Honeywell Creates and Awards New Latinx Scholarship Due to Impressive Application

Originally from Guatemala, Carlos Alonzo has always enjoyed learning how things work with an interest in all-things speed related. This fascination led him to a close relationship with Minddrive, a project-based experiential learning program focusing on collaboration through math, science, technology and innovation and to Minddrive’s program director, Oz Qureshi.

Oz knew Carlos’ strong work ethic and perseverance paired with his desire to take the lead on Minddrive’s after-school programming would make him an impressive candidate for engineering scholarships.

Carlos applied for scholarships where he could but felt a bit defeated noting a lack of opportunities for Latino students. “Not many scholarships are available to us,” Carlos said. “So, I struggled to find any that applied to me.”

When Oz introduced Carlos to one of Honeywell’s engineering scholarships he was apprehensive to apply because it is allocated for African-American students with their partnership with the Black Achievers Society.

With Oz’s encouragement, Carlos went ahead and applied despite his concern of the criteria – and it’s a good thing he did! Once Honeywell reviewed Carlos’ application one thing became very clear; Honeywell needed to create a new scholarship dedicated to Latinx students so Carlos could be awarded.

Both Carlos and Oz were shocked and excited when Honeywell confirmed they created a new Latinx engineering scholarship naming Carlos as the first recipient due to his impressive application.

“I was stunned and had no words,” Carlos said. “I just want to get an education and support my family like they’ve supported me throughout this entire thing.”

Watch Carlos and his mother’s reaction to learning the great news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS2k5ChctU0