Talk about a surprise of a lifetime!

According to a press release provided to AfroTech, Amazon just surprised 100 inspiring computer science students looking to take their education and future career to the next level with scholarships.

Among thousands of applicants, the winners will all receive $40,000 scholarships to study computer science at a university of their choice along with paid internships at the world’s leading online marketplace upon the completion of their freshman year of college.

Students like Samuel Hill will receive the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship and has goals to pursue a computer science degree at the University of Southern Mississippi starting in the fall.

Currently, Hill is a residential student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, MS.

A Mississippi native, Hill grew up in the small town of Laurel where he has developed a passion for helping other Missipppians tap into the rapidly growing market for computer science professionals.

“Our underserved youth are not trained for the industry of the future,” said Hill in a blog post. “I want to help the students in my community realize the different paths available to them. Computer science exposure is invaluable and the way to prepare Mississippi for the future. I want to create technology-based ‘Dream Centers’ that would house the foundations for student exploration into computer science.”

On top of the scholarship and internship program for high school students, the program also gives elementary and middle school students from diverse communities the opportunity to have access to computer science camps and classes. This will allow them to explore project-based learning by using code to make music, program robots, and solve problems.

“I’m so inspired by the stories of these students who are pursuing career paths to help increase access to technology and computer literacy among American families,” said Victor Reinoso, Global Director, Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon in the Community. “These two stories show the long-term impact that this program can have on the communities it’s reaching.”

For more on the 2021 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Class of 2021, click here.

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