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
Indya Griffin: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State
Indya will be attending North Carolina A&T State University as a computer science major. Her mission is to make the world a better place by using technology to solve real-world problems and create positive change. In addition to her academic pursuits, she spends her free time mentoring and teaching eighth graders, and doing hospice volunteer work. She also helps to raise her three little sisters with her single mother. She’s thankful for the FOSSI scholarship because it helps alleviate the burden that comes with pursuing a STEM degree as an African American.
Micah Halley: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending Howard University
Micah is from Snellville, GA, and attended South Gwinnett High School. In the fall, he’ll be attending Howard University as a chemistry major. While in high school, he maintained principal’s list for all four years, graduated with a 3.98 GPA, and finished with a class rank of 38/566. He was also involved in extracurriculars such as marching band, BETA Club, and the swim team. After completing his degree, he plans to apply for internships and entry level positions in forensic chemistry. His dream is to become a forensic chemist and work with the FBI. He hopes to use his knowledge and skills to bring justice to victims and their families.
Joshua Harrison: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending Jackson State University
Joshua is from Hamilton, MS, and graduated from Hamilton Attendance Center. In the fall, he’ll be attending Jackson State University as a biomedical engineering major. He draws inspiration from his grandfather who taught him to never give up. In ten years, he plans to own and operate his own corporation, working to build stronger communities and giving back in ways that inspire others to reach new heights. Joshua is thankful for being awarded the FOSSI scholarship as it is a pathway to making his dreams a reality.
Iylan Howson: 2023 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Iylan is from Decatur, GA, and attended Decatur High School. In the fall, she’ll be attending North Carolina A&T State University to study bioengineering, with plans to become a biomedical engineer. She graduated from high school with honors in addition to obtaining an IB Diploma. Iylan was also involved in many extracurricular activities and was an active member of the National Honor Society, Black Student Union, Environmental Club, chorus, and track team. She is passionate about pursuing a degree in bioengineering because she aims to defy expectations for what African American women do, who they are, and what they achieve.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.