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TRIO STEM Scholars Thankful for Opportunities

Several new, continuing and recent TRIO STEM scholars at Salt Lake Community College recently attended an orientation event and afterward spoke briefly about what the program and their scholarships (some worth up to $10,000) mean to them. The TRIO STEM program at SLCC supports low-income and first-generation college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by addressing individualized educational and career interests, while providing the opportunities, tools and resources for self-efficacy.

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Andrew Rodriguez, 18, from Rancho Cucamonga, California

Academic goal: Mechanical engineering


“The TRIO STEM scholarship means that I can actually go through SLCC in one piece and not have any financial problems to worry about. It gives me hope that I can actually become the first engineer in the family. The TRIO program gives me hope that I can actually achieve my dreams. It gives me a stronger reason to achieve a bachelor’s degree in engineering and eliminates excuses to not do so. It tells me that I'm not the only person that's a first generation college student with low income, and it opens doors to meet people just like me, people that come from very little, but still have high dreams and goals.”

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Angel Rodriguez, 18, from Rancho Cucamonga, California

Academic goal: Computer engineering


“Receiving a TRIO STEM scholarship for me means that I am doing the smart thing and it makes me determined to go to school even more so because I've been given an opportunity to build a future. The TRIO program means that I have an opportunity unlike anything else to change my life for the better. It means a higher level education for me.”

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Aubry Lines, 23, from West Valley City

Academic goal: Materials science, physics, nanotechnology and microscopy


“Being able to be part of such a big family of support has been amazing. Without the TRIO STEM advisors, I wouldn't have gotten my internship at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Without this scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to afford more semesters, or continue my journey in STEM. I wouldn't be where I am today. The TRIO program means hope and means that I have people who know I can do it, and I have people to support me and guide me. The TRIO program is amazing for so many people, and without us, many of us would not be able to accomplish what we do.”

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Febechukwu “Febz” Megwalu, 20, from Nigeria

Academic goal: Computer engineering


“Receiving a TRIO STEM scholarship means more than I can explain. Since my childhood, paying for school fees has been my biggest challenge. So, when I was awarded this scholarship, my family celebrated like there is no tomorrow. And that made me more proud of my self as well. In other words, this scholarship made me realize that anyone can become successful, but only if you try.”

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Arafat Djobo, 27, from Togo

Academic goal: Structural engineering


“I am grateful for the help and assistance TRIO STEM has provided to me. TRIO has been very helpful, especially coming from a French-speaking background that made it very hard for me to accommodate with the system. I was struggling with my classes and work and was stressed out most of the time. This program has helped me in so many ways. TRIO is helping me make my dreams come through, and I’m grateful for it.”

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Valeria Villegas-Medina, 26, from Washington

Academic goal: PhD in physics with emphasis in relativity and cosmology



"The scholarship meant I could finally commit to my education by not having to work while going to school. It allowed me to strictly focus on my classes and grades. SLCC and the TRIO STEM program have given me so many opportunities! After a three-year hiatus, I was terrified to go back to school. SLCC made the transition so easy! The faculty and staff at SLCC truly care about the students and their individual success. TRIO STEM signifies opportunity and hope. With the help of this program I am able to watch my dreams turn into reality. TRIO has given me the tools to develop into the scholar and researcher I've always wanted to be. The program provided me with the support I needed to succeed whether financial, academic, or emotional. Through TRIO, I found a place where I belong. TRIO STEM is proof that everyone has a place in STEM regardless of background, color, or gender."
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