Scholars – Enrollment Management News

Graduating Georgia Tech Stamps Scholars Receive National Recognition and Honors

The past year saw multiple accolades and awards for students in the Stamps President’s Scholars Program at Georgia Tech. This merit-based scholarship program provides support and professional development for Tech students beginning in their first year.

2023-24 proved to be a banner year for many of Georgia Tech’s Stamps President’s Scholars, with graduating students selected for 14 prestigious scholarships or awards over the past year.

These accomplishments include:

Two Marshall Scholars – Maeve Janecka and Haaris Jilani
One Churchill Scholar – Venny Kojouharov
Two Goldwater Scholars – Maeve Janecka and Venny Kojouharov
One Astronaut Scholar – Venny Kojouharov
Six NSF Graduate Research Fellows – Maeve Janecka, Venny Kojouharov, Jennifer Nolan, Abbey Oliver, Michelle Seeler, and Jacqui van Zyl
One Knight-Hennessy Scholar – Venny Kojouharov
One 2024 ACC InVenture Prize Winner – Jacqui van Zyl

Beyond these accolades, graduating scholars are going on to prestigious graduate or medical schools, including the University of Oxford, the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Northwestern University. Those joining the workforce have secured positions at companies including Meta, Apple, and Mckinsey & Company.

“The Stamps President’s Scholars Program is tailored to aid already exceptional students in their pursuit of extraordinary opportunities through professional development and support,” said Chaffee Viets, director of the Office of Special Scholarships. “Seeing the continued success of our Scholars showcases that this program yields strong returns for our students and by extension, the arenas in which they hope to serve.”

Venny Kojouharov poses with peers on a backpacking trip in Scotland. Scottish mountains can be seen in the background. — Knight-Hennessy Scholar Venny Kojouharov (right) on his Academic Search for Knowledge expedition to Scotland as part of the Stamps President’s Scholars Program at Georgia Tech. (Image courtesy of Venny Kojouharov)

Venny Kojouharov, a mechanical engineering graduate and Stamps President’s Scholar, was recently selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a fully endowed scholars program at Stanford University that brings together students across disciplines with programming and leadership development.

“Not only did Stamps shape what I achieved during my time at Tech, but it also influenced what I want to do,” said Kojouharov. “I applied to the Knight-Hennessy program and was excited about it because I see a lot of the great things that I got from Stamps in this graduate program – learning broader leadership concepts, connecting with students from other research areas, and having the opportunity to study internationally with them.”

Kojouharov will start his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Stanford in the fall, continuing his research in bio-inspired robotics, meeting other scholars, and engaging with the Knight-Hennessy Scholar programming.

Providing Perspective, Community, and Interdisciplinary Opportunities

As Kojouharov celebrates his recent graduation and wraps up his time as a Stamps President’s Scholar with a program-funded study abroad opportunity to Australia and New Zealand, he emphasizes the value of the program in expanding his horizons as an undergraduate student and highlighting interdisciplinary work.

“Stamps gave me perspective,” said Kojouharov. “My friends are in completely different majors – biomedical engineering, public policy, biology. That’s a great community to have, and I’ve gotten to go on these trips and study government, economics, and social sciences in other countries. All of that has influenced what I want to do in graduate school and beyond.”

Jacqui van Zyl stands next to the historical Georgia Institute of Technology sign on Old Campus. Tech Tower can be seen in the background. — 2024 ACC InVenture Prize Winner and NSF GRFP recipient Jacqui van Zyl. (Image courtesy of Jacqui van Zyl)

Jacqui van Zyl, another graduating Stamps President’s Scholar, also emphasizes the importance of community associated with the program.

“Everyone that I’ve met through Stamps has been unbelievably supportive of everything I’ve wanted to do, especially my cohort,” said van Zyl. “Being friends with them has been the biggest support system, especially as I moved through my academics and the stresses of navigating college and professional opportunities.”

Van Zyl was part of the 2024 ACC InVenture Prize’s winning team, along with fellow Stamps President’s Scholar (and sister) Caitlin van Zyl, and a third Georgia Tech student, Meg Weaver. Their idea of NeuroChamp, a concealed headband to continuously monitor pediatric seizures, won them $15,000 toward continued development of the product.

