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Six ��ɫ��Ƶ students attending N.C. State this fall have received Goodnight Scholarships, valued at $22,000 per year for up to three years for transfer students from low- and middle-income families in North Carolina who are studying in a STEM or STEM-education field.

The highly competitive application process involved written essays and a day on campus with activities and interviews.  

The students will receive access to a comprehensive student development program that includes weekly programming, exclusive travel opportunities and enrichment grant funding. The program empowers Goodnight Scholars to “pay it forward” as transformational leaders at N.C. State, in North Carolina and in the world.

The Goodnight Scholars from ��ɫ��Ƶ are:

Ana Esperanza Vasquez graduated from ��ɫ��Ƶnical Community College with an Associate of Engineering degree. During her time at the College, Ana was involved in interdisciplinary research within the FuSe Fellows mentorship program. Ana was also involved with her community in the Community College Collaboration program (C3) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Ana plans to major in computer engineering.

Brandon Mitchell Hernandez graduated from ��ɫ��Ƶ with an Associate of Science degree. During his time at ��ɫ��Ƶ, Brandon served in the Army National Guard and participated in the C3 Transfer Program. He was also involved in a scientific research program called PHAGES, where he gained hands-on experience in microbiology and genomics. Brandon plans to major in Biological Sciences.

Mikaela Bonnick will graduate from ��ɫ��Ƶnical Community College with an Associate of Engineering degree. She was on the President’s List and a member of the C3 Program and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Mikaela also volunteered at Orange County Animal Services, taking care of dogs. Mikaela plans to major in electrical engineering.

Donovan Rao earned his Associate of Engineering magna cum laude from ��ɫ��Ƶ, where he served as vice president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. Donovan also led his team in the N.C. Space Grant High-Altitude Ballooning Competition, guiding his team to win the Best Overall Payload Award and the honor of having their work presented at the 2024 Southeastern Regional Space Grant.

Oleksii (Alex) Zdorovtsov is from Ukraine and lives in Orange County. Oleksii graduated from ��ɫ��Ƶ with an Associate of Engineering degree. During his time at the community college, Oleksii has been a Phi Theta Kappa member, was recognized on the President's List. Oleksii also was involved in engineering design projects using Arduino and SOLIDWORKS, in aaddition to being part of a leadership and cultural exchange through the FLEX program. Oleksii plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Laith Al-Momani graduated from ��ɫ��Ƶ where he received an Associate of Engineering degree. He was heavily involved in his FIRST Robotics Competition team, PyroTech, while being a dual-enrollment student, and after graduating high school he volunteered as a mentor for the team to support future students. He also continues to volunteer at The Forge Initiative, a local nonprofit focused on STEAM education, which he has been involved with since 2012. Laith intends to major in industrial engineering.

“I found out about Goodnight Scholars program thanks to Lea Bingham, the assistant dean of the University Transfer Program who is also an English instructor at the College. I remember how last fall I considered what college I should transfer to with Mrs. Bingham. That is when she suggested that I apply to N.C. State as my academic standing made me a good candidate for a Goodnight Scholarship. At the time, I thought my chances were slim, but I decided to go along with that advice,” Oleksii said. “Now that I have been chosen as a Goodnight Scholar, I am thankful to the past me for the hard work, perseverance, and commitment that got me here. I am immensely grateful to all instructors and advisors who helped me get my goal.”