Vertex Awards Two First-Generation College Students Full Scholarships to the University of Massachusetts
July 17 2017 - 8:45AM
Business Wire
Boston Public High School Students Hannah
Mei and Sayed Shah Receive Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship to
Pursue STEM Degrees at UMass
Vertex, Boston Public Schools (BPS) and the University of
Massachusetts today announced the recipients of the annual Vertex
Science Leaders Scholarship, a four-year, full-ride scholarship to
pursue an education in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math
(STEM) at any University of Massachusetts campus. The scholarship
is part of a broad STEM education program established by Vertex to
equip students for careers in STEM through hands-on learning and
mentoring opportunities.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Sayed Shah from the
Boston International Newcomers Academy and Hannah Mei from the John
D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Both students are
first-generation immigrants and college students who have witnessed
firsthand the powerful impact that careers in STEM can have.
"These scholarships are about our ability to help change the
lives of young people through opportunity to higher education,”
said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Vertex. "Students like Sayed and Hannah are
the future leaders of innovation in science and medicine, and we're
delighted to help provide the opportunities they need to develop
their talent and succeed in a STEM career.”
“I thank Vertex for recognizing the strong talent within the
Boston Public Schools,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “These
students are dedicated and eager to learn the skills that will make
them successful in our current and future economy."
Sayed has been involved with Vertex’s STEM program for the past
year, regularly visiting Vertex’s Thomas M. Menino Learning Lab
with his class. Both Hannah and Sayed are interning at Vertex this
summer so they can apply their passion for using science to solve
tough problems and improve people’s lives.
“Life can be hard, but sometimes hardship gives you the
solutions,” wrote Sayed in his scholarship application essay. After
his home district in Pakistan lost access to electricity, Sayed
activated lessons from his physics and math classes to create a
water-powered electric motor, allowing his family to eat dinner in
the light. Sayed realized the potential of his education to make an
impact and now plans to study computer engineering at UMass
Amherst.
Similarly, Hannah’s focus on pharmacology was spurred by a
personal connection to cancer. Hannah realized she could channel
her love of science into developing lifesaving medicines to help
people with cancer and other diseases. She plans to study
biochemistry at UMass Amherst.
“Sayed and Hannah have demonstrated great initiative and
determination in the face of extraordinary personal challenges, and
I’m proud to welcome them to the University of Massachusetts,” said
UMass President Marty Meehan. “UMass is committed to giving
hardworking students access to a transformative education and
preparing them to thrive in the Commonwealth’s innovation
economy.”
Vertex’s comprehensive STEM program and partnership with Boston
Public Schools began in 2012. In addition to the Vertex Science
Leaders Scholarship, these programs include:
- Thomas M. Menino Learning
Lab – A 3,000-square-foot classroom and laboratory space
that provides local students and teachers the opportunity to work
alongside Vertex scientists to conduct experiments with
cutting-edge technologies. More than 1,000 students attended
science classes or workshops in the Learning Lab this year.
- High school and college
internships – Students gain real-world professional
experience and exposure to careers in STEM. This summer,
approximately 35 high school students and 100 college students will
join us for internships in our labs and across the business.
- Science Fair Mentorship
program – Students are paired with a Vertex mentor and
receive guidance on science fair projects at the school, city and
state level. In Spring 2017, 21 Vertex mentors spent more than 500
hours working with students on their projects.
- Community partnerships –
Over the last five years, Vertex has developed strong relationships
with organizations like Bottom Line, Hack.Diversity and i2 Learning
to expose students to STEM opportunities at every point along their
educational journey — from grade school to graduate school.
“This partnership with Vertex is a true example of one that
provides students college- and career-ready skills in the
innovation sector,” said BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang. “Not only
is Vertex helping foster our future leaders, they are embracing the
multi-cultural lenses that Sayed and Hannah bring to the table. I
am so proud of these students, as well as the other award
recipients, for their continued dedication and hard work.”
Vertex also granted three $1,000 awards to scholarship
finalists. Florcey Bouquet from the John D. O’Bryant School of
Mathematics and Science will attend UMass Amherst, and Madison Park
Vocational High School graduates, Taija Reverdes and Evelyn Rosario
will be attending UMass Dartmouth and UMass Boston,
respectively.
About VertexVertex is a
global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and
commercialize innovative medicines so people with serious diseases
can lead better lives. In addition to our clinical development
programs focused on cystic fibrosis, Vertex has more than a dozen
ongoing research programs aimed at other serious and
life-threatening diseases.
Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex today has research
and development sites and commercial offices in the United States,
Europe, Canada and Australia. For seven years in a
row, Science magazine has named Vertex one of its Top
Employers in the life sciences. For additional information and the
latest updates from the company, please
visit www.vrtx.com.
About the University of
MassachusettsThe University of Massachusetts is a
five-campus public research university system renowned for the
quality of its academic programs, the scope and excellence of its
research, and the strength of its public service mission. UMass
provides access to high-quality, affordable education that advances
knowledge and improves the lives of the people of the Commonwealth,
the nation and the world.
About Boston Public
SchoolsThe Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace
of public education in the United States, serves nearly 57,000
pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 125 schools. BPS is
committed to transforming the lives of all children through
exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming
schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to
develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to
excel in college, career, and life.
(VRTX-GEN)
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170717005548/en/
Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedHeather Nichols,
617-839-3607heather_nichols@vrtx.comorJeff Cournoyer, 978-935-8521
(mobile)617-287-7377 (office)jcournoyer@umassp.eduorBoston Public
Schools Communications Office,
617-635-9265communications@bostonpublicschools.org
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