DETROIT, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Buick
Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors
Foundation, today announced new scholarships totaling up to
$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 $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 $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 U.S. Department of Education, only 16 percent
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 GM Foundation
President Vivian Pickard. "These
milestones are a positive indication that we're making great
strides to pave the way for our industry's future leaders and
innovators."
As one of the largest programs in the country, Buick Achievers
focuses scholarship awards to students who excel in the classroom
and give back to their communities. Special consideration is given
to students who are female, minorities, first generation college
students, military veterans and military dependents.
Among the 100 students being recognized this year, 61 percent
are female. This milestone suggests forward momentum for women who
have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields. Half of the
recipients are the first in their families to pursue a secondary
education, and more than half are of ethnic backgrounds
underscoring diversity. Additionally, 78 percent are pursuing
STEM-related majors, with degree programs including computer
science and chemical engineering topping the list.
"It's imperative that young women who wish to pursue
STEM-related careers are given every opportunity to make their
dreams happen," said Greg Dehn,
general manager and senior vice president, Scholarship America. "By
awarding more than half of their scholarships to female students,
the GM Foundation encourages women to pursue a career in a
traditionally male-dominated field.
"Buick Achievers' multi-year, renewable awards will not only
make postsecondary education possible for these deserving students,
they will also propel them through to graduation and a promising
career in STEM."
General Motors and the GM Foundation have a long history of
investing in education initiatives. Since 2007, the GM Foundation
has invested $70 million in
educational programs and institutions to help nurture tomorrow's
innovators and leaders. In addition to Buick Achievers, the GM
Foundation provides approximately $3
million annually to key university partners and professional
organizations to advance STEM curricula.
For more information about the Buick Achievers Scholarship
Program, to view the complete list of 2014 recipients, or to
register for an e-mail notification when the next application
window opens, please visit www.buickachievers.com.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976,
the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to
American charities, educational organizations and to disaster
relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting
Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community
Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM
operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The
last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more
information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About Buick
Buick is an international modern
luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious
interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with
responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new
customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in
North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and
crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Pinterest or at
www.facebook.com/buick.
SOURCE General Motors Foundation