When MCC student Win Herne was a girl, her mother taught her HTML and how to make web pages. Today, Win designs computers and networks while working toward an associate degree in information technology at MCC. As the first recipient of the Harris Corporation Endowed Scholarship for Women in Technology at MCC, Win received a full scholarship—enabling her to focus full time on her studies and not rely on student loans to pay for college.
“I want [Harris Corporation] to know how much this scholarship is going to help me and my family,” Win said. “It’s more than the money. It’s more about being able to show someone what I’ve got. This is my opportunity to shine.”
Herne plans to complete her studies at MCC in 2012 and then pursue a bachelor’s degree at Rochester Institute of Technology. As one of only a few women in most of her information technology classes, Herne recognizes that she is a role model for other women and especially her stepdaughter, Bianca.
“Through this scholarship program at MCC, Harris has empowered young women to explore opportunities in the technology industry,” said Dianna G. Phillips, Ph.D., dean of technical education at MCC. “It’s exciting to think that Win and subsequent Harris scholars may be among the future drivers of the field.”
Harris Corporation established the scholarship with the Monroe Community College Foundation in April 2010 to support and promote women’s interest in technology at MCC. Eligible students must be female and enrolled full time in MCC’s applied engineering, computer systems, electrical engineering, electronics, information technology, or optical systems technology program.
Diane L. Shoger
MCC Foundation
02/07/2011 |