Over this summer, Jacqui will work on getting the patent process started for NeuroChamp’s technology and preparing the company to start the clinical trial process. She’ll continue working for NeuroChamp part time as she moves to Boston in the fall to pursue a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Her graduate work, which will focus on brain organoids and brain-on-chips from a mechanical perspective, is funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The NSF GRFP funds about 2,000 graduate students each year from a pool of around 12,000 applicants.

Stamps Selection Process and Offerings

Stamps President’s Scholars are merit-based scholarship recipients handpicked from the top 1-2% of incoming students before they begin their first year at Tech. The program is funded by the generosity of E. Roe Stamps and the late Penny Stamps through the national Stamps Scholars Program, and more than 100 individual President’s Scholarship endowment donors.

The selection process involves multiple rounds of interviews and a visit to campus to determine best fit for the program values: scholarship, leadership, progress, and service.

Scholars receive a full ride scholarship to cover tuition, fees, housing, a meal plan, books, academic supplies, and a stipend for first-year students to purchase a laptop. In addition to covering immediate education expenses, the program also provides enrichment funds, faculty guide mentorship, annual cohort retreats, access to the nationwide Stamps Scholars Program network, and more resources for personal and professional development.

This year, 50 students were invited to join the Stamps Program, an increase of 10 students from past years.

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Scholars Weekend Welcomes Top Students to Tech

The annual Stamps Scholars Weekend brought students and their families to campus to learn more about the Institute and participate in the conclusive round of interviews to identify Stamps President’s and Gold Scholars.

On March 8 and 9, over 100 admitted students attended Stamps Scholars Weekend.

On March 8 and 9, the Office of Special Scholarships invited 108 admitted first-year undergraduate students to Stamps Scholars Weekend, a celebration of these students and their accomplishments.

A portion of this weekend involved interviews as part of the final selection process for the Stamps President’s Scholarship and the Gold Scholarship programs. These scholarships are awarded to the top 1-2% of each admitted class.

“This is a highly competitive scholarship process and the students invited to Stamps Scholars Weekend are truly exceptional,” said Chaffee Viets, director of the Office of Special Scholarships. “Through multiple rounds of review, they’ve showcased not just their academic excellence, but also genuine curiosity and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Reaching this stage in the scholarship selection process is a significant achievement, and it’s an honor to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their journeys during Stamps Scholars Weekend.”

The Stamps President’s Scholarship Program provides a full ride to cover tuition, fees, housing, a meal plan, books, academic supplies, and a stipend for first-year students to purchase a laptop. In addition to covering immediate education expenses, the program also provides enrichment funds, faculty guide mentorship, annual cohort retreats, access to the nationwide Stamps Scholars Program network, and more resources for personal and professional development.

This year, 50 of the scholars attending Scholars Weekend will receive the Stamps President’s Scholarship. This marks an increase of 10 spots from previous years thanks to the generous philanthropy of E. Roe Stamps IV. The remaining attendees will receive the Gold Scholarship.

The Gold Scholarship award varies by residency, with Georgia residents receiving a tuition, fees, and books scholarship, and non-residents receiving an out of state tuition waiver.

Both programs go above and beyond to support scholars and provide a close-knit community for students to thrive in.

Stamps Scholars Weekend allows students to learn more about Tech and for the scholarships team to determine which program is the best fit for each student.

On Friday, students connected with other scholars, toured campus, met a current Tech student to serve as their host, and attended a celebration banquet.

On Saturday, alumni, faculty, and staff interviewed students for characteristics of scholarship, leadership, progress, and service, which act as the pillars of the two scholarship programs. To conclude the weekend, students had the opportunity to take photos with Buzz and the Ramblin’ Wreck.

“Since 2016, Stamps Scholars Weekend has stood out as a highlight in our selection and recruitment process,” said Christal Dimas, associate director of the Office of Special Scholarships. “By extending invitations to these exceptionally talented individuals, we provide them with the chance to envision themselves as part of the Yellow Jacket family, while giving us a deeper understanding of who they are beyond their applications. This weekend also serves as a way to engage various stakeholders, including parents, faculty members, campus partners, current students and staff, in meaningful interactions with these prospective scholars. It’s an amazing weekend to be a part of!”

