Early Identification Program (EIP)

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path

Katarina Benson — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:27:04 +0000

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path Katarina Benson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 13:27

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time—"just without the studying.” Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the 91��’s Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

Forson and her family first learned about EIP when she was a student at Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, and her mother’s excitement about the program was infectious. “What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family,” said Forson, who is a member of the Honors College. “I knew it was something worth giving my all.”

Forson completed an internship with CACI. Photo provided

EIP—which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027—supports first‑generation, college‑bound students beginning in middle school. Participants have access to academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors both in their home schools and on the George Mason campuses.

Through EIP’s STEM Fusion courses, Forson took a Python coding class that changed her trajectory. “After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python,” she said. That early spark led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in web application development in George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing.

“Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists,” said Alpachino Hogue, EIP's executive director. “She is bright, disciplined, and deeply committed to making the most of every opportunity. She has embraced EIP as both a community and a pathway to her goals.”

Family support is a cornerstone of EIP, and Forson’s parents—who immigrated from Ghana—fully embraced that role. They attended EIP’s Family Academy, ensured she had transportation to every program, and encouraged her at every step. “They were always willing to listen, always willing to show up,” Forson said. “They are one of my biggest driving forces.”

Hogue added, “Students do not sustain this kind of success without a strong foundation, and Crystal’s journey reflects that. Her family instilled in her the habits and values that matter most: perseverance, accountability, and a belief in oneself and the power of education.”

Forson’s dedication extended beyond EIP. She was selected for the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars, a scholarship made possible by a 2023 gift from CACI International and awarded to 10 EIP alumni.

“By investing early, we’re not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders,” said Jeana Plews, vice president of CACI HR consulting solutions. “The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations.”

Forson first met the CACI team by chance while volunteering at a STEM event the company sponsored. “She stood out,” Plews said. “Not just for her initiative, but for the way she engaged with others.”

Forson credits EIP's Python course for helping her decide to pursue STEM. Photo provided

Her CACI summer internship, made possible through the scholarship, placed her on a team working to consolidate information across NASA’s many centers nationwide. The project blended her interest in technology with her passion for working with people. “I was exposed to technical solutions, including AI, while also working with the actual customer,” she said.

“Crystal’s academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment,” said Steve Brylski, CACI senior systems architect. “Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work.”

The internship proved such a strong match that CACI offered Forson a full‑time business analyst position upon graduation. The job dovetails nicely with the master’s degree program she is already pursuing as a part of George Mason’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. She will earn a degree in management with a certificate in business analytics.

Forson also received the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship Endowment, awarded annually to an EIP alum attending George Mason. The scholarship, housed in University Life, honors Paul Patton’s eight years of service on the University Life Advisory Board and is supported in part by CACI, where he served as a senior vice president for more than two decades.

During her time at George Mason, Forson also served as a resident assistant for two years and was part of George Mason’s chapter of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based international organization. Forson’s Patriot experience, combining her loves of Python and people, her desire for more and better, and fueled by the benefits of EIP and CACI, have already rocketed her to great heights.

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The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity

Katarina Benson — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:08 +0000

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity Katarina Benson Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:30

For Honors College student and University Scholar Monica Amaya, the journey to a degree isn’t just about the final walk across the stage—it’s about a promise she made to her family and herself years ago.

Monica Amaya is an Honors College student and a University Scholar.

Amaya first got involved with George Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) as an eighth-grader. When she graduated from Manassas Park High School in 2022, she knew she had the skills to succeed in college, and she credits EIP with giving her the support and the road map to get there.

"The program pushed me and motivated me so I could set an example for my younger siblings," she said in 2022. "We can do anything if we work hard."

When she arrived at George Mason, Amaya dove into the innovation and technology of the Northern Virginia and D.C. area. Immersed in an environment that aligned with her passion for data and national security, she pursued a BS in business with a concentration in management information systems.

She also took advantage of a wide range of other opportunities at George Mason. After attending an Honors College roundtable in 2024, she networked with leaders in her industry. That event was part of the Honors College Professional Development Fellows program, a series of workshops that help students in the program craft their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles, practice interviewing, and otherwise prepare for internship and career opportunities.

“Showing up is only the first step,” Amaya said. “The most impactful step is really what you make out of the opportunity, who you get to meet, and making those connections.” 

