STEAM Scholarships Awarded to Two Students in Fall 2024 by Dreams for Schools and Neudesic
December 18, 2024Dreams for Schools and Neudesic, an IBM Company, Honor Two UC Irvine Students with Winter 2025 STEAM Scholarships
SANTA ANA, CA – April 3, 2025 – Dreams for Schools (DFS), a nonprofit dedicated to providing STEAM education programs for underserved youth, proudly announces the recipients of the Winter 2025 STEAM Scholarship Awards presented by Neudesic.
The scholarship program, made possible through Neudesic’s generous support, provides financial assistance and professional development opportunities for DFS Instructors pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields.
“We are thrilled to award these STEAM Scholarships to two exceptional DFS Instructors,” said Nithin Jilla, Executive Director of Dreams for Schools. “Both Onyinyechi and Christine joined our team this past year and have quickly become invaluable members of our teaching staff. Onyinyechi has demonstrated remarkable dedication in supporting our out-of-state program in Affton, Missouri, while Christine has made significant contributions to our PYLUSD and Saddleback partner programs. Their commitment to STEAM education and their ability to inspire students exemplifies exactly what this scholarship aims to recognize and support.”
Onyinyechi Ndu – Biomedical Engineering at University of California, Irvine
Onyinyechi Ndu, originally from Texas, is currently pursuing Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine on the pre-med track. Since joining Dreams for Schools in the past year, she has been instrumental in supporting our out-of-state program in Affton, Missouri, helping to sustain our STEAM education initiatives beyond California. Her passion lies at the intersection of medicine, genetics, and research, where she hopes to contribute to advancements in DNA and genetic-related fields.
Beyond academics, Onyinyechi is an accomplished musician who plays the violin, composes music, and is learning piano. Her diverse interests include reading, language learning, and an ambitious dream to build a fully functional robotic bird companion capable of flight.
Actively engaged in her community, Onyinyechi serves as a publicity intern for IMED, volunteers with SOAR, and mentors a high school robotics team, providing assistance with CAD modeling. Her commitment to volunteerism and passion for exploring new skills through music, technology, and community service exemplify the innovative spirit DFS seeks to foster.
Christine Nguyen – Software Engineering at University of California, Irvine
Christine is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at UCI. She aims to combine her knowledge of biology and software engineering to design technology that addresses challenges in the healthcare system. Since joining Dreams for Schools this past year, Christine has been a dedicated instructor for our PYLUSD (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District) and Saddleback partner programs, where she has excelled at engaging students and making complex STEAM concepts accessible.
In her free time, Christine enjoys PC gaming, fitness activities, shopping, and reading. She also has a passion for outdoor adventures, particularly beach bonfires and hiking at the Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
About the Scholarship Program
The STEAM Scholarships presented by Neudesic reflect DFS’s mission to empower students from all backgrounds to reach their full potential as tomorrow’s innovators. A special thank you goes to Neudesic and the volunteers who participated in the scholarship review committee alongside the Dreams for Schools team reviewers.
About Dreams for Schools
Dreams for Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to advance education equity by bridging gaps in STEAM education, with an emphasis on computer science. DFS sparks wonder and innovation, empowering youth to explore the boundless world of technology through inclusive, cutting-edge STEAM education. Through partnerships with students, educators, schools, and industry leaders, DFS develops STEAM curricula, offers STEAM classes for K-8 youth, provides professional development for teachers, and connects college students to vocational opportunities in STEAM fields.
Through partnerships with students, educators, schools, and industry leaders, DFS develops STEAM curricula, offers STEAM classes for K-8 youth, provides professional development for teachers, and connects college students to vocational opportunities in STEAM fields. The STEAM Scholarships presented by Neudesic exemplify DFS’ mission to empower students from all backgrounds to reach their full potential as tomorrow’s innovators.
About Neudesic, an IBM Company
Neudesic, an IBM company, helps clients move forward with confidence. As a global professional services firm dedicated to future-proofing businesses, Neudesic brings together extraordinary people, strong partnerships, and collective experience with cutting-edge technologies. Their partnership with DFS to fund STEAM scholarships demonstrates their commitment to developing the next generation of tech talent and leaders.
DFS and Neudesic look forward to continuing their collaboration to make STEAM education accessible for all students, regardless of their circumstances. Together, they are building a more innovative, equitable future for our youth.
