The Aunt Betty Fund Awards Inaugural STEM Scholarships to 3 NJIT Students
A trio of students from New Jersey Institute of Technology have been selected as the inaugural recipients of STEM scholarships from The Aunt Betty Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the burden of student loans taken on to pay for higher education.
The awards follow a competitive selection process that drew roughly 100 applicants. Seven finalists were interviewed and ultimately three NJIT students were selected: Mitchell Rodriguez of Dunellen, Amir Hayes of Newark and Joshua Hernandez of Teaneck.
The NJIT scholarships were jointly funded by The Aunt Betty Fund of Washington, D.C. and Quantifi Solutions of New York City. “These are merit scholarships,” said Jack Zoeller, Aunt Betty Fund’s founder. “We want to help students with high career potential who are close to completing their degrees, have demonstrated leadership, character and commitment to community, and face significant financial hurdles.”
Each of this year’s NJIT scholarship recipients represents the first-generation in their families to attend college.
“In my 30 years of working with students at NJIT, I have seen firsthand how even modest financial support can profoundly impact a student's ability to complete their rigorous coursework and achieve their career goals,” added Bruce Bukiet, professor of mathematical sciences at NJIT and member of the scholarship selection committee. “With this vital support, these highly accomplished STEM awardees can now focus fully on their academic success with a significantly lighter financial burden.”
Amir Hayes
Hayes, a Fintech major in NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management, has balanced academics with leadership roles across several student organizations during his time at NJIT. He previously served as telecommunications chair and treasurer for NJIT’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and was also an officer in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
He has gained professional experience through internships with Exelon and L’Oréal USA while also helping support his family while enrolled at NJIT.
“The Aunt Betty Fund lifted a huge financial weight off my shoulders and allowed me to stay focused on finishing my degree,” Hayes said. “Being selected reminded me that hard work and persistence really do get recognized.”
Joshua Hernandez
Hernandez, a computer science student in NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing, has been actively involved in both academic and campus life throughout his time at the university. As a resident assistant, he helps foster a supportive residential community by mentoring students and organizing programs that promote engagement and well-being. He is also involved in student organizations, including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and NJIT’s Society of Musical Arts.
He has gained professional experience through an internship with Bank of America and through his work with NJIT’s Media and Technology Support Services. Following graduation, he will return to Bank of America full-time as a software engineer.
“Receiving the Aunt Betty Fund scholarship means more than financial support — it represents belief in my potential,” Hernandez said. “It has given me the confidence and stability to focus on finishing my degree at NJIT and continuing to work toward my goal of building innovative technology solutions in the software industry.”
Mitchell Rodriguez
Rodriguez, a mechanical engineering student from Dunellen, transferred to NJIT after earning an associate’s degree in engineering science from Middlesex College. At NJIT he has taken on leadership roles as treasurer of both the university’s Soccer Club and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), helping support programming and fundraising efforts for more than 200 student members.
He has also served as a peer mentor through NJIT’s Career Development Services while gaining industry experience through internships with Trane Technologies and Everlasting Valve Company.
“Receiving the Aunt Betty Fund Scholarship has been incredibly meaningful to me and my family,” Rodriguez said. “This support gives me the confidence and stability to finish my degree in engineering where I can create real, long-term impact.”
This year’s NJIT scholarships were also supported by Quantifi employees contributing to the initiative as part of the company’s broader commitment to charitable activities in its local community.
“Quantifi is proud to support the Aunt Betty Fund and NJIT in funding scholarships for STEM students,” said Chris Douglas, head of growth and go-to-market at Quantifi Solutions. “As a company built on technical talent, we see firsthand how access to education shapes careers and communities.”
The Aunt Betty Fund was named for its founder’s great aunt, Elizabeth Butler, whose generosity toward others inspired the organization’s mission. Through partnerships with universities and corporate and individual donors, the fund works to reduce financial barriers for students completing their degrees and launching their careers.