The Minnesota Technology Association Invests in the Next Generation of Innovators with 10 Scholarships
January 31, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN
The Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) and the Minnesota Technology Foundation are excited to announce that 10 undergraduate students have been awarded scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year thanks to generous support from AT&T, RBA, and Women Leading in Technology.
The Minnesota Technology Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MnTech, awards scholarships each year to undergraduate students who are preparing for a future career in science, technology, engineering or math in Minnesota.
With the generosity of dedicated technology partners, MnTech is excited to announce the following ten scholars:
- Dagmawi Girma, a senior studying Computer Science at Augsburg College
- Kowther Hashi, a sophomore studying Management Information Systems at Augsburg College
- Andrea Johnson, a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Rabia Malik, a sophomore studying Civil Engineering at the University of St. Thomas
- Lucas Reece, a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Yanai Sun, a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Bereket Tenaye, a junior studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Justin Third, a junior studying Software Development, Cyber Security and Defense (AAS) at Minneapolis Community and Technical College
- Rachel Trice, a sophomore studying Food Science at Normandale Community College
“MnTech is committed to helping prepare our state’s technology workforce to meet the challenges and demands of the modern technology ecosystem,” said Jeff Tollefson, President and CEO of the Minnesota Technology Association. “The data has shown repeatedly that demand for technology careers continues to grow, and these scholarships play a critical role in opening pathways for students to pursue a career in technology and grow into the next generation of innovators.”
Additionally, these scholarships seek to lift up underrepresented groups and create more equitable participation in the industry by empowering women and people of color to participate in tech careers.
Since 2007, the Minnesota Technology Foundation has awarded more than $800,000 in the form of more than 200 STEM scholarships. Selected scholars need to meet the exacting criteria for the prestigious award. The criteria include high achievement in academic studies, demonstrated financial need, confirmed accomplishments outside of the classroom, and plans to contribute to Minnesota’s technology-based economy by joining Minnesota’s workforce after graduation.
MnTech and the Minnesota Technology Foundation are grateful to the generous support from A&T, RBA, and Women Leading in Technology which has made these investments in the next generation of innovators possible. If you would like to support future scholars, consider making a donation here.
About the Minnesota Technology Foundation
The Minnesota Technology Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Minnesota Technology Association. The foundation fuels Minnesota’s innovation by providing resources for building a workforce educated in science, technology, engineering and math. Through fundraising events and donations from the local technology community, the Foundation supports MnTech’s goal to make Minnesota one of the country’s top five technology states. Founded in 1985, the foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to educating the public about the importance of a strong, technology-based workforce.
About the Minnesota Technology Association
The Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) works to build a more vibrant innovative, and inclusive technology ecosystem by enabling the connections, public policies, and partnerships needed to help our tech community thrive. MnTech provides its coalition of more than 250 member companies with access to exceptional talent, dedicated public policy advocates, and access to an innovative, inclusive technology community.
