America On Tech (AOT) Announces Winners of the Inaugural Ray Estevez Scholarship for Technology Leaders

New York, NY – July 1, 2024 – America On Tech (AOT) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the inaugural Ray Estevez Scholarship for Technology Leaders. This scholarship, designed to support and celebrate future leaders in technology, has been awarded to four outstanding AOT students: Mashai Allard, Victor Hernandez, Sollange Blanco, and Arleene Charles. Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship to be used for tuition, books, or technology to support their education.

The Ray Estevez Scholarship for Technology Leaders is awarded annually to AOT students who have demonstrated exceptional promise as future leaders in the field of technology. The scholarship is open to New York City residents who have completed or will complete America On Tech’s NYC Tech Flex Leaders program by May 2024. Recipients must be pursuing a degree in computer science or a related technology field and have a strong interest in a technology career. 

"We are incredibly proud of this year’s scholarship winners. Mashai, Victor, Sollange, and Arleene have shown outstanding dedication, passion, and potential in the field of technology," said Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson, CEO and President of America On Tech. "The Ray Estevez Scholarship for Technology Leaders not only provides financial support but also recognizes the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in tech. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these students will make in the world."
Ray Estevez, the namesake of the scholarship, shared his excitement about the inaugural winners: "I am honored to support these exceptional students as they embark on their journeys in technology. Their passion and commitment to using technology for social justice are truly inspiring. I believe they will make significant contributions to the tech industry and their communities."

The application process for the scholarship opened on March 15, 2024, and was shared with current high school seniors in AOT’s Tech Flex Leaders program and the AOT alumni community. Applicants were required to submit information on their educational pathway, and a creative response to the prompt: "What social justice issue interests you the most and how do you plan to use your technology education to address it?" The winners were selected based on their thoughtful and inspiring responses.

The scholarship recipients were honored at a special luncheon with Ray Estevez in June 2024, where they had the opportunity to network and celebrate their achievements.

More about Ray Estevez, Principal Owner of Ray Estevez Advisory: Ray is a data and technology management expert with a proven track record as a CIO, CDO, and CTO spanning 30+ years. He is a Co-founder, Board Advisor, and Angel Investor, with 4 successful exits. Ray is also a member of the America On Tech Board of Advisors. You can also learn more about Ray Estevez Advisory, LLC at www.rayestevez.com 

For more information about the Ray Estevez Scholarship for Technology Leaders and America On Tech, please visit America On Tech’s website: www.americaontech.org.