Alachua County is no stranger to students with a passion for STEM. This drive towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics begins long before the postsecondary level.
On April 5, 100 of Florida’s highest-achieving 11th grade students were recognized for their accomplishments in STEM. This Sunshine State Scholars Conference highlighted 15 students who received a scholarship to a Florida university.
Alachua County student Rishi Gadikota was nationally recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Sunshine State Scholars scholarship award.
The 2022 conference gave these 100 high school students an opportunity to connect with STEM professionals before they attend a university. This invaluable experience included a recruitment fair with higher education officials, as well as presentations from industry experts.
The students also had an opportunity to work in team-building exercises, such as problem-solving activities.
Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran takes pride in Florida’s title as the No. 1 higher education system in the nation. Opportunities like the Sunshine State Scholars conference make this ranking possible. “There is a reason Florida’s higher education system has been ranked #1 in the nation for five consecutive years,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Our higher education institutions prepare students to find good and high-paying jobs right away. Thanks to Governor DeSantis, we’re setting our students and their families up for future success and historic prosperity.”
“Since 2013, AT&T has supported the Sunshine State Scholars program. We are proud of these students and their accomplishments,” said Joe York, President AT&T Florida. “These students will help shape the future of our communities and our state. We are happy to have a part in their present and future success.”
The 15 one-year scholarships to attend one of Florida’s nationally top-ranked colleges or universities were made possible by the AT&T Foundation and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“It is an honor and pleasure to give the gift of college to these incredible students, recognizing the commitment they have shown in their studies and to excelling in the high-demand fields of STEM,” said Florida Prepaid College Foundation Director Cynthia O’Connell. “We look forward to seeing these scholarship recipients make an impact on their career fields, their communities and our state.”
“Congratulations to this year’s outstanding class of Sunshine State Scholars,” said Marshall M. Criser, III, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “These students are a shining example of excellence. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to assisting them in achieving their dreams.”
Opportunities such as the Sunshine State Scholars Conference give exemplary students like Gadikota the tools to support their higher education endeavors.