As a recipient of scholarships from the Costello College of Business, she was able to meet and network with industry leaders at donor appreciation events. A data analytics internship at CACI International through the CACI Scholars Program in summer 2024 paved the way for the full-time role as a software developer she will begin after graduation in May.

In a full-circle moment, Amaya served as a peer mentor with EIP during her time at George Mason, becoming a guide for freshmen and sophomores, helping them navigate the same academic hurdles she had once faced.

Amaya speaking at the Board of Visitors meeting. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Truly, what I’m most proud of is what I’ve made out of my experiences," Amaya said.

Her leadership also led her to the podium as a student speaker for the EIP at the recent Board of Visitors meeting, where she shared her story of resilience with the next generation of dreamers.

“For me, EIP was not just a program, it was a foundation that made my journey to and through George Mason possible,” she said. “EIP is not just about access—it helps students build confidence and the mindset to succeed, not only in college but beyond.”

For Amaya, graduation isn't the end—it’s the ultimate proof that with the right support and a relentless work ethic, any dream is within reach.

2026 Spring Graduation Information

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Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers

sholla4 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:55:14 +0000

Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers sholla4 Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:55

When it comes to summer, perhaps the last place many students want to be is back in the classroom. But the students of 91��’s Early Identification Program (EIP) are, as they say, “built different.”

As part of their commitment to the college access program, EIP students spend three weeks on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus every summer attending courses in core academic areas and college preparation seminars.

“We want our students to have the tools and resources they need to make sound decisions about post-secondary options,” said Mia Hines, interim executive director of EIP. “Cultural capital—meaning understanding how the systems of higher education work—is an important part of that.”

Consistent exposure to college campuses and introductions to college offices and resources is one way students develop that “cultural capital.” And for the 11th graders, their penultimate Summer Academy experience is intended to inspire them to see college as a place where they can be empowered to cultivate their curiosity and take ownership of their research interests.

Fares Eloseily, center, with his team's poster presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

The core component of the 11th grade curriculum is the Research and Discovery Seminar, led by Nadeen Makhlouf, instructional faculty in the Honors College. Based on the Honors College first-semester research course HNRS 110 Principles of Research and Inquiry, this three-week seminar gives EIP students the opportunity to identify their interests and figure out what they can do with those interests if they decide to come to George Mason. Not only are students exposed to the breadth and depth of opportunities available in a post-secondary education environment, but they also get to experience what collegiate-level research looks like.

“When they’re in high school, they are told what to write about. They’re given a prompt, they’re given a question, and then told to write an essay,” said Makhlouf. “In this course, we give them the power to decide. We want them to get a taste of the academic agency they’ll get in college.”

Students complete a survey to identify their interests. They are then placed into groups with other students with similar academic and career interests. Each group decides on a research question and then compiles resources that could support their investigation into that inquiry—courses they could take, labs they could join, skills they would need to develop, and careers they could pursue. They present their findings at a final showcase.

“This is the first time they’ve done something like this,” Makhlouf said, showing the array of posters set up in Dewberry Hall. “They were so excited to see the posters printed. Some of them want to take them home. It’s just such a unique experience for them and really makes them excited about their academic future.”

Edison High School student Fares Eloseily is interested in the intersection of international relations and music “I know what I want to do but didn’t know where that could lead. This project showed me how I could make a career out of the things I’m most passionate about,” he said. His team focused on international affairs and the dynamic between the Global North and South.

"It’s something completely different from what you experience in high school. I’m surrounded by people who are all committed and passionate about what we’re doing. And it’s eye-opening to see how college classes are different from high school,” he said.

A key part of this is peer mentorship, also provided by the Honors College and led by Makhlouf. Current Honors College students offer support and guidance to the EIP students during their Summer Academy experience while gaining valuable leadership skills.

Christine Ziu listens to one EIP student's presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

“These students are just starting to look at colleges, but many of them aren’t sure what they want to do, or what kind of careers are available. This program helps them narrow their focus and shows them what’s possible, while developing their research and collaboration skills,” said peer mentor, Honors College student and cyber security engineering major Christine Ziu. “And it puts them in contact with people like me, who understand their experiences and can help them navigate that scary transition from high school to college as first-generation students.”

