Spring ISD Early College Academy students Jennifer Argueta, from left, Muhammad Siddiqui and Ernesto Rivera earn Dell Scholarships.
HOUSTON – May 19, 2016 – Three Spring ISD Early College Academy students – Jennifer Argueta, Ernesto Rivera and Muhammad Siddiqui – will be starting college this fall as Dell Scholars. Not just an honorary title, this elite designation comes with a $20,000 scholarship, laptop, textbook credits and a commitment to help the recipients complete their degree.
According to the Dell Scholars website, the program is designed to not only provide financial support but ongoing assistance to address all of the emotional, lifestyle and financial challenges that may prevent their scholars from completing college.
“This program recognizes that students who have overcome obstacles to pursue their educations have a lot to offer to their peers and to the world, and so the Dell Foundation offers them a significant scholarship and many additional resources to help them out along the way,” said Rene Garganta, Early College Academy principal.
These three students have already demonstrated a strong will to succeed. While earning their high school diplomas at Early College, they have also been working on their associate degrees at Lone Star College – North Harris.
Since he recently earned his associate degree, Rivera is pleased that he will be able to use the Dell Scholarship to achieve both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice at Sam Houston State University. Argueta will attend Texas A&M University this fall where she plans to study biology in preparation for becoming a reconstructive surgeon. At the same time, Siddiqui will be pursuing a biomedical degree at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley-Brownsville. His goal is to become a physician and provide free healthcare to those in need.
All three students credit the principal and staff at Early College with providing exceptional support to their students. “Every teacher here is always supportive. They know you on a first-name basis and are there to help you out,” Rivera said.
Meanwhile, Garganta said he is pleased to know these outstanding students will have the strong support of the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation behind them as they continue their education. “They are very deserving and will no doubt go on to be a tremendous benefit to their community.”