Founders Scholarship

The Betsy Y. Justus NC TECH Founders Scholarship was established in memory of NC TECH's founding CEO. Following her passing in the summer of 2011, NC TECH launched a scholarship based on her wishes to support young women in North Carolina who are pursuing an academic and career path in the areas of Technology or Engineering. Every year, two students are selected to receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year ($4,000 for a four-year school, $2,000 for a two-year associate's degree) and a Lenovo laptop.

NC TECH opens the application in January and accepts submissions through April 15. Students are notified of awards by the end of May.

Scholarship Laptop Partner

2025 Application Window is Open

Eligibility

Rising female first-year college student, enrolling as an undergraduate at an accredited institution of higher learning in North Carolina
Must qualify for North Carolina resident status for tuition purposes
Student must be attending either a four-year college/university with a physical campus in the state or a two-year institution within the NC Community College System
Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
Intended major must be in technology or engineering

Award Details

Selected students will receive $1,000 per year plus a Lenovo laptop
If attending a four-year institution, the total award will be $4,000; a two-year community college, $2,000
Enrollment will be verified annually prior to payment made to the institution

Application Includes

Submitted Online Application + Essay Questions
Proof of Acceptance Within the application, the applicant must provide acceptance as a rising freshman, re-entry or transfer student at an accredited institution of higher education in North Carolina.
Transcript Send a copy of your transcript directly from your current/most recent academic institution to jana@nctech.org. Include in email subject: Scholarship Transcript: Applicant Last Name, Applicant First Name to ensure it pairs with your application.
Letter of Recommendation Applicant must have a faculty member, academic advisor, or community leader submit a recommendation letter directly to Jana Barile at jana@nctech.org. Include in email subject: Scholarship Transcript: Applicant Last Name, Applicant First Name to ensure it pairs with your application.

Apply Now

Scholarship Recipients

2024

Hana Howard, a graduate of West Jefferson High School, will be pursuing a major in Computer Science with a focus on Cybersecurity at Appalachian State University. With a background in IT and app development, she shares her knowledge by mentoring high school students. Hana's certification as a Google Cybersecurity Professional reflects her interest and commitment to cybersecurity. She also serves as a junior firefighter, demonstrating her dedication to community service.

Hana's LinkedIn

Lydia Johnson, a graduate of Providence High School in Charlotte, will be studying Computer Science at UNC Chapel Hill, with a focus on artificial intelligence. She excels academically while gaining practical experience in coding and collaboration. Lydia envisions using AI to create a translation system bridging language barriers. Recognized for her academic achievements and community involvement, Lydia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of technology.

Lydia's LinkedIn

2023

Sindhu Gadiraju
High School: South Iredell High School
University + Major: UNC Charlotte, Computer Science

Sindhu Gadiraju is a graduate of South Iredell High School. With a passion for Computer Science, she will continue her studies at UNC Charlotte. Throughout her high school years, Sindhu excelled in various areas, including robotics leadership, community service, and academics, demonstrating her exceptional skills and commitment. In addition to her dedication to her studies, Sindhu also has a passion for Indian dance, showcasing her vibrant and diverse interests.

Allison Powell
High School: NC School of Science and Math
University + Major: NC State, Engineering

Allison Powell is a graduate of the NC School of Science and Math. She will be pursuing Engineering at NC State University. With involvement in ROTC, founding a FIRST Robotics chapter at her school, and active participation in school and community activities, Allison showcases her leadership skills. Allison is actively engaged in school and community activities and believes in the transformative power of technology as an equalizer.

2022

Aiyana Hicks
Hometown: Asheville, NC
University: North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Major: Engineering

Photo-Felipe-De-La-Cruz,-Anahy.jpeg

Anahy Felipe De La Cruz
Hometown: Leicester, NC
University: Elon University
Major: Computer Science

2021

Allyson Smith
Hometown: Wendell, NC
University: North Carolina State University
Major: Computer Science

Allyson Smith from Wendell, North Carolina graduated Summa Cum Laude from East Wake High School. She plans to pursue a Computer Science degree at North Carolina State University. In her time at East Wake she participated in student council, serving as class president her junior and senior years as well as class vice president as a freshman and sophomore. She also participated in theater and is excited to continue exploring the arts at NC State University in addition to her academics.

Ashley Joseph
Hometown: Mount Holly, NC
University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Major: Biomedical Engineering

Ashley Joseph graduated from East Gaston High School where she was president of the FBLA and FCCLA clubs and accumulated over 100 community service hours. She was born in Hollywood, Florida to parents from Haiti. Ashley loves to listen to and make new music in her spare time. She will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill where she will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a regenerative concentration and a minor in Biology.

2020

Gabriela Kote
Hometown: West Forsyth
University: North Carolina State University
Major: 1st Year Engineering with Computer Science Intent

Shanly Vong
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
University: UNC Chapel Hill
Major: Computer Science + Neuroscience

2019

Chloe Hawes
Hometown: Asheville, NC
University: NC State University
Major: Engineering with Mechanical Intent

Cynthia Rios
Hometown: Garner, NC
University: NC State University
Major: Computer Science

2018

grace rudiak

Grace Rudiak
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
University: NC State University
Major: Computer Engineering

madilyn rhoney

Madilyn Rhoney
Hometown: Randleman, NC
University: NC State University
Major: Engineering

2017

Rachel Jacobson
Hometown: Clayton, NC
University: NC State
Major: General Engineering

Anna Mattapallil
Hometown: Matthews, NC
University: NC State
Major: Civil Engineering