Decisions will be announced Friday, March 15.

Stamps President’s Scholars Program Expands to Welcome 10 Additional Exceptional Students

The Stamps President’s Scholars Program will add 10 spots to the prestigious program beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, thanks to generous philanthropy from E. Roe Stamps IV.

A group of students and staff stand on a mountain top all wearing turquoise 'Tech Trek' shirts. They are holding a flag that reads 'Georgia Tech Stamps President's Scholars' — Stamps President’s Scholars and staff on the annual outdoor leadership ‘Tech Trek,’ which has visited locations such as Banff National Park, Belize, Alaska, and beyond.

In a testament to its commitment to fostering academic excellence and cultivating future leaders at Georgia Tech, the Stamps President’s Scholars Program will expand in the upcoming academic year. Thanks to the generous philanthropy of E. Roe Stamps IV, the program will support 10 additional students, increasing future cohorts from 40 to 50 outstanding scholars.

“These 10 additional spots will undoubtedly attract even more high-achieving students to the Institute,” said Chaffee Viets, director of the Office of Special Scholarships. “Dr. Stamps’ philanthropy ensures that the program’s impact will endure, continuing to support scholars working on medical research, humanitarian support, ethical AI development, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.”

The Stamps President’s Scholars Program provides a full ride to cover tuition, fees, housing, a meal plan, books, academic supplies, and a stipend for first-year students to purchase a laptop. In addition to covering immediate education expenses, the program also provides enrichment funds, faculty guide mentorship, annual cohort retreats, access to the nationwide Stamps Scholars Program network, and more resources for personal and professional development.

The Office of Special Scholarships selects Stamps President’s Scholars before they begin their first year at Georgia Tech. Scholars are identified from their undergraduate application for first-year admission and follow-up interviews.

Stamps President’s Scholar and fourth-year biomedical engineering student Haaris Jilani describes the program as instrumental in navigating his undergraduate journey and becoming a well-rounded individual.

“It allows me to get out of my sphere and be with more than just my immediate peers in biomedical engineering,” said Jilani. “I get to speak with people at the top of their fields from diverse backgrounds and get new perspectives on my work. It’s a testament to the mentoring provided by the program.”

Jilani first became passionate about conducting research when he was 15 years old. Though he’s covered a variety of different subjects, he started to focus on stem cell research upon his arrival at Georgia Tech. In addition to using the network provided by the Stamps Scholars Program to broaden his horizons, Jilani uses the program’s enrichment funding to attend conferences and connect with professionals in his field.

Outside of research and the classroom, Jilani enjoys his involvement in the Muslim Student Association, where he connects with other members of his religion on campus and engages with advocacy efforts. He has also started an educational outreach program, teaching science-related topics in Atlanta-area schools, an endeavor that affords him the opportunity to learn and to give back to the local community.

After he crosses the stage and receives his diploma in May, he’ll leave for a year to attend Imperial College London to continue his education and research as a Marshall Scholar. As he wraps up his time in the Stamps Program, he advises future Stamps President’s Scholars to use the opportunity to benefit their community.

“To be where I am today is an immense blessing. The majority of the world doesn’t have that privilege,” said Jilani. “To have this blessing — there’s a lot that you can do with it. Every day you get out of bed is an opportunity to do good and help someone. You can build towards something so that at the end of your life, you have a legacy that benefits those that come after you.”

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What’s in a Promise?

For Cameron Barnett, the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Program was likely the only way she could attend Georgia Tech. Now freshly graduated with a debt-free degree, she reflects on her time at Tech and mentor relationship with professor and Tech Promise donor Bill Todd.

Cameron Barnett poses with Buzz — Cameron Barnett poses for a photo with Buzz.

When Bill Todd, Professor of the Practice in the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech, first met Cameron Barnett, she was another student in Todd’s open office hours — discussing class, life, and everything in between.

