Annual Award Tops $85K.
Read the MGHPCC Press Release
Holyoke, Massachusetts, June 9, 2023 – Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia today announced the winner of a $5,000 college scholarship from the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC). The scholarship recipient is Jaycalee Santos, who will be attending UMass Amherst in the fall. Now in its 10th year, the MGHPCC’s merit-based scholarship program has awarded more than $85,000 in grants to date.
“Community partners like the MGHPCC are integral to the strength and growth of the city,” said Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. “We are deeply grateful for the MGHPCC’s commitment to Holyoke, especially in support of educational initiatives, like the scholarship program, that can fundamentally influence the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
“Supporting education and workforce development are at the core of our mission and that of our member institutions,” said MGHPCC Executive Director John Goodhue. “We are proud to partner with the mayor, the superintendent, community members and state and federal government to support and create pathways for Holyoke students.”
“Jaycalee is a dedicated student who has already demonstrated the talent, skills and mindset to propel her college career,” said Superintendent Anthony W. Soto. “We proudly congratulate Jaycalee on her graduation, scholarship and acceptance into UMass Amherst. She deserves this recognition, and we wish her all the best.”
The MGHPCC scholarship program is open to any Holyoke Public School student enrolling at one of the five founding members of the MGHPCC: Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, MIT or UMass. It is open to students in any major and not limited to students of computer science or other scientific disciplines. Recipients are chosen on the basis of an 800-word essay answering the question, “What do you see as the three biggest challenges currently facing Holyoke, and what would you do to address them?”
In addition to sponsoring the scholarship program, the MGHPCC works with the mayor’s office, Holyoke Public Schools, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College and local community service organizations to host internships, robotics competitions, teacher workshops, after-school classes, programming courses, career awareness days and summer camps.
Story image: (Left to right) MGHPCC Executive Director John Goodhue, scholarship recipient Jaycalee Santos, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Superintendent Anthony W. Soto. – Courtesy Mayor’s Office, Holyoke