July 15, 2014

Buick Achievers Scholarship Program awards US$ 2.5-million to nation's future STEM leaders

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors Foundation, announced new scholarships totaling up to US$ 2.5-million to 100 recipients pursuing careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also
known as STEM, information technology and other fields related to the automotive industry.

Of these funds, more than half will be awarded to female students.

In four years since the program's inception, Buick Achievers has awarded more than US$ 28-million in scholarships to 3,400 high school seniors and undergraduate students, including this year's recipients and those currently receiving renewal funds through the program.Buick Achievers annually grants 100 students with up to US$ 25,000 renewable for four years, and one additional year for those entering a qualified, five-year engineering program.

"Thanks to this scholarship, I can focus on my studies without having to worry about financial constraints," said Meri Mullins, 2014 Buick Achievers recipient and University of Toledo chemical engineering student. "I've always been interested in understanding how the world works. It's my goal to instill this passion in future generations so they too can gain an interest and appreciation for STEM fields."

According to the US Department of Education, only 16 per cent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. Among those who pursue a college major in the STEM fields, approximately half choose to work in a related career. The United States is falling behind internationally, ranking 25th in mathematics and 17th in science among industrialized nations.

"Our Buick Achievers are evolving the face of STEM in that half are the first in their family to attend college, more than half are female and minorities make up the majority," said Vivian Pickard, President, GM Foundation. "These milestones are a positive indication that we're making great strides to pave the way for our industry's future leaders and innovators."


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