BIRMINGHAM – Seven technology-oriented women received scholarships or laptop computers at the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation’ Scholarship Recognition event.

The MCWT Foundation has awarded over $928,000 to further the educational pursuits of 124 students throughout the past 11 years.  

“Retention of women in tech majors in college is below 10 percent; among MCWT scholarship winners, that rate is over 90 percent,” said Cindy Warner, MCWT president. “We are working to find this promising talent so they can continue their education and ultimately help Michigan become the No. 1 state for women in technology.”

MCWT undergraduate scholarship winner Kathleen D’Souza addressed the attendees and reflected on MCWT and its commitment to giving back.

“I believe that growth is attained not solely by academic success, but also through the richness of service to others,” said D’Souza. “My volunteering experience allows me to immerse myself into the world around me and broaden my perspective. It is not about individual success, but the vision of building a great future generation and a vibrant community.”

2016 recipients include:

  • Friends of MCWT Foundation High School Senior $20,000 Scholarship: Rhea Singh
  • MCWT GET-IT $20,000 Scholarship: Samantha Alkatib
  • MCWT $15,000 Undergraduate Scholarship: Kathleen D’Souza and Ariel Magyar

“Right now I work two jobs,” said Singh, a Northville High School graduate who plans to major in computer science and ultimately pursue a career in energy solutions. “This scholarship will allow me to go to the University of Michigan and have time to explore everything that’s available there and take full advantage of all the incredible opportunities.” 

The following women received laptops from sponsors Dell, Code42 and Microsoft:

Keyaria Walker

Calleen Jones

Lina Jebara

“The experience I gained from participating in MCWT’s web design competition led me to getting a job at Grand Valley State University in web development,” said Magyar, senior at Grand Valley State University. “Technology can be a creative field; it can combine art with a lot of different things.”

Additionally, past scholarship winners attended the ceremony. Emily Morningstar and Chloe Jennings continue to receive their MCWT GET-IT scholarship and MCWT Presidents’ Undergraduate Scholarship, respectively, sponsored by Consumers Energy. Andrea Salamay and Zilphia Martin are receiving the MCWT Undergraduate Scholarship sponsored by the FCA Foundation.

MCWT supporters also contribute to scholarships through Friends of MCWT