Nearly two dozen Richardson ISD AVID students reached the semifinals of this year’s Dell Scholars Program and remain in the running for $20,000, a laptop and ongoing educational support. Lake Highlands High School’s Loretta David also made the semifinals of the Gates Foundation Scholarship, a highly selective, last-dollar award for outstanding seniors from low-income households.
RISD AVID Director Joan Swim said these RISD seniors achieved this level of recognition due to academic rigor, ambition and perseverance.
The following RISD students are semifinalists for this year’s Dell scholarships: Loretta David of Lake Highlands; Mackenzie Howdeshell, Laila Mireles, Symone Besher, Rahwa Haile, Julisa Meraz, F. Kainat, David Fonseca and Mariela Luciano from Berkner STEM Academy; Alexis Hermes, Fernanda Ruiz, Kelly Araujo, Giovanna Castillo, Cristian Mata, Britthany Escamilla, Darius Edmondson, Jasmin Campos, Marlene Montalvo Taco and Alexis Cabrera Torres from Richardson High School; and Gabby Navarro, Jessica Ortega, Megan Nganga and Miriam Jaimes from Pearce.
Dell semifinalists must submit a current transcript, a completed student aid report and an online recommendation by Jan. 27. All the information is reviewed by an independent selection committee, and the next class of 500 Dell Scholars will be announced March 9. The Gates Foundation awards 300 scholarships annually with final determination expected in April.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation began the scholarship program in 2004 to assist highly motivated, underprivileged high school students. From the start, it was designed as a college-completion program, which offers support services that go beyond a scholarship check. The Dell Scholars Program considers students who are enrolled in an approved college-readiness program, hold a minimum GPA of 2.4, demonstrate a need for financial assistance, and plan to enroll as a full-time college student in the fall.
Congratulations to all the RISD semifinalists and best of luck! #RISDGreatness
