and service values that I intend to carry throughout my career and into the communities I will serve.