At some point, the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Program — which provides a debt-free degree experience at Tech — came up in conversation. Todd, a proud advocate and donor to the program, was discussing his involvement and hopes for the scholarship. Little did he know, Barnett herself was a Tech Promise recipient.

Upon hearing Todd’s words about the scholarship and his personal support, Barnett began to cry.

“Tech Promise changed my life,” Barnett said. “It’s probably the only reason I was able to come to Tech.”

A 6-year-old Barnett was sold on attending Tech following a conversation with her mom discussing the rigor and prestige of the Institute compared to other universities in the state. From then on, Barnett describes her drive to attend Tech as a passion.

However, as the eldest of seven and unable to take out loans, Barnett knew that paying for college was a non-starter without meaningful financial help from the Institute.

As she researched scholarships to decide whether she could make her Tech dream a reality, she discovered the Tech Promise program. When she was admitted to Tech, she was not initially given the scholarship, but she contacted the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to explain her situation. Afterward, the office allotted her a space in the program.

Todd and Barnett have maintained a close mentorship since their initial meeting. When asked to describe Barnett, Todd is quick to describe her wit in class, her perseverance, and her sense of gratitude. Gratitude, in particular, is something Todd finds most compelling about Tech Promise and the value it brings out on campus.

“The culture that created Tech Promise didn’t come out of thin air,” said Todd. “We have a culture of appreciation, a culture of gratitude that makes it possible for us to support students in this way.”

Barnett graduated in December 2023 with a degree in business administration. Among her favorite classes were Todd’s as well as one where she served as a business consultant for the Campus Recreation Center, developing a plan for improvement to boost student engagement and functionality of the center. In Todd’s classes, she enjoyed writing case studies evaluating certain business aspects of healthcare systems.

Now, Barnett is taking a gap year from school to prepare for the LSAT and apply for law school while also working as a project manager at Koch Industries. Reflecting on her time at Tech, she describes it as transformative.

“I love to learn, so being able to do that at the level of Georgia Tech was exciting for me,” said Barnett. “Tech challenged me, and I really enjoyed that. I was never bored, and there was always something meaningful to contribute to.”

Barnett joins over 1,000 Tech Promise scholars who have graduated from the Institute without taking on any debt. Not only does it provide a debt-free education, but in Todd’s experience, it also reshapes the entire system of a Tech Promise recipient’s community.

“Every Tech Promise student that we fund is another step forward,” said Todd. “And it’s not just that student who is affected by the scholarship – it’s their entire ecosystem. Their family, their friends, their church, their community. Suddenly, it makes a college education a possibility where it historically has not been, for more than just the student receiving the Promise.”

Supporting Students

Philanthropic support for scholarships and fellowships makes it possible for Georgia Tech to recruit the brightest, most talented students from around our state and around the world. Support students today.

Inaugural Val-Sal Scholars Share Their Journey to Georgia Tech

The 2023-24 academic year marked the first time the Georgia Tech Val-Sal Scholarship, a scholarship for eligible Georgia high school valedictorians and salutatorians, was awarded at Tech. Offered to 25 students for the inaugural year, the scholarship covers up to $5,000 a semester for those who may not be able to attend the Institute otherwise. Two Scholars reflect on their time at Tech so far and what brought them here.

Dayleigh Mims – first-year civil engineering major from Barnesville, Georgia

Dayleigh Mims poses for a photo with Buzz — Dayleigh Mims (right) is a first-year Val-Sal Scholar studying civil engineering.

Despite her love of engineering, Dayleigh Mims did not originally see Georgia Tech as an option for her college career. Believing it to be too competitive, she wasn’t sure if she would get accepted. Not only did she get accepted, but she received multiple scholarship offers – one being the Georgia Tech Val-Sal Scholarship – which made her dream of Tech all the more accessible.

“I didn’t initially have my sights set on it,” she said. “But I spoke to a friend, and he told me not to limit myself and go for it. Obviously, I’m glad that I listened.”

Mims has always loved math. After moving to Lamar County High School from Stockbridge, Georgia, she found herself outpacing the math courses available. This ultimately led to her involvement in her high school’s gifted internship pathway, where she worked for the math department and then the school counselor.

