The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) celebrates its 2024 class of 150 FOSSI scholars! Since its inception, FOSSI has awarded over 740 exceptional high-school seniors $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year) to pursue preferred STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
See the video below for an inside look into how FOSSI is changing the lives of these amazing scholars.
Meet more of FOSSI’s 2024 class
Isaiah Charley: 2024 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Isaiah is from Nesmith, South Carolina, and is a proud graduate of Hemingway High School. He is currently a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. His passion for STEM was sparked at an early age through his love of Legos and later inspired by engineer and YouTuber James Hobson, known as "The Hacksmith." Isaiah aspires to become a world-renowned engineer, launch multiple businesses, and uplift his community through mentorship and service. As a FOSSI scholar, he is grateful for the support and excited to use this opportunity to build a future rooted in innovation, leadership, and giving back.
Ivy Hiner: 2024 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Ivy is from Houston, Texas, and graduated as the 2024 valedictorian of Jack Yates High School. She is currently a freshman majoring in industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Her passion for STEM was sparked through robotics and engineering competitions with Texas 4-H and strengthened by her leadership roles in school, community service, and involvement in organizations like the Society of Women Engineers. Ivy is driven to become a successful engineer and eventually launch her own global consulting firm. As a FOSSI scholar, she looks forward to gaining mentorship, professional experience, and making a meaningful impact in the engineering field.
Dillon Hudson: 2024 FOSSI Scholar Attending Tuskegee University
Dillon is from Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from Baker High School. He is currently a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering at Tuskegee University, where he also plays on the football team. His passion for STEM began at a young age through a strong interest in math, science, and how machines work. With encouragement from his parents and inspiration from his father’s example of hard work and perseverance, Dillon developed a deep commitment to engineering. As a FOSSI scholar, he looks forward to expanding his knowledge, pursuing his goals in engineering, and becoming a leader who gives back with integrity and purpose.
Kennedy Whitley: 2024 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Kennedy is from Ocoee, Florida, and graduated from Edgewater High School. She is currently a freshman majoring in chemistry at North Carolina A&T State University. Her passion for STEM was sparked by a love of makeup, which led her to discover the field of cosmetic chemistry. Now, Kennedy is dedicated to becoming a cosmetic chemist and launching her own beauty brand that champions inclusivity for underrepresented skin tones. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and driven by a desire to empower others, she is using her FOSSI scholarship to focus on her education and build a future where science and beauty go hand in hand.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.