For Betzy Balladeres Oviedo, one of the Honors College instructors working with EIP, Summer Academy has been full-circle moment. She began her George Mason journey as an EIP student, joined the Honors College upon admission to George Mason, and graduated in 2024 with a BA in social work. In addition to supporting EIP students in the Honors College's Research and Discovery seminar, she served as a program assistant for EIP's Institute of Excellence this summer.

“These students want to succeed for their families, and I definitely saw myself in their shoes,” she said. “EIP alleviated some of the stress I would have faced around applying for and attending college. I think this sort of program, where we show students what college classes and research are like, makes them much more confident.”

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Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research

ckearney — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research ckearney Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at 91�� with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at Mason Square building.

Photo by William Gallagher

The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles, smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense. Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.

"91�� is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," George Mason President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."

The investment qualifies as part of George Mason’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment.

Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations.

“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing George Mason students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact. “We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”

This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to George Mason in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.

“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life for George Mason. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond 91�� to benefit the Northern Virginia community."

Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.

The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates George Mason’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties.

Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending George Mason as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students.

“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the 91�� Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”

The Joneses' gifts are part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.

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Early Identification Program, family support led Honors College freshman to engineering

tdonnel — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:39:47 +0000

Early Identification Program, family support led Honors College freshman to engineering tdonnel Tue, 08/20/2024 - 13:39

STEM has long been a field of interest for incoming 91�� freshman Dmitry Oleynik, in part due to his family background. His grandfather, an engineer from Russia, played a pivotal role in nurturing his interest in mathematics and engineering from a young age.

Dmitry Oleynik. Photo provided.

“My grandfather taught me, my mom, and most of my family… He would start off pretty early, especially with the multiplication tables. He would want me to nail those down,” Oleynik recalled. This early exposure to math, coupled with his success in high school math classes, has driven him to pursue engineering at George Mason.

Oleynik carried his grandfather’s zeal for early preparation into his participation in George Mason's Early Identification Program (EIP). Since the eighth grade, Oleynik has attended EIP events, developing a familiarity with the university. The program, designed to prepare students for the rigors of college, provided Oleynik with a head start in various subjects, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“[EIP] prepared me for college pretty well, and that was part of the reason why I chose Mason,” said Oleynik, who is a member of the Honors College.

Oleynik’s EIP experience was not only about academics but also about building confidence with George Mason. Having spent summers at the Fairfax Campus, he feels a sense of comfort and connection to the university, which was a factor in his decision to stay close to home for college. His familiarity with the university's layout and resources, such as the Mason Innovation Exchange (the MIX) makerspace in Horizon Hall, adds to his excitement about starting his undergraduate experience.

While Oleynik is currently undecided about his major, he has an initial inclination toward mechanical engineering and has registered for related classes. The versatile nature of the field appeals to him, he said, as it could lead to opportunities in various industries, from automotive to robotics. He has a pragmatic approach to education, aiming for a degree that offers both personal interest and professional flexibility.

“I feel like mechanics are needed everywhere, so that’s a good degree for me to get,” he said.

Oleynik’s journey at George Mason is just beginning, but his foundation in STEM, nurtured by his family and the EIP, has set him on a promising path. He is well equipped to make the most of his time when he starts this fall.

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Cybersecurity Honors College student ready to hit the ground running

Nathan Kahl — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:59:19 +0000

Cybersecurity Honors College student ready to hit the ground running Nathan Kahl Mon, 08/12/2024 - 13:59

Jose Perez starts at 91�� this fall, majoring in Cyber Security Engineering and participating in the Honors College. But the Falls Church, Virginia native feels like he’s already a student, in a way.

“I’m familiar with so many of the faculty at this point because I participated in the Early Identification Program—I’ve been coming here for summer events since as early as 8th grade,” he said. “I’ve already formed a sense of community here. And as an International Baccalaureate student, I had college-level work for two years and so have decent academic preparation.”

He describes himself as a “STEM kid from the get-go,” and participated in cybersecurity-related extracurriculars in high school. “For me, it’s the best cross between raw engineering and computer science.” Being part of Meridian High School’s Cyber Patriots team exposed him to the challenges and opportunities in computer science.

Perez took part in the First Robotics Competition in high school. Photo provided

He burnished his high school resume with a lot of extracurriculars: He was the lead engineer on a Science Olympiad team, participated in George Mason’s Youth Research Council, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and was a four-year participant in the urban farm project at his school.