The counselor assigned her career readiness work, where Mims found engineering as a suitable outlet for her enjoyment of math. After realizing this, her counselor assigned Mims a project — analyzing the bridges in Lamar County. The project confirmed that engineering was the right path for Mims.

Now, as Mims moves in to her second semester at Tech, she’s finding her path and adjusting to college life. Mims looks forward to getting involved in more classes directly linked to her major.

Azaniah Blackmon – first-year mechanical engineering major from Ludowici, Georgia

Azaniah poses for a photo — Azaniah Blackmon is a first-year Val-Sal Scholar studying mechanical engineering.

In high school, Azaniah Blackmon wasn’t sure where his next steps would take him. As he started his college planning, his parents were the first to suggest Georgia Tech to fit his engineering aspirations. Blackmon was quick to get on board given that he could study his passion at an elite institution while sticking close to home.

He applied, and received the Val-Sal Scholarship, confirming that Tech was the right choice. Since coming to campus in the fall, he’s enjoyed the opportunity to learn at an elite level while being close enough for his family to make the occasional visit.

When it came time to make a decision about which branch of engineering to pursue, Blackmon was stuck between mechanical and civil engineering. After some thought and time on campus last fall semester, mechanical engineering ultimately won out.

“I saw myself going further in that field,” he said. “I went to the career fair just to see what was out there in both fields and felt like there were a lot of directions to go within mechanical engineering.”

Blackmon spent last semester adjusting to the new types of coursework and exploring his interests. Chemistry was his favorite class of his fall semester, though he looks forward to getting involved with more major-specific courses as he builds his expertise.

Supporting Students

Philanthropic support for scholarships like the Val-Sal Scholarship makes it possible for Georgia Tech to recruit the brightest, most talented students from around our state and around the world. Support students today.

Circling Back on a Promise

Because of an opportunity to earn a debt-free degree through the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program, Heather Johnston has been able to pursue her passions and give back to her community.

Heather Johnston poses with her father in front of the Reck. — Heather Johnston (right) with her father on her graduation day in 2017. Heather Johnston was able to attend Georgia Tech on a full scholarship through the Tech Promise Program.

Georgia Tech alumna Heather Johnston, who graduated in 2017, attended Tech as a recipient of the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program, a scholarship that makes it possible for qualifying low-income, in-state students to earn a degree at Tech debt-free. Now, she’s building a nonprofit based in North Georgia to continue a cycle of kindness.

“People have helped me every step of the way, and now I want to help people,” said Johnston, reflecting on her path from Tech to building her nonprofit, Blueprint Bridge, Inc., an organization dedicated to assisting individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. “And the cycle just keeps going. That’s how the world gets better.”

Journey to Tech

For this native of Blue Ridge, Georgia, college wasn’t always on the horizon. Despite performing well in high school and enjoying academics, Johnston didn’t feel that she had the resources, or need, to go to college.

“I just didn’t know much about college at the time,” she said. “I didn’t know many people who went, and I didn’t know what you could really do with a college degree.”

But she still ended up applying to Tech on her high school’s Apply to College Day, and weeks later, she had an acceptance letter and the offer of a Tech Promise scholarship. Dealing with an abusive relationship at the time, the opportunity to get out of her hometown to attend college without accumulating debt was a game changer.

When she arrived at Tech, she found herself in the office of Jerry McTier, a financial aid advisor, for a mandatory meeting about her scholarship and managing her finances for the years ahead. As an 18-year-old who grew up in rural Georgia with limited means, financial management — and navigating the college landscape as a first-generation student — proved daunting. But with McTier’s help, Johnston was able to more comfortably navigate her years at Tech.

“The information gap is pretty big,” said Johnston. “If you haven’t had someone close to you go to college before, you don’t even know what you don’t know until someone tells you.”

Heather Johnston and Jerry McTier standing in front of the Reck on her graduation day. — Johnston with Jerry McTier, the financial aid officer who helped her in her years at Georgia Tech, at Johnston’s graduation.

Heather Johnston poses with a friend on a farm, both standing in front of a yellow convertible with long farming houses in the background. — Johnston with Jerry McTier, the financial aid officer who helped her in her years at Georgia Tech, at Johnston’s graduation.

