Meet Some of AdvanSix’s 2025 FOSSI Scholars

Thank you to our sponsor

FOSSI extends its sincere thanks to Advansix for supporting and investing in the futures of our FOSSI Scholars, including Stenette, Kaci, and Lena. By expanding access to STEM education at HBCUs, Advansix is helping talented students pursue their ambitions, develop their skills, and become the next generation of innovators and leaders

Join us in shaping the future of STEM. Discover how your company can create a lasting impact on tomorrow’s leaders as a FOSSI sponsor.

Meet Stenette Byrd IV: 2025 FOSSI Scholar Attending Norfolk State University

Stenette Byrd IV, from Suffolk, Virginia, is attending Norfolk State University to study cybersecurity. Throughout high school, he balanced academics with athletics, serving as captain of both the varsity golf and soccer teams while participating in engineering programs, mentoring students, and volunteering in his community.

Stenette credits his mother with inspiring him to strive for excellence. Her encouragement helped him raise his grades, strengthen his résumé, and graduate among the top students in his class. Receiving the FOSSI scholarship meant he had earned enough financial support to attend college tuition-free, a milestone he celebrated by calling his mom and saying, "We did it."

Outside of school, Stenette enjoys spending time with his twin sister, Trae, whom he describes as one of his biggest supporters. He looks forward to building a career in cybersecurity while continuing to grow as a leader.

Hear more from Stenette on why he's excited to pursue a STEM degree.

Meet Kaci Johnson: 2025 FOSSI Scholar Attending Hampton University

Kaci Johnson, from Goochland, Virginia, is attending Hampton University to study chemical engineering with a minor in environmental science. She hopes to develop innovative technologies that address climate change and expand access to clean energy, particularly in underserved communities.

Although Kaci has always loved STEM, an introductory engineering course sparked her passion for engineering by allowing her to code, build circuits, and design a working electronic scoreboard. She also balanced academics with leadership, serving in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., participating in multiple honor societies, and spending years playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer.

Receiving the FOSSI scholarship was especially meaningful because it was her first scholarship. She is excited not only for the financial support but also for the mentorship, connections, and opportunities that come with being part of the FOSSI community.

Hear more from Kaci on why she's excited to pursue a STEM degree.

Meet Lena Johnson: 2025 FOSSI Scholar Attending Spelman College

Lena Johnson, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is attending Spelman College to study physics as part of its dual-degree engineering program. Inspired by Hidden Figures and the story of NASA engineer Mary Jackson, Lena discovered a passion for STEM that began with building LEGO sets and grew into a dream of becoming an engineer.

Throughout high school, Lena served in numerous leadership roles, including president of her school's African American Student Union and the Philadelphia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She also credits her fourth-grade science teacher with encouraging her to pursue science through the science fair, where she earned first-place awards in consecutive years.

For Lena, attending Spelman is the opportunity to learn alongside other young women who share her passion for STEM while preparing for a career in engineering. Outside the classroom, she enjoys dancing, creating art, watching Philadelphia Eagles games, and is a proud Beyoncé fan.

Hear more from Lena on why she's excited to pursue a STEM degree.

More on the 2025 class

The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) celebrates its 2025 class of 131 FOSSI scholars. Since its inception, FOSSI has raised funding for more than 860 scholarships to support exceptional high school seniors pursuing preferred STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each scholarship provides $40,000 in support ($10,000 per year).

See the video below for an inside look into how FOSSI is changing the lives of these amazing scholars.