Three Mundelein High School seniors were the recipients of a newly-formed STEM Explorers Scholarship created from the collaboration of a 2005 MHS alumnus and the MHS Foundation. The scholarship allowed them to attend programs at Northwestern, Purdue and the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign.

After his graduation from MHS, Lawrence Maligaya went on to study mechanical engineering and management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT]. Following his graduation, Maligaya pursued a career in the manufacturing industry working with technologies such as industrial robotics, automation and 3D-Printing. Currently living in the San Francisco Bay area, he works for a global automotive supplier for next-gen electric and autonomous vehicles.

“MHS provided me with opportunities to be able to attend MIT and pursue a fulfilling career in engineering and technology,” Maligaya said.

A year ago, he contacted MHS and the Foundation with an idea for a special project. Wanting to “give back” for the education he received at MHS, Maligaya connected with Andrea Rusk, college counselor at MHS, and the MHS Foundation. Their work together resulted in the scholarship with the mission to provide immersive pre-college STEM opportunities to promising MHS students who are interested in STEM topics and careers.

The work that the group did to invest in the scholarship was not lost on the first group of recipients.

“The coding camp was the best week of my summer and I could not have gone without the help of [the] scholarship,” said Isabel Alviar, one of the recipients.

“I had so much fun at the Purdue Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects,” said Erik Costello. I learned so many new things like robotics, coding and CAD. The experience allowed me to narrow down which field in engineering I want to go into – mechanical and electrical.

“All in all, the camp was an amazing experience,” said Komol Patel. I discovered the major, aerospace, I will be applying to and I fell in love with the UIUC campus.”

The MHS Foundation accepts donations for numerous scholarships and opportunities for MHS graduates. To make a donation, visit the school’s website at www.d120.org and see “Volunteer Opportunities” under the heading MHS Community.

“Your gift will help more students attend a vocational or college program and promote innovative ideas for education excellence,” said Steve Figved, MHS Foundation president.