Cal State LA student Moises Aldape was selected by GREAT Minds in STEM™ to receive a $10,000 U.S. Navy STEM Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming college freshmen who plan to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“I am honored to be one of only 10 students in the nation to receive the scholarship for this year,” said Aldape, a Boyle Heights resident.
GREAT Minds in STEM™ is an education, national 501(c)3 nonprofit that promotes STEM in underserved communities. This year, with support from its dedicated sponsors and donors, the organization is awarding 109 new scholarships totaling over $419,000.
Each U.S. Navy STEM Scholarship recipient receives support for tuition and books and is given an opportunity to sign up for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Student Employment Program. This program allows students to blend academic study and work experience to better prepare for their future.
As part of the award, Aldape was also given a stipend to cover the cost of travel and registration to attend the 29th annual HENAAC Conference. HENAAC stands for Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation. He was recently honored during a pinning reception and leadership event at the conference in Pasadena.
Aldape, who is a freshman in the University’s College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, plans to pursue a master’s degree after completing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His ultimate career goal is to work as an engineer with NAVSEA.
As a child in Mexico, Aldape was fascinated by how things work. He recalls fixing broken toys and making them work. In his adolescent years, he enjoyed learning math concepts and everything about cars.
At Roosevelt High School, Aldape was an Honor Roll student and a member of the Robotics Club. He also served as a college peer counselor and was a recipient of a Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship. In the community, he played in the Boyle Heights soccer league and volunteered at local service agencies.
“With this award, I can be less stressed with finances and am motivated to be more focused on my college studies,” Adalpe said.
GREAT Minds in STEM™ also announced the following Cal State LA students as recipients of other scholarships:
- Isaac Aldape-Torres, mechanical engineering, Edison International Scholarship
- Juan Avila, electrical engineering, The Boeing Company Scholarship
- Allen Dumaua, mechanical engineering, Edison International Scholarship
- Stephanie Godina, mechanical engineering, Edison International Scholarship
- Alexis Rios, mechanical engineering, Edison International Scholarship
For more information, visit the GMiS website at http://www.greatmindsinstem.org/.
# # #
California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 28,000 students and has more than 245,000 distinguished alumni.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex and the TV, Film and Media Center. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.
