Success Stories
Meet the remarkable students whose lives have been transformed by the Arce Scholarship Fund.
Featured Alumni
These scholarship recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their fields.
Maria Rodriguez: Engineering a Sustainable Future
Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, Maria Rodriguez always had a passion for science and the environment. However, financial constraints made her dream of attending a top engineering school seem out of reach.
"When I received the STEM Stars Scholarship from the Arce Scholarship Fund, it changed everything," Maria recalls. "Not only did it provide the financial support I needed, but it also gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams."
At MIT, Maria excelled in her environmental engineering studies, participating in research projects focused on renewable energy solutions. Her senior thesis on solar panel efficiency caught the attention of industry leaders.
Today, Maria leads a research team at GreenTech Innovations, where she's developing next-generation solar technology that could significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. Her work has been featured in scientific journals and she was recently named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list in energy.
"The Arce Scholarship didn't just help me pay for college—it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible. I'm passionate about giving back and now mentor young women interested in STEM careers."
James Wilson: Coding for Community Change
James Wilson grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he discovered his love for computers at a community center that offered free technology access to local youth. Despite his talent, the cost of higher education seemed prohibitive for his family.
"The Community Impact Grant from Arce Scholarship Fund recognized not just my academic potential, but my commitment to giving back," James explains. "That meant everything to me."
At Georgia Tech, James excelled in computer science while continuing to volunteer, teaching basic coding skills at the same community center where his journey began. His senior project focused on developing accessible educational software for underserved communities.
After graduation, James turned down lucrative job offers from tech giants to found Code for All, a nonprofit organization that provides free coding education to youth in low-income neighborhoods across Atlanta. The program has since expanded to five cities and reached over 5,000 students.
"I believe that technology skills can transform lives and communities. The Arce Scholarship Fund invested in me, and now I'm investing in the next generation of innovators from all backgrounds."
Aisha Johnson: Harmonizing Music and Mentorship
Aisha Johnson's musical talent was evident from an early age. Growing up in Philadelphia, she began playing violin at age six and was performing with youth orchestras by twelve. However, pursuing music at an elite university seemed financially impossible.
"The Arts & Culture Award from the Arce Scholarship Fund was a turning point in my life," Aisha shares. "It validated my artistic pursuits and made Princeton a reality for me."
At Princeton, Aisha thrived in the music program while also exploring courses in education and psychology. Her senior recital earned her highest honors, and she was invited to participate in prestigious summer programs at Juilliard and Tanglewood.
Today, Aisha is a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, one of the youngest musicians to join the orchestra in its recent history. Equally important to her is her work with the Philharmonic's education program, where she mentors young musicians from diverse backgrounds.
"Music has the power to transform lives, but access to quality music education isn't equal. I'm committed to creating pathways for talented young musicians who face financial barriers, just as the Arce Scholarship did for me."
Success Across Fields
Our scholarship recipients have excelled in various fields and industries.
David Chen
Software Engineer, Google
"The STEM Stars Scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and internships without financial worry. The mentorship component was invaluable in helping me navigate my career path."
Sophia Patel
Aerospace Engineer, NASA
"From a small town to NASA—the Arce Scholarship made this journey possible. I'm now working on projects that will shape the future of space exploration."
Our Impact By The Numbers
The Arce Scholarship Fund has made a significant difference in the lives of our recipients.
Graduation Rate
Employed in Their Field
Pursuing Advanced Degrees
Volunteer in Their Communities
In Their Words
Hear directly from our scholarship recipients about the impact of the Arce Scholarship Fund.
"The Arce Scholarship didn't just help me financially—it connected me with mentors who guided me through college and into my career. I wouldn't be where I am today without this support."
Carlos Mendez
Civil Engineer, Class of 2018
"As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education was overwhelming. The Arce Scholarship provided not just funding, but a community of support that helped me thrive."
Samantha Lee
Elementary Teacher, Class of 2020
"The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies instead of working multiple jobs. This made it possible for me to excel academically and participate in research that launched my career."
Jordan Taylor
Biochemist, Class of 2019