Spectrum Scholars Provides Students With Support, Confidence and Real-World Experience

The right support can mean everything to college students preparing for their professional careers. Spectrum Scholars, which recently opened its annual application window, offers participants financial support, mentorship and community. The combination can change lives - something Scholars Aurora Perez Peralta and Yaseen Rasheed experienced firsthand.

The Power of Professional and Financial Support

Aurora, a first-generation college student studying finance at North Carolina State University, felt overwhelmed by the financial aid process. "I was constantly looking for scholarships online and juggling multiple jobs," Aurora said. "Every semester was a question mark about whether I'd be able to pay for the next one."

When a social media group focused on college students looking for scholarships and career mentorship led her to Spectrum Scholars, she was interested immediately. "I was looking for something that would give me more than just a check - a program that understood where I was coming from," she said.

Being chosen for the program provided strength and motivation for Aurora. And she quickly discovered the program offered more than just financial support. Regular interaction with the other Scholars and her mentor created a meaningful community that helped her broaden her perspective and see the world in new ways. "Having someone who's been there, who understands what you're going through, it helps you see what's possible," she said about the experience.

New Skills and Relationships Open the Door to More Opportunity

An electrical and computer engineering major at the University of Texas at Austin, Yaseen was looking for opportunities that would connect his interest to real opportunities. "I wanted to find a place where I could get hands-on experience and learn from people in the industry, but it's hard to know where to start," he said. "My biggest challenge was access - finding spaces where I felt I belonged and could grow."

His school's engineering newsletter introduced him to Spectrum Scholars. "When I read about this amazing scholarship and opportunity to intern with Spectrum, it was just like the flip of a switch," he said. "It was obvious this opportunity would jumpstart my career."

He was right. During bi-weekly meetings with his mentor, Yaseen got meaningful advice on everything from academics to career progression. He also credits the program with teaching him professional skills like networking fundamentals and software development. Yaseen's experience was so positive he's sticking with Spectrum for the next step in his journey - a Software Engineering internship at the Company's office in Austin, Texas.

Spectrum Scholars by the Numbers

Each year, 15 students are awarded a $20,000 scholarship and two years of professional development, helping them gain professional experience and find meaningful careers.

Since 2020, more than 90 students have become part of the Spectrum Scholars community, and more than $2 million has been distributed.

Eligible students can learn more and apply for the 2026 class now through Friday, April 3.