Logo: University of Southern California

USC Viterbi Student Receives HENAAC Scholarship

Northrop Grumman Corporation awards scholarship to computer science student Stephanie Aceves
Courtesy of Great Minds in STEM
March 31, 2014 —
Stephanie Aceves

Intrigued with challenging her logic and thinking in new and innovative approaches, Stephanie Aceves is attending The University of Southern California (USC) where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Minor in Drawing. She is a senior with an extensive workload, maintaining a 3.5 GPA, and contributing to her university campus as well as her surrounding community through several organizations and events. It is evident why Northrop Grumman Corporation has once again selected Stephanie, one of five recipients, to receive its $2,500 scholarship.

Observing first hand, Stephanie feels that the reason for a lack of STEM domestic engineers and scientists, “stems from the lack of access to equal and excellent primary and secondary education.” It is her ambition to change these demographics and encourage students from underserved communities to overcome any negative perceptions they have about STEM careers. For this reason, she is exceptionally involved in her campus and local community.

Stephanie participates in the USC Helenes Community Service Organization, where she volunteers in several events to improve her school and local community. Her most desired volunteer event is tutoring elementary students who need extra support to stay motivated in their studies. She enjoys helping students understand math to help ease their frustration, and helping them overcome their scholarly challenges.

It is unquestionable that Stephanie has the qualities of a leader. That is why she has taken on several leadership positions. In 2012-2013, she was the Teach for America Team Leader in which she worked with low income students at a charter school; she helped prepare students for their state exams. She was also elected the Secretary of the Latina/o Student Assembly in 2012 and the Assistant Director in 2013. With a passion for the betterment of the local, regional, national and global communities, Stephanie is actively involved with Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority taking on the roles of Vice President of Recruitment in Fall 2012, Cultural Awareness Chair in Spring 2012, President in Fall 2013 and Educational Chair and Community Service Chair in Spring 2013. As the USC Campus Activities Program Manager states, “Stephanie’s commitment to all of her extracurricular activities is matched with her commitment to her studies.”

Once Stephanie graduates from USC, she looks forward to working with underserved youth to excite them about STEM and encourage them to consider STEM-related careers. She aspires to help students develop the confidence to persist through the challenges they will face in a STEM career.

View the original Great Minds in STEM article here.