Lockheed Martin awards first scholarships to Rowan students

Rowan University and Rowan College at Burlington County are pleased to announce six of their students have been selected as recipients of the Lockheed Martin STEM and Vocational Scholarships. 

The award recipients include: Rowan University’s Gershom Gbadebo of Galloway (Computer Science); Alexander Volz-Price of Franklinville (Computer Science); Christopher Lange of Succasunna (Computer Science); Yatra Patel of Bellmawr (Physics); and Rowan College at Burlington County’s Ciyhanni Robinson of New Brunswick (Computer Science) and Mason Buckalew of Mansfield (Mechanical Engineering).

Lockheed Martin’s scholarship program supports students of all ages participating in skills-based training in technology and advanced manufacturing fields. The program seeks to fund students pursuing associate and bachelor’s degrees, credit-bearing certificates, or industry-recognized credentials in specific disciplines. 

The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship program awards up to $6,600 to as many as 150 recipients each year. The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship program is open to students pursuing engineering or computer science at a four-year college or university and awards $10,000 to 200 recipients each year, with a total potential value of $40,000 per student.  

“Lockheed Martin's STEM and Vocational Scholarships are important ways we prepare for the national security needs of the future by creating opportunities for students today,” said Greg Karol, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Lockheed Martin. “We are committed to expanding STEM education access for students and creating employment pathways for those with diverse backgrounds, experiences, education levels and perspectives.” 

“A future workforce with advanced critical skills will define our national progress,” Karol added. “That’s why we’re pleased to partner with Rowan University in our mission to inspire a new generation of talent that can help us drive technological innovation forward.”

Rowan University, Rowan College at Burlington County and Lockheed Martin have deepened their partnerships over the past decade. Together, Lockheed Martin and its higher education partners have established unique workforce-recognized credentials, collaborated on academic programming at the undergraduate and graduate level, and advanced a range of technologies through formalized research and development programs. 

“Our partnerships with Rowan University and Rowan College of Burlington County have resulted in the establishment of a robust talent pipeline that significantly benefits our New Jersey-based operations,” said Robert Regensburger, Lockheed Martin’s project principal for N.J. Economic Development and Higher Education Partnership Programs. “We are grateful to Rowan University for all of their support to accelerate our partnership and create accessible educational pathways to include instruction of combat systems engineering classes that serve to familiarize the students with the work we perform for our customers.”

Rowan University and Rowan College at Burlington County have developed a close affiliation to create 3+1 degree programs that keep the cost of a bachelor’s degree below what many universities charge for one year of tuition.

“Ciyhanni and Mason are wonderful examples of students who make the most out of their own talent and the opportunities available to them at RCBC,” RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “Our partnerships with nationally renowned institutions such as Lockheed Martin and Rowan University help hard-working students achieve their educational and career goals.”

“Developing partnerships to improve access to higher education and grow economic opportunities in South Jersey is at the heart of what we do here at Rowan University,” said Dr. Vojislava Pophristic, dean of Rowan University’s College of Science & Mathematics. “Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments. We cannot wait to see what you do next!”