On Wednesday, July 28, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) welcomed its sixth class of exceptional students. Eighty-one incoming FOSSI Scholars, who will attend 16 different HBCUs this fall, came together for a virtual orientation to mark the beginning of their journey with the program. The following video was shown at the start of the event to welcome the new class.
Words from FOSSI leaders
The event opened with inspiring remarks from Mark Costa, FOSSI Advisory Chair and Eastman Chairman & CEO, and Tiffany Christopher, Director of Scholarships & Project Management, HBCU Week Foundation. Adrienne Blanks, FOSSI Senior Manager, then provided an overview of the program, highlighting the opportunities, benefits, and expectations that will support scholars throughout their FOSSI experience.
Lessons from FOSSI graduates
The new scholars also heard from three recent FOSSI graduates: Brendan Bryan (Cyber Analyst, Deloitte), Gianni Phillips (ACS Bridge Fellow, Chemistry PhD candidate at Indiana University), and Kaila White (GHP Applications Researcher, Syensqo). They reflected on their experiences in the program, shared lessons learned along the way, and discussed the people and opportunities that had the greatest impact on their personal and professional growth.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI Scholar. Learn more.