Continuing the Cycle of Giving Back

After graduating with her degree in public policy, Johnston worked for Georgia’s State Road and Tollway Authority but found herself wanting to do more to give back. After reflecting on her skills and passions, Johnston decided to apply to law school at Georgia State University.

Law school gave Johnston the know-how and inspiration that led her to turn her focus to the creation of Blueprint Bridge. As Johnston builds the nonprofit, she hopes the organization will be a resource hub for individuals who have been affected by the criminal justice system as they reintegrate into society.

“There’s a lot of little things we can do to be helpful,” said Johnston. “Tips on how to eat, how to call your probation officer, or where to get dental care. For a lot of people, these are the kinds of things that can be difficult to navigate.”

Johnston’s goal is for the organization to be something anyone can contribute resources to, and she hopes it will expand over time. Ultimately, she’s happy to have the opportunity to return some of the kindness she received to her home region.

“Growing up in a small town and then coming to college on scholarship really ingrained the community mindset,” said Johnston. “So, I always imagined I would put effort back into my community. I am thankful for what I’ve been given, and it makes such a big difference.”

Learn more about other Tech Promise scholars here and get information on how to give to the Tech Promise scholarship fund here.

Continuing a Promise

Because of an opportunity to earn a debt-free degree through the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program, Andrés Robles Sotomayor is able to pursue his longtime passion and learn how he can channel that passion to give back to his country.

Andrés Robles Sotomayor poses with Buzz. — Andrés Robles Sotomayor with Buzz.

When Andrés Robles Sotomayor left his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to come to Hinesville, Georgia, he brought with him the determination to become an engineer. As he evaluated his college options and arrived at aerospace engineering for his career choice, Georgia Tech quickly became a top contender.

“It was one of the few universities that had an aerospace engineering program, and it was very prestigious and close to my interests,” said Robles Sotomayor. “Though, that wasn’t the only reason it was my top choice — it was also in-state, so I could stay closer to my mother.”

Receiving a Promise

Robles Sotomayor applied for admission and was accepted. However, as the son of a single mother working hard to make ends meet, he wasn’t sure what covering the cost of college would look like.

“I got in, and then my mom asked how we were going to pay for it,” he said. “And I told her ‘Well, that’s a good question. I don’t know, but I guess I’ll figure it out.’”

The solution Robles Sotomayor considered was joining the military to serve his country and support his career aspirations. The opportunity to receive pilot training drew him to consider joining the Air Force, but he knew it would mean dedicating a decade away from his mother, which Robles Sotomayor acknowledged would have been difficult.

But then he received the notification that he’d been selected for the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program, a scholarship that makes it possible for qualifying low-income, in-state students to earn a degree at Tech debt–free. The offer came as a huge relief, especially to Robles Sotomayor’s mother, who was hesitant to see her son join the military.

“My mom went berserk,” recalled Robles Sotomayor on telling his mother about the scholarship offer.

Robles Sotomayor still plans to serve his country, but he’s happy for the opportunity to pursue his education first. Ultimately, he hopes to work in the defense industry in aerodynamics or as a flight test pilot.

A group of people dance under blue lighting — An example of some of the photography work Robles Sotomayor has done for SHPE.

Andrés Robles Sotomayor outside with four of his friends — An example of some of the photography work Robles Sotomayor has done for SHPE.

Time at Tech

Since coming to Tech, Robles Sotomayor has affirmed his interest in all things aerospace engineering: He is involved with Design Build Fly, a competitive aircraft design team, as well as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). He’s also expanded his interests to include hobbies like photography, a pursuit he fell into accidentally when SHPE needed a photographer last year. Now he’s the lead photographer for the group.

Robles Sotomayor was able to go to the National Convention for the Society of Hispanic Engineers through his work with SHPE, and secured a summer internship with Northrop Grumman, a defense and technology company. He spent the summer on-site in West Virginia, where he served as a technical intern for their Missile and Rocket Propulsion Division.

He plans to return to the convention this year, funded by Tech Promise. Now that he has manufacturing experience from Northrop Grumman, he’s excited to find an opportunity that moves him closer to his goal of aerodynamics.

