Isaiah Mohammed, a Norwalk resident and UConn senior, and Michael Jean-Paul, a Stamford resident and UConn senior, both received the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for demonstrating a high degree of integrity and responsibility as well as a commitment to community service. In recognition of their accomplishments, each student was awarded $1,000 for use in attaining professional or academic post-graduate goals.
Mohammed will join the two-year IT Leadership Program at United Technologies after he graduates this spring. In 2012, Mohammed co-founded Good Year Quality, a community-service organization that mentors and prepares high school students for college and the professional world. He has helped establish partnerships with Boys & Girls Club, RiseUP and Journey House, and has coordinated college tours, workshops on college readiness, professional development, leadership development and health and wellness, and weekly tutoring sessions.
“Throughout my life, I have had many mentors who stepped in and guided me to success. Without them I would not be where I am today,” said Mohammed.
Jean-Paul was selected for this scholarship award for his history of volunteering and community involvement. Serving as an event volunteer at the UConn School of Business has informed his professional development. Through his volunteer efforts at the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Jean-Paul has been able to help others. And he has been able to apply this experience to national causes through his participation in the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN).
“I can make a difference in people’s lives as a direct result of my actions, which has reinforced my commitment to continue work that will have a positive impact on my community,” said Jean-Paul.
Over the last 10 years, more than 1,700 students have been awarded over $3.6 million in scholarships. Among P2P Scholars, the graduation rate is 79 percent, above the national average of 20 percent for students from low-income households.
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