FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAPEL HILL, NC – The University of North Carolina System and the Hearst Foundation, Inc., announce that four 2020 high school graduates have been named as William Hearst STEM scholars. The scholarship is awarded by a grant from the foundation’s Hearst Endowment Fund for the NC Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program. Each graduate will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
“The goals of this endowment are similar to some of our own objectives at the UNC System – to teach a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate and professional students who represent our next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Bill Roper, interim president of the UNC System. “The UNC System is proud of its affiliation with this program and wishes these four recipients great success in their continuing education.”
The purpose of the Hearst Endowment Fund is to award fellowships for the Pre-College Training Program in the Mathematics and Science Education Network. It is the intent of the foundation that each scholarship is awarded to an academically qualified student who demonstrates financial need.
The recipients are chosen by a selection committee from a pool of applicants. Each of the four scholars participated in NC MSEN Pre-College programs at either the University of North Carolina at Charlotte or North Carolina State University.
Harshita Gudipudi 
April Murphy 
Keely Snavely 
Ahmad Whitaker
This year’s recipients include:
Harshita Gudipudi – 2020 graduate from Cox Mill High School in Concord, NC. For six years, Harshita participated in NC MSEN Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte. Harshita will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn her degree in neuroscience.
“Because of the William R. Hearst STEM Scholarship, I have the opportunity to embark on an incredible journey into the world of medicine,” said Gudipudi. “I have a long path of education in front of me, and this scholarship helped me get past the first step.”
April Murphy – 2020 graduate from William G. Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh, NC. For seven years, April participated in NC MSEN Pre-College Program at NC State. April will attend Howard University to earn her degree in computer science.
“Because of the William R. Hearst STEM Scholarship, we are able to use our education and STEM careers to make our own unique mark on the world,” said Murphy.
Keely Snavely – 2020 graduate from Mountain Island Charter School in Mount Holly, NC. For six years, Keely participated in NC MSEN Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte. Keely will attend NC State to earn her degree in mechanical engineering.
“Because of William R. Hearst STEM Scholarship I am able to reduce the financial pressure of college and focus on my studies,” said Snavely. “I am excited to advance my studies in STEM and long term have a career as a female engineer.”
Ahmad Whitaker – 2020 graduate from William G. Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh, NC. For seven years, Ahmad participated in NC MSEN Pre-College Program at NC State. Ahmad will attend Howard University to earn his degree in computer information systems.
“Because of the William R. Hearst STEM Scholarship, I will have the opportunity to add to the tremendous legacy of excellence and service at Howard University along with my father and brother,” said Whitaker. “It will allow me to honor my ancestors and assist future generations by lifting as I climb.”