The Dbacks Avnet STEM Scholars program celebrated its third year recently by awarding surprise scholarships to 12 deserving students.
Avnet and the Arizona Diamondbacks began the program in 2023, committing $1 million in college scholarships to the program through St. Vincent de Paul. Students not only receive a four-year scholarship, they are also showered with gifts including a laptop, a $500 gift card, a backpack, headphones and a custom jersey.
This year’s group was surprised with their awards at a pre-game celebration on May 17 at Chase Field. The event was attended by Phil Gallagher, Avnet CEO; Derrick Hall, president & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks; and Rebecca Obregon, president of Farnell, an Avnet Company.
Obregon shared these words of encouragement with the scholars: “Each of you has experienced challenges and hardship, but as someone who once stood where you are–full of ambition, hope and maybe a little uncertainty–I want you to know this: your background, your culture, your story–they are your strengths.”
The scholars are high-potential, first-generation Arizona students. The program through St. Vincent de Paul pairs students with mentors and supports them on their journey. Avnet volunteers helped as mentors for this year’s cohort. The program has been assisting scholars for over 20 years.
The group of young scholars who make up the 2025 cohort is the most diverse ever welcomed into the program. Two of the scholars are refugees from Rwanda and Uganda. The group also includes a set of twin girls who are graduating at the top of their high school class and plan to study computer science. The scholars are entering college studying a variety of engineering fields (civil, mechanical, software, electrical), pharmacology, dental hygiene and biosciences.
Watch the STEM Scholars pregame recognition video.
