In 2023, The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) celebrates its new class of 132 scholarship recipients, who are from 26 states and will be attending 26 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this fall.
See the video below for an inside look into how FOSSI is changing the lives of these amazing scholars.
Meet more of FOSSI’s 2023 class
Meet Taylor Crooms: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending Prairie View A&M University
Taylor is from Atlanta, GA, and graduated from Westlake High School. In the fall, she will be attending Prairie View A&M University with plans to major in chemical engineering. She describes herself as an initiative-taking, forward-thinking leader with excellent communication skills, a “can do” approach to all tasks, and a passion for mathematics, science, and dance. Throughout high school, she participated in several community service organizations, including the National Beta Club, Science National Honors Society, and National Honors Society. She developed a passion for STEM after witnessing her grandmother experience health issues, and hopes to one day be in the position to save lives.
Meet Ava Flanigan: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending Spelman College
Ava is from Morrow, GA, and attended Elite Scholars Academy. In the fall, she will be attending Spelman College with plans to complete a dual degree in chemistry and chemical engineering. During high school, she was a dual-enrolled student at Clayton State University, where she garnered her Associate of Science. She was also valedictorian of her graduating class and received the PAGE Star student award. In the future, she plans to implement STEM programs for the young, helping them grow a love for STEM, cultivate confidence in themselves, and an appreciation for their community.
Meet Zion Harris: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Zion is from Orlando, FL, and attended Jones High School. In the fall, he will be attending North Carolina A&T State University and majoring in chemical engineering. In high school, he served as co-captain of the Jones High School Swim team, president of the Jones High School Science Club, and was also ranked ninth in his graduating class, with a GPA of 4.9. Zion aims to mentor, become a role model, and source of inspiration for other minorities pursuing STEM careers. His career goals include developing sustainable energy sources, creating eco-friendly chemical processes, and designing pollution control systems.
Meet Johnathan Richards: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Johnathan is from Concord, NC, and attended Cox Mill High School. In the fall, he will be attending North Carolina A&T State University with plans to major in computer science. He has a strong passion for helping others, which led to starting his own tutoring business, Simplifying Technology, where he helps kids improve their math skills. In the future, he hopes to foster a new generation of cyber security professionals, and provide a new wave of talent to the field, putting an end to cybercrime.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.