A unique five-year degree program is now available to Texas A&M University incoming freshmen who major in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field. Selected individuals will be known as Brockman Scholars.
The program was formed by the Brockman Foundation in 2018 with the goal of attracting more adept scholars in the STEM fields and giving these high-potential individuals a better opportunity to succeed and make an impact. Scholarships will be awarded to about 50 students annually; the inaugural class of Brockman Scholars was selected in early 2018 and entered Texas A&M this fall.
The Brockman Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and miscellaneous fees while also funding opportunities such as internships, study abroad and leadership development programs—making it the most all-inclusive scholarship offered at Texas A&M.
“The Brockman Scholars Program is a one-of-a-kind scholarship that sets a new standard of investment by visionary donor investors. We couldn’t be more proud or inspired by this investment and the future global impact of its participants,” said Tyson Voelkel, president of the Texas A&M Foundation.
Brockman Scholars will graduate in five years with an undergraduate STEM degree as well as a Master of Science in Business. Scholars will be educated in a dynamic setting that provides hands-on training in both fields of study, combining the two to give students an edge above their peers when entering the workforce. Through their master’s program, scholars will gain deeper insight into the working application of a STEM degree through courses covering business communications and ethics, finance and accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
“I am really excited about this program coming to fruition,” said Dr. Eli Jones, dean of Mays Business School. “This project is near and dear to me, as I have been honored to be a part of this effort for the last two and a half years. I am especially excited about it being an interdisciplinary program that intertwines STEM programs and business.”
During the application process, primary consideration will be given to students of high academic achievement who have proven themselves to be individuals of character. Students will have merited the award based primarily on their academic achievements, but also through high levels of constructive community engagement and their qualities as a good citizen. They will have been distinguished in their schools and communities with exceptional potential for impacting the world in their chosen professions.
“It’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information,” said Evatt Tamine, Chief Executive Officer of the Brockman Foundation. “With their combined skills in STEM and business, Brockman Scholars will be better prepared for today’s companies, which need top talent to stay competitive in their industries, drive innovation and advance research. We are proud to partner with Texas A&M University to support the advancement of STEM education to meet the world’s demand for STEM professionals.”
2018 Brockman Scholar Ireri Medrano '22
Ireri Medrano ’22 is a member of the inaugural class of Brockman Scholars. Although she was born in Texas and lived in the Lone Star State for a great portion of her life, Medrano currently lives in Georgia, making her an out-of-state student. She was ultimately attracted to Texas A&M for its value, affordability, and her overall appreciation for what the university stands for.
She’s chosen to major in applied mathematical sciences in the College of Science. “It offers me many opportunities to integrate my passion for mathematics with solving real-world problems,” said Medrano, who noted that STEM became an interest of hers while taking calculus and physics classes in high school. She also has a keen interest in statistics. “The subject captures my interest because it’s where mathematics meets language,” she added. “Statistics can tell us so much about the world around us, about our patterns and behaviors, and they help us make decisions.”
Because the Brockman Scholars Program requires that scholars engage in all aspects of student life, Medrano believes Brockman Scholars will graduate with more experience in areas that employers seek, such as involvement in student organizations and internships or job experience.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I have been granted this opportunity,” she said. “Just a year ago, I was beginning a gap year working to help with my college expenses, and though I had secured a few scholarships, I knew I would be in for a stressful few years trying to afford the cost of my education. Now, I have secured savings for my future and am fortunate enough to begin my college career focused on my studies.
“To be one of the first students selected for such a generous and comprehensive award has shown me that my potential as a student and citizen is valuable and important,” she added. “My fellow scholars and I will be the first to exemplify what it means to be a Brockman Scholar, and I believe we will prove ourselves worthy of our selection.”
Applications are now open for the second class of Brockman Scholars at Texas A&M University. The deadline to apply is 5:00 P.M. Central on October 28, 2018. More information about the scholarship, including the online application, can be found at https://brockmanfoundation.org/scholarship-programme/.
About the Brockman Foundation
The Brockman Foundation has supported worthy initiatives in the areas of education and medical research for more than three decades. Its philanthropic activities are made possible by a trust established by the late A. Eugene Brockman. A businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Brockman believed strongly that gifted individuals could help create a better world for us all.
