Thank you to our sponsor
FOSSI extends its sincere thanks to Shell for supporting and investing in the futures of FOSSI Scholars, including Jaelon and Raia. By expanding access to STEM education at HBCUs, Shell is helping talented students pursue their ambitions, develop their skills, and prepare for careers in STEM.
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 Raia Prevost: 2025 FOSSI Scholar Attending Florida A&M University
Raia Prevost, from Dallas, Texas, is attending Florida A&M University to study chemical engineering. A graduate of Bishop Lynch High School, she participated in several academic honor societies and played volleyball for nearly a decade.
Raia’s interest in STEM began with building LEGO sets, which taught her to follow precise instructions, solve problems independently, and approach projects in new ways. Her interest grew through science classes and hands-on experiments.
In the future, Raia hopes to apply chemical engineering to the skincare and haircare industries. Her long-term goal is to create her own haircare business offering healthy, affordable products for Black hair. Receiving the FOSSI scholarship was an exciting surprise for Raia and her family, and she is grateful for the financial support as she begins college.
Meet Jaelon Ridley: 2025 FOSSI Scholar Attending Morehouse College
Jaelon “JT” Ridley, from Sugar Land, Texas, is attending Morehouse College to study mechanical engineering. A graduate of George Ranch High School, he enjoys golf, reading, video games, and has traveled across the country for golf tournaments.
One of Jaelon’s greatest inspirations is his mentor, Dr. Frazier Wilson, who has supported Jaelon and his family through challenging times. Jaelon credits him with teaching him how to carry himself as a professional and helping shape the man he wants to become.
Receiving the FOSSI scholarship was especially memorable for Jaelon. After hearing the news over the phone, he asked the caller to pretend she had not told him yet so they could surprise his mother together. Outside of school, Jaelon has visited 30 states and can say hello in four languages.
More about 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.