Perez is the child of immigrants from the Philippines—both his parents are nurses—and he recognizes that opportunities presented here at George Mason will allow him a great path toward upward mobility that he might not have at other institutions, especially being able to save money while living at home. “I knew I would be happy here and get what I need, especially because I feel like I've already formed a sense of community here.”

He’s ready and excited for what new changes are in place. “I’m aware of the new amount of freedom and responsibility I’ll have as a college student. I’ll just be prepared to take that on. I’m trying to push myself to do a lot this first semester and I’m part of the Global Gateway and will be going to Korea in my second semester. It will be a great way to throw myself in there.”

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Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

ckearney — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:44:28 +0000

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years ckearney Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:44

On June 10, 2024, more than 110 golfers came together at Westfields Golf Club to support first-generation students through 91��’s Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic.

From left, Richard McGruder, Ron Bagga, Chris DiLiberto and Sandy Spring Bank's Marcus Perry at the Diversity Golf Classic. Photo by Warren Spears

A summer highlight for nearly 30 years, the annual tournament, which is presented by George Mason’s University Life division, has raised more than $850,000 in scholarship funds for students in the Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).

“It’s a longstanding tradition,” said Lewis E. Forrest II, BA ’96, MA ’05, associate dean of University Life. “A lot of good folks put their arms around it, helping out in a lot of different ways to get people out here for EIP and STEP.”

EIP welcomes rising eighth-grade students from seven school districts in Northern Virginia, who participate throughout high school in year-round, multi-year mentoring, tutoring, STEM enrichment, and other support designed to aid in their academic and personal success, preparation for college, and career readiness. Students who graduate from EIP following 12th grade receive automatic acceptance to George Mason (provided they meet the requirements for enrollment); in the 2024 EIP class, 97% of the students enrolled in higher education. George Mason currently has 170 EIP graduates among its students.

George Mason alum Enrique Carrero shared his experiences with EIP at the event. Photo by Warren Spears

STEP, a multi-year bridge program within George Mason’s First-Gen+ Center, was created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason. Incoming university students spend six weeks on campus prior to their first fall semester, where they earn three college credits and build a network of peers, faculty, and staff. As they move into the academic year, students receive continuous support to help them transition to college: academic preparation, leadership, access to resources, mentoring, time management, and community service.

The golfers enjoying the classic included many returning participants. Jim Green, a co-chair of the golf classic and one of the creators of the event, was on hand to compete, along with his wife, Gigi Green, BIS ’00, MA ’09. Green said he appreciates the longevity of this summer tradition.

"A number of people have been coming since the beginning,” said Jim Green, “which speaks to the legacy and also speaks to what the program’s about: We’re concerned about kids and helping them get their education.”

Green’s sentiment was echoed by the enthusiastic philanthropic supporters of the classic.

Annie Bolger is the corporate and client service manager of Sandy Spring Bank and a member of the University Life Advisory Board. “Sandy Spring is very involved in the community in many different ways, and we are very involved with George Mason,” Bolger said.

Sandy Spring Bank has served as the title sponsor of the classic for 14 years—and is a longtime friend to George Mason. This year, it led a group of 56 sponsors, donors, and contributors who helped make the event a success.

“It’s at the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Marcus Perry, Sandy Spring Bank’s senior vice president and regional group sales manager for Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Our mission since the beginning has been to not only serve the financial needs of our communities but also the general needs of our community that we’re in. Our involvement with George Mason is just a natural.”

Jim Green said he looked forward to a beautiful day of golf as well as to next year’s event, the 30th annual outing. “It’s already in our minds,” he said. “We’re recruiting people, talking to folks. Here’s hoping that, by our 30th, we will raise over a million dollars!”

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First job after graduation brings engineering alum back to George Mason

ckearney — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:42:42 +0000

First job after graduation brings engineering alum back to George Mason ckearney Wed, 06/05/2024 - 15:42

From an early age, 91�� alumnus Eduardo Vazquez appeared destined to work on big construction projects. His father, who relocated their family here from Mexico in 2001, has for years built Inova Health Systems facilities and frequently tinkered around the house with his son at his side. They even built a backyard shed together, from the foundation up.

George Mason alum Eduardo Vazquez (left) with coworker Nam Ngo, also an engineering alum, at the groundbreaking of the new Activities Community Wellness Building. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Vazquez, who graduated in May with a civil engineering degree from George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing, was back on campus this week wearing a different hat—a hard hat. He landed a job as project engineer with Hoar Construction prior to Commencement and was with his new employer as they broke ground on George Mason’s new Activities Community Wellness Building on the Fairfax Campus.

