Rentec Direct is pleased to announce the 2022 Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship recipients.
The Tech Mastery Scholarship program from Rentec Direct offers assistance to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an education in technology by helping them achieve their academic dreams and future goals in the technology industry.
The 2022 Tech Mastery Scholarship has been awarded to students working towards a degree in computer science or a related field.
“Technology relies on fresh innovations from new minds in the industry,” says Nathan Miller, president of Rentec Direct. “As an internet-based organization, Rentec Direct is directly influenced by changing technology, and we find it especially exciting to see how those studying computer science and technology will impact the future.”
“We feel that one of the best ways to support future technology influencers is to encourage academic achievement through a scholarship program,” explains Miller.
Tech Mastery Scholarship
As part of the application process, students are to submit an essay answering the following question:
What are some of the greatest obstacles the tech industry has overcome in the past five years and what, if any, major obstacles do you foresee for the industry in the future?
Essays were evaluated based on the level of creativity, humor, grammar, and content.
Applicants were also asked to submit a brief cover letter explaining why they are pursuing the degree they have chosen and how it will benefit them in the future.
“Every year it seems our scholarship committee has their work cut out for them,” says Miller. “This year was no exception. We’ve seen a lot of worthy applicants, and it was impressive to see the strides students have already made within the industry through their academics and extracurricular activities.”
2022 Tech Mastery Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!
Kristopher Irizarry, University of California, Irvine
Kristopher is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. Along with earning the Deans Honor List distinction, Kristopher served as a Lab Tutor and hopes to continue applying for this unpaid position to give back throughout future undergraduate years.Kristopher is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. Along with earning the Deans Honor List distinction, Kristopher served as a Lab Tutor and hopes to continue applying for this unpaid position to give back throughout future undergraduate years.
In the future, Kristopher plans to apply to doctoral programs in computer science. “This will allow me not only to contribute original work to the body of knowledge in my field but will also give me the option to enter academia or industry after completion of my PhD…,” Kristopher says. Kristopher’s dream job within the industry is to become an information security analyst.
Joshua Rechkemmer, Texas A&M University San Antonio
Joshua is a junior pursuing his Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Joshua was inspired to pursue a career in computer science after enrolling in a computer fundamentals class in high school.
“My teacher at the time showed me the wonders and powers of computer programming,” Joshua said. “He would always try to show us how to solve problems by breaking them down and made learning fun with his goofy antics.” As a kid, Joshua’s family bonded together by playing video games, and Joshua would like to become a game developer to allow other families to do the same.
Erik Ossner, Cornell University, College of Engineering
Erik is a junior at Cornell University, College of Engineering. He chose to pursue a degree in Computer Science and would like to become an entrepreneur, hoping to build and grow a business within the EdTech sector. Erik found that a wealth of knowledge opened up before him once he could afford his own personal laptop in the 10th grade.
“Since then, removing boundaries for others–through my work in technology–has been a moral duty and passion to me,” says Erik. “I strive to transform the technological landscape through the products I build; to develop, grow, and run groundbreaking software tools, with the goals of leveraging knowledge and information for millions, regardless of background, ethnicity, or family income.”
Nathaniel Callabresi, College of William and Mary
Nathaniel will be a freshman at the College of William and Mary in the fall with plans to major in Computer Science and Data Analytics. Nathaniel began building desktop computers and assisting friends with their technical challenges in middle school.
“I enjoyed the puzzle of disassembling each new system and putting it back together,” Nathaniel says. This budding interest developed further throughout high school and eventually, Nathaniel began advanced independent computer science courses in web development. Nathaniel hopes to become a Software Engineer in the Healthcare Industry and intends to use computer science knowledge to develop a program that saves lives through targeted medical symptom searches.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
Rentec Direct introduced the Tech Mastery Scholarship in 2016 for students pursuing an education in computer science or technology.
The next deadline for the Tech Mastery Scholarship is April 15, 2023.
About the Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship
Rentec Direct will offer up to four $500.00 scholarships per year to outstanding college students pursuing an education in Computer Science, software development or other closely related fields of study. For more information about eligibility, requirements, and upcoming deadlines visit Rentec Direct’s Tech Mastery Scholarship page.