Gates Scholar Michael Araya
Gates Scholar Derrick Moore II
They are Young, Gifted and Black! Two seniors at Ben Davis High School are among the recipients of 2014 Gates Millennium Scholarships (GMS). Derrick J. Moore II and Michael Araya are among three Indiana students and 1,000 in the nation to earn the prestigious scholarships awarded each year by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered through UNCF. The scholarships were established in 1999 with a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential by reducing financial barriers for African American, and oter minority students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need; increasing the representation of these target groups in the disciplines of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and the sciences, where these groups are severely underrepresented; developing a diversified group of future leaders for America by facilitating successful completion of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees; and providing seamless support from undergraduate through doctoral programs, for students selected as Gates Millennium Scholars entering target disciplines. The scholarships provide the full cost of college education by covering unmet need and self-help aid. The scholarships are renewable for all four years. There’s also funding for graduate school for Gates Scholars in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science. Indianapolis’ two Gates Millennium Scholars have an impressive track record of accomplishments. Derrick Moore II has a 4.82 GPA on a 4.0 scale. He’s ranked 15th in the Ben Davis’ Class of 2014. He’s been a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, 21st century Scholar, Center for Leadership Development, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and works with Ben Davis’ Giant Kings Minority leadership Program. Derrick plans to attend Asuza Christian University, in Asuza California, a suburb of Los Angeles. The school is one of the top Christian Universities in the country. Michael Araya has a 4.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale. He’s ranked 5th in the Ben Davis Class of 2014. He’s a member of Key Club, Ben Davis’ Brain Game team, Captain of the Speech Team, has worked internships at the IU Medical School and IU Simon Cancer Center and his a member of Ben Davis’ Track Team. Michael plans to attend Stanford University. Hear our interview with these inspiring young African-American young men and learn what led them to their academic success. Click the link to learn more about the Gates Millennium Scholarships. Gates Millennium Scholarship Program Website Click the Media Player to Hear Our Inspiring Interview with Gates Scholars Michael Araya and Derrick Moore. Runs 22 Minutes ©2014 WTLC/Radio One.
