LYNN — Waleska Lopez, a senior at Lynn Tech, was awarded a $40,000 scholarship and internship opportunity to pursue a degree in computer engineering at Northeastern University in Boston.
Lopez was one of only seven students across the state to receive the scholarship out of 400 candidates selected nationwide, known as the “Amazon Future Engineering Scholarship.” The scholarship will also include a paid internship offer at Amazon after her first year of college, where she can gain practical experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders.
Recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals and financial need, according to the press release.
Amazon partnered with Scholarship America to review the applications and select the 400 scholars.
“On behalf of over 23,000 Amazon employees across Massachusetts, it’s my pleasure to congratulate these talented students as they begin their computer science journey,” Jerome Smith, senior manager for community engagement in New England, said. “We believe education creates pathways to opportunity, and every young person deserves the chance to pursue their aspirations, which is why our Future Engineer scholarships combine financial support with hands-on internship experience. I’m inspired by this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing how they’ll innovate in their communities for years to come.”
The Amazon Future Engineer aims to increase student access to computer science education through a variety of means. The program funds high-quality curriculum and educator professional learning to help school districts implement sustainable K–12 computer science initiatives, and also offers career tours and project-based learning modules to bring role models into classrooms.
The program helps address a critical need. While computer science is the fastest-growing STEM profession, which is projected to grow 15% between 2021 and 2031, only about 11% of STEM graduates earn computer science degrees. Since it launched in 2019, Amazon has awarded $66 million to 1,650 students from historically underserved communities, with a $16 million commitment in paid college tuition this year alone.