Robles Sotomayor is thankful for the advantages Tech Promise has provided for him, especially when it comes to having the chance to focus solely on his education and enjoy just being a student at Tech.

“Tech Promise is a program that has helped me, and a lot of other lower-income students, have the opportunity to be here,” said Robles Sotomayor. “Students in this program have worked incredibly hard to get here, and they’ve earned a spot at a prestigious institution like Georgia Tech — without the worry of how to pay for it.”

Learn more about other Tech Promise scholars here. Get more information on how to give to the Tech Promise scholarship fund here.

Revisiting a Promise Fulfilled

Sarah Banks Hogg, a 2013 graduate from Georgia Tech, reflects on the value of a debt-free college experience, a privilege she enjoyed because of the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program.

Sarah Banks Hogg poses on graduation day in front of the Campanile with her back to the camera and her hands in the air. — Sarah Banks Hogg on her graduation day in 2013.

Sarah Banks Hogg vividly remembers opening the letter alerting her that she had been accepted to the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program, a scholarship that makes it possible for qualifying low-income, in-state students to earn a debt-free Tech degree. She and her mother stood in the kitchen of their Habersham County home, as Hogg read the letter indicating that the family’s expected financial contribution to Hogg’s college education was zero.

“I had to ask my mom if it was real, if I was understanding it correctly,” she recalled. “I thought maybe it was a mistake, or it was only for a year.”

It soon became apparent that it was not a mistake, and Hogg’s time at Tech would be completely funded by the scholarship. This news came as a windfall to Hogg, whose family’s financial situation had changed drastically following the loss of her father to a battle with cancer when Hogg was 11 years old.

A Future Unclear

When Hogg first set her sights on college, she knew the expense would be a challenge. Regardless, she applied to Georgia Tech and was excited about the prospect of continuing her education. But the elation that came upon acceptance to Tech was quickly followed by the dread of having to discuss the financial implications of a college education.

“I didn’t want to have that conversation with my mom yet,” she said. “I just wanted to be excited before thinking about how we were going to pay for it.”

Luckily, after Hogg and her mother completed her Free Application for Federal Student Aid — commonly known as the FAFSA — she got that fortunate letter in the mail.

“The letter said the expected family contribution was zero, so my family wouldn’t have to pay for anything,” said Hogg. “And seeing that brought a sigh of relief.”

After she realized the offer was real, and that she would be receiving a Tech education without incurring any debt, Hogg was ecstatic. Finally, her dream was becoming a reality.

Sarah Banks Hogg on her wedding day, posing in a field with her husband. — Hogg on her wedding day.

Sarah Banks Hogg poses for a photo with a city skyline in the background. — Hogg on her wedding day.

To Tech and Beyond

When she arrived at Tech, Hogg quickly immersed herself in the culture of Georgia Tech. She joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among numerous other clubs, and worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Hogg was a proud Tech Promise ambassador during her time working in Admission, and she enjoyed telling prospective students about her experience and what they could expect from a Tech education.

All the while, Tech Promise was fully funding her time at Tech – including her semester abroad at Oxford.

Now that it’s approaching a decade since she graduated in 2013, she advises prospective students, especially those who receive the offer of Tech Promise, to embrace the power of a Georgia Tech degree.

“It’s like a switch flipped in people when I was interviewing for different jobs,” said Hogg. “People know that a Tech degree means that you have an excellent work ethic and that the learning curve between school and a full-time job for a Tech student is small.”

Hogg now works for CapTech Consulting, a technology consulting firm. As part of her work, she gets to come to Georgia Tech for recruitment fairs. For her, interacting with Tech students and showing them what awaits them after graduation is the perfect way to support her alma mater.

As she gets older, understanding the full impact of a debt-free degree has only made her more appreciative.

“I think about what it must have meant for my mom especially,” said Hogg. “She’s a single mom trying to make ends meet, and I think about what her child having the opportunity to go to college debt free would have felt like. It must have been a weight off her chest.”

Learn more about other Tech Promise scholars here, and more about Hogg’s story when she was a student at Tech. Get more information on how to give to the Tech Promise scholarship fund here.