Recent Elmont graduate, Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna, is blossoming right before our very eyes! The Class of 2016 Valedictorian, who made news headlines in April after she was accepted into each of the eight Ivy League Universities, recently starred in a thirty-five-second promotional video (released on July 28th) for the Inaugural Class of Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM scholars.
Watch as Augusta struts her science stuff here:
https://twitter.com/___Augusta/status/758853519101177856
In her CGI-filled video produced by Elmont resident, Brandon Allen, Uwamanzu-Nna proudly shares her love of STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) research; citing STEM as a vital tool for discovering the world around her and improving functions of everyday life.
“Over the years I have indulged in all of my interests and now know that they will culminate in a STEM career,” Augusta said in a Facebook post.
“Thank you UNCF for making me a 2016 #fund2uncfstemscholar. I am excited for Atlanta and humbled by the academic and financial support I will receive over the upcoming years to maximize my potential as a scientist, an innovator, and an intellectual.”
Augusta, along with fellow African American scholars released the online videos to raise awareness for the leadership summit of the Fund II UNCF STEM scholars inaugural class. From July 29-31, the 100 top-performing African American high school seniors met for a leadership summit in Atlanta, where they got to meet one another, map out academic and career goals, and hear from African American experts within the STEM fields.
UNCF, otherwise known as the United Negro College Fund, boldly asserts its sustained commitment to the higher education of Black youth:
“With African Americans making up less than five percent of the science and engineering workforce, and less than one percent of all tech startups, Fund II Foundation and UNCF joined together to address this challenge,” the organization wrote on its website.
“The Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program will create a robust pipeline of African American students well prepared to have careers in the tech industry and to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs…Applications opened in November 2015 and closed in February, with more than 2,300 students applying for the coveted awards.
The inaugural class of 100 STEM Scholars comprises 50 men and 50 women with an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.83. With regard to their academic aspirations, 44 percent of the scholars plan to pursue a degree in the sciences; eight percent will pursue technology; 45 percent, engineering; and three percent, mathematics.”
We can only imagine how much of a whirlwind year it’s been for Augusta. But kudos to her (and her support system) as she has shown poise, grace, brilliance, calculation, and charisma every step of the way — all while enjoying the ride and representing Elmont well.
Wishing Augusta and every first year college student all the best. Keep climbing to Higher Heights!
#WeAreElmont
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