The 25,000-square-foot concrete and tension fabric structure, to be located behind the Recreation Athletic Complex, will be built by Hoar Construction in partnership with Powers Brown Architecture and civil engineer IMEG Corp. and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Vazquez planned to attend Mason from the time he entered the university’s Early Identification Program, a partnership with area public schools to help prepare middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend college. As part of EIP, Vazquez received a full-ride scholarship to George Mason and enrolled in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he studied for a brief time before transferring to engineering.

Vazquez attended George Mason under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, a status that left him unable to receive public financial aid. The decision to switch majors and give up his scholarship was significant for him in that it meant he would have to fund his education, something he determined was a worthwhile price for pursuing his passion.

That decision paid off. Vazquez was attending his first-ever career fair in Dewberry Hall and wandered to the very back of the room, where he saw the Hoar Construction booth just as he was ready to leave.

“I’m pretty knowledgeable about the contractors around here because of my dad’s work, and I’d never heard of them but stopped anyway,” he said. “The vice president was there, which is something you don’t get with the bigger companies. I got along with them right off the bat and left my resume.”

He interned at Hoar in the summer of 2023 and made a good enough impression to get a job offer. It didn’t hurt that the company was hoping to secure a contract with the university.

“At one point they asked me if I had a picture I could give them,” he said. “They said they were bidding on a project for Mason. It was their first [Mason] project, and they wanted to make sure Mason knew they had one of their students on the team.”

Vazquez is excited to work on the project. He said it will be George Mason’s first tensile-fabric structure built. He imagines bringing his own children to campus someday and being able to point to the structure and say, “I helped build that.”

It will be a lasting legacy…one started by his immigrant father putting up drywall day after day so his children could enjoy the American dream.

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CACI Scholars get a head start on success

ckearney — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:25:42 +0000

CACI Scholars get a head start on success ckearney Fri, 04/05/2024 - 15:25

CACI International Inc is once again supporting Mason students through a $200,000 gift to establish the CACI Scholars Program. The program helps selected scholars secure science, technology, engineering, or mathematics-related positions upon graduation.

Mason students participate in a career prep lab with CACI employees. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The company has previously been a generous sponsor of Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) and welcomes many Mason students as interns each year. CACI also employs hundreds of Mason graduates.

The CACI Scholars Program, which kicked off in fall 2023, supports 10 Mason students who are alumni of Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) and pursuing degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. These scholars are identified by EIP in their senior year of high school and are welcomed into a cohort designed to support their long-term academic and career success.

Each CACI Scholar receives an annual scholarship to reduce the cost of tuition and related fees if the full need is not met through the student’s financial aid package or through a Mason Virginia Promise Grant. Scholars also receive a stipend to assist with the cost of at least one career readiness practice, such as attending a conference or completing a certification.

Scholars also work with dedicated success coaches and peer mentors at Mason, who provide tailored support for first-generation student success. Each scholar is also connected with a CACI mentor who can provide firsthand knowledge of the industry and company. The scholars are also eligible for a paid internship experience at CACI.

CACI’s Chief Technology Officer Glenn Kurowski understands the importance of widening the pipeline for skilled technology workers. “Experiential learning is the key to developing passion and engagement around your area of study—and that leads to a highly successful career,” says Kurowski. “I love working with students on their technical learning path and love getting others in our company engaged with the next generation of talent.”

Mason students in particular are well suited to fill that need for talent. “A partnership like this truly complements the students’ educational experience,” says EIP director Khaseem Davis, PhD Education ’23. “Our EIP students have worked hard to get to this point, to enrolling at Mason. This opportunity to work with CACI helps them to imagine what’s possible on the other side of their university experience.”

Jeana Plews, CACI’s vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, agrees. “We realize that many of these students face obstacles in their pursuit of a college education, and we want to help remove some of these barriers.”

Since 1987, EIP has provided academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, and leadership training opportunities to middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend college. In one of the most successful demonstrations of Mason’s commitment to access, the university partners with seven public school districts in Virginia and works with more than 750 students in grades 8 to 12 and their families, taking a holistic approach to successfully navigate the path to postsecondary education.

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Mason, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration

ckearney — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:48:44 