Three STEM students win $25,000 in scholarships each

POSTED ON Mar 07, 2023

Two computer science students and a junior studying electrical engineering were recently awarded a $25,000 scholarship each. The three scholars were celebrated at a ceremony held at Toyota’s North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, in partnership with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).

The students are Giana Aguilar-Valencia (second from right), a junior at DePaul University, studying computer science; Ruben Bonett, a junior at Texas A&M University, College Station, studying electrical engineering; and Maximiliano Pombo Hernández, a junior at Texas A&M University, College Station, studying computer science.

While each scholar has their unique story, one thread connects them all: perseverance and recognition of that perseverance is the purpose of Toyota’s Nunca Pares (Never Settle) Scholarship campaign.

Toyota’s Nunca Pares brand campaign celebrates the Latino collective spirit of pushing forward, to never give up on achieving their goals, regardless of the challenges.

Katya Echazarreta (second from left) also joined the celebration ceremony to share her inspiring story. As an electrical engineer and the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space, Katya’s journey to becoming one of the youngest women in space exemplifies her resolve to be an example of success for others pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“We recognize these students for their commitment to creating solutions for a better tomorrow,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president for social innovation at Toyota Motor North America. “Driving educational opportunities to Hispanic students is important to developing future innovations for a more equitable and sustainable society. We’re excited to see how far these students go and to have the opportunity to be a part of their continued educational journey.”

Toyota has engaged with SHPE for over 20 years, including participating in their national conference. Toyota’s college programs with SHPE encompass recruitment efforts, co-ops, internships, and scholarships. With these scholarships, Toyota joins SHPE in the shared mission of expanding Hispanic students’ science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities.

“We’re excited to see this scholarship opportunity come to life for our members, thanks to Toyota,” stated Monique Herrera, chief external relations officer of SHPE. “The Toyota Nunca Pares Scholarship allows these students to continue pursuing their higher education goals by providing much-needed financial support to achieve their dreams.”

By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin manufacturing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and a chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curricula through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips, and more.