Meet the Spring 2025 Scholarship and Grant Recipients

The Math Medic Foundation is proud to announce our 2025 Spring scholarship and grant recipients! This season, our Board of Directors awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants - through both cash and in-kind support - to students and educators who embody our mission of expanding equitable access to high-quality mathematics education. Each recipient either demonstrates financial need or serves communities where financial barriers limit opportunity. By supporting these outstanding individuals, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also working toward greater equity and representation in math-related fields. Meet the inspiring students and teachers we're honored to support below.

Fund Your Future Scholarship - $2,000 per year for two years

Yicheng Lin, Rowland Heights, California, will attend UCLA to study Applied Mathematics or Electrical Engineering. We were impressed by Yicheng's tenacity in pursuing engineering opportunities outside of school through summer programs and internships. As a first-generation immigrant, Yicheng has carried significant family responsibilities alongside studies - translating documents, managing bills, and helping his parents navigate complex systems. "Receiving this scholarship fills me with gratitude and motivation. It alleviates some of the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular involvement. More importantly, it gives me the confidence to pursue opportunities that will help me grow academically and personally."

Josephine-Diana Montiel, Bellingham, Washington, will attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges and is planning on double majoring in Mathematics and French, with a minor in Data Analytics. "I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to grow as a student, woman and future mathematician. The impact this scholarship will have on my education is the ability to earn my undergraduate degree in Mathematics that otherwise would not be possible." After college, Josephine-Diana plans to pursue a job in Actuarial Science or a Data Science position.

Monica Hale, Webster, New York, will attend University of Rochester to study finance. Monica faced many challenges throughout her childhood which helped her cultivate many problem-solving skills and an appreciation for life. "I am determined to change (the narrative) for my family." Monica plans to work in corporate finance after college.

Samuel Clary, Hillpoint, Wisconsin, will attend University of Wisconsin Platteville to study Mathematics Education with aspirations of becoming a high school math teacher. Samuel has always had a love for mathematics and wants to help instill that love in others. "I am looking forward to educating the future generations in mathematics."

Loreli Beyronneau, Cathedral City, California, will attend Chapman University to major in mathematics and minor in statistics. She wants to teach high school mathematics after college. "I’m grateful for the support and inspired to make the most of this opportunity to grow academically and contribute meaningfully to the math education community."

Paul Myers Scholarship for Data Science - one-time award of $6,000

Zyquaji Weeks, New Brunswick, New Jersey, will attend the University of Pennsylvania to study data science. After school, he would like to work as a data scientist and educator. "My goal is to change the way people perceive data - not just as numbers on a screen but as a powerful tool for decision-making and discovery. Many students struggle with math and statistics due to poor teaching methods or a lack of confidence. I want to create engaging, concept-driven instruction that fosters genuine understanding rather than rote memorization. I also hope to contribute to data-driven research, exploring fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence, or predictive modeling."

Teacher Grants - over $20,000 awarded

Nikki Crowe, Queensbury, New York, received a grant for 50 TI-34 calculators. As a military veteran and then a coffee shop owner, Nikki has a heart for service. She noticed that many of her 6th graders did not have scientific calculators and that their families couldn't afford the extra expense. She wants to build a supply of classroom calculators so students and families need not worry about buying their own. "Throughout all my various stages of being a teacher, I have always believed that mathematics is a gateway for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance. Throughout my teaching career, I've focused on fostering these skills, while also ensuring that my students have the resources they need to succeed. In my role, I am deeply committed to improving equity in mathematics education."

Jaida Payne-Avary, Leesburg, Florida, teaches a population of students that is 90% free or reduced-price lunch. She received a grant for whiteboards, math manipulatives, and basic classroom supplies for her high school math students. "When I started in middle school, I spent a great deal of time focusing on building confidence in my students. Many students felt like they simply were 'bad' at math. My goal was to help them see that they were capable of success. When I moved to high school, I have been trying to take what I did in middle school further by showing students that math is more than just procedures, but it is a language in which we use to solve problems, think critically, and can use as a lens to see the world through."

Robert Gudino, Las Vegas, Nevada. 100% of Mr. Gudino's students receive free or reduced-priced lunch. He is building a club where students can have opportunities they wouldn't normally receive. "My goal is to start a club where students can experience the entire creative process: starting with a vector file in Adobe Illustrator, converting it into a 3D extrudable file in Fusion 360, then finishing with Slicing, and finally 3D printing their creations." He received a grant for a 3D printer to complete the resources he needs for his new club.

Maggie Oquendo, Naugatuck, Connecticut. 100% of the students Ms. Oquendo serves as high school principal receive free or reduced-price lunch. She received a grant for Wipebook Flipcharts to help provide her schools' math students with more active learning opportunities. "I strive to create an environment where both teachers and students feel supported and empowered. I work closely with our math department to ensure that our curriculum is rigorous and engaging, and that our teachers have the resources they need to implement best practices."

Saiida Bowie-Little, Cleveland, Ohio, received a grant for essential classroom supplies such as batteries, dry-erase markers, student whiteboards, pencils, graphing notebooks, scissors, and paper. 83% of the students she serves receive free or reduced-price lunch. "There have been challenges, but the one constant has been my belief in the power of mathematics to build confidence and self-efficacy. I have seen firsthand how students who struggle with math often doubt their abilities, and my goal has always been to create an environment where they can succeed."

Professional Development and Classroom Resources. Math Medic Foundation also awarded over $15,000 for professional development and mathematics instructional materials to 17 schools.

Thank you to all of the supporters of Math Medic Foundation for making these scholarship and grant awards possible!

Please join Math Medic Foundation in our mission to improve math outcomes for all. You can contact us to get involved or donate here.

07/07/2025