The most important goal of the TRIO programs here at UCF is to grow and mold scholars of the future!
We are beyond proud of the accomplishments of our talented scholars in both our pre-collegiate and collegiate programs!!
Here is where we honor YOU! YOU are the proof that #TRIOworks.
Check out some of the honors and accolades our scholars have achieved while in our TRIO programs.
Kenny Voltair, Junior, Nursing
Majoring in Nursing, Kenny is also active in various clubs and orgs such as Brother2Brother and Adventist Christian Fellowship. He also serves as an Ambassador, a leadership and mentoring program, within Project BEST. Kenny’s goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and travel the world!
Dinamaris Aguilar, Senior, Biomedical Sciences
Dinamaris presented a research project on nurses’ perspectives on their work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic at the UCF Knights Writes showcase on February 8, 2023. Her project included research collected data on forums where nurses can share their views, both positive and negative. Dinamaris’ research project won an award at the showcase. Her career aspirations are to become a surgeon in the future. Dinamaris joined PRIME STEM in fall 2021.
Aayush Shah, Senior, Aerospace Engineering
Aayush has been offered an internship with Northrop Gruman, a multinational aerospace and defense technology company and will the position during summer 2023. He says that being confident in himself and the skills he’s acquired helped in landing the internship. Aayush joined PRIME STEM in spring 2022.
Sharon Gonzalez-Ortiz, Apopka H.S., Class of 2023
Sharon is interested in the Biomedical Field. She has received multiple admissions offers and plans to attend the University of South Florida.
Jhakiera Collington, Apopka H.S., Class of 2024
Jhakiera is interested in Sports Management. She joined Upward Bound in her freshman year and has attended the Summer Academy. She has maintained a strong GPA while working part-time all through high school. Her first-choice school is UCF.
Ely’cia Lorde, Edgewater H.S. Class of 2024
Ely’cia was recently selected to serve as the 2023 MLK Humanitarian for Edgewater High School. This title is awarded to those who exemplify the ideals embraced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through their character and leadership. She excels academically balancing four dual enrollment courses and maintaining all As. She has been an Upward Bound scholar since her freshman year in high school.
Catherine Nollie, Edgewater H.S. Class of 2023
Catherine was recently awarded a Questbridge Scholarship to Columbia University. In addition, she was recognized by College Board’s National African American Recognition Program and became an Horatio Alger National Scholar. She joined Upward Bound her sophomore year, and she believes Upward Bound gave her the confidence and tools she needed to succeed in high school and beyond.