The SFIG Foundation, Mentor Foundation USA, and Scholarship America have partnered to further educational opportunities for underserved youth who have successfully completed Mentor Foundation USA’s Career Mentoring or Youth Ambassador programs.
The SFIG Foundation will also look to connect scholarship recipients to potential career opportunities within the significant network of SFIG member companies.
Congratulations to our 2018 Scholarship Recipients!
Andy Lin – Career Mentee, High School of Economics and Finance
Attending University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY – Civil Engineering
“Upon receiving this scholarship I was both proud and thankful. I was proud of myself for accomplishing what I set out to achieve which in this case was receiving this scholarship. I was also thankful because I know if it wasn’t for the mentors and my teachers I wouldn’t be in this position I am currently in. This scholarship lifts the burden of worrying about money for college and allow me to focus on my studies. On top of the scholarship itself, the program as a whole has inspired me to become a mentor in the future and help those like myself.”
Chynna Lockenwitz, Youth Ambassador, Taconic Hills High School
Attending Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY – Biology
“This scholarship means everything to me. I am so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity. This scholarship allows me to follow my dreams. When I received it I was an emotional wreck. I cried happy tears. I couldn’t believe it, but it really made me feel like I could accomplish anything I wanted.”
Jason Wong – Career Mentee, High School of Economics and Finance
Attending Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
“When I found out that I received this scholarship I was in so much shock. I also felt very grateful for this scholarship. This scholarship gives a huge opportunity for me to pursue my higher education. It also gives me the confidence of not having to worry about the financial burden my family has to face. This felt like a milestone in my life. As a hardworking student I was rewarded with success in the end.”
Henry He – Career Mentee, High School of Economics and Finance
Attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Corona, NY – Mechanical Engineering
“Being a recipient of the SFIG Foundation Scholarship through Mentor Foundation USA provides me with greater access to wonderful opportunities and resources that lies ahead. The most vital part of the college process is actually financing it. I believe that across the country, even across the entire world, many high achieving students like myself are actually unable to attend an elite school due to financials. Not being able to fully demonstrate your skill set is probably the worst feeling a student may have. This is why when I received this scholarship, I felt as if my life just went through a drastic change. I can pursue my interests and my future career without doubts and worries that I won’t be able to finance it. This highly motivates me to continue my success story and college is definitely not the last stop for me as an individual.”
Carli Hathaway – Youth Ambassador, Taconic Hills High School
Attending Sage College of Albany, Albany, NY
“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me. I now know that I will be able to put all of my focus and effort into my schoolwork, since I will not have such a big financial burden on me anymore. This will help me strive to get good grades and allow me to make a great start to what career lies ahead of me. I think this scholarship will truly change my life and am very grateful. When I found out that I was one of the recipients of the scholarship I was truly shocked. I was and am very appreciative of everyone who helped me to get to where I am today.”
Randi Smith – Career Mentee, Roosevelt High School
Attending Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA – Pre-Law/Political Science
“This scholarship means that I have accomplished my goals these past four years in high school. I am blessed to have received the SFIG Foundation Scholarship through Mentor Foundation USA. This is really the main reason I am able to afford the amazing school that I have been admitted to.
Getting this scholarship made me feel humble and very proud of myself because no matter the trials I have faced, I always dusted myself off and got back up. The pressure I applied became so undeniable that everybody felt my struggle and triumphs; it’s just a blessing to have been recognized for all my hard work and given this scholarship.”
Mykal Walters – Youth Ambassador, Hudson High School
Attending The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY – Biology
“With my mother being a single parent this scholarship has definitely been a blessing in my life. When first hearing about this scholarship I was so excited. Nothing is better than being rewarded for being a good individual, role model, and receive recognition from the people you look up to. I gave it my best shot and it was worth it. Now I will be furthering my education and going off to college in the fall of 2018 as a biology major, and thanks to this support, I will be financially in good standings. I am honored to be part of Mentor Foundation USA’s youth ambassador program. This is something I will hold close to me for a lifetime. Thank you again.”
Mahmudur Rahman – Career Mentee, High School of Economics and Finance
Attending Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY – Computer Engineer
“This scholarship proves that all of my hard work was worth it. This news made my parents the proudest and I finally got to hear my dad say “Son I am proud of you.” My parents barely say those words but when they do, I feel like I have lived up to their expectations. When I received the scholarship I could not stop smiling.
At that moment, I said to myself, “I am happy with my life.” The cherry on top was receiving the roses and having my Mentor, Guidance Counselors, Assistant principals and the Principle of our school, celebrating with me. I gave the roses to my mom, which made her day and now it sits on top of the dining table in a vase, as a reminder of my accomplishment. Thank you Mentor Foundation USA and SFIG Foundation for this scholarship.”
Usman Ghani – Career Mentee, High School of Economics and Finance
Attending Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT – Economics
“I am honored to be one of the few chosen students to receive the SFIG scholarship for the 2017-18 year. Along with the pride and prestige that comes with being a SFIG scholar, I also receive the means to attend college without taking out loans. This scholarship alleviates much of the financial stress I would be experiencing by attending college. Receiving this scholarship is both a symbol for a successful high school career and a path to have a prosperous college career. Attending a prestigious university such as Middlebury College without financial stressors is a dream unrecognized by most and I am beyond thankful for each and every contributor that made this dream possible for me!”
Keyani Cline – Career Mentee, Roosevelt High School
Attending Marymount Manhattan College in New York, NY – Interdisciplinary Studies
“When I received the news of this scholarship I was incredibly happy because now I don’t have to worry about finances and this gives me the chance to pursue a higher education without too much worry of whether or not I would be able to finance my education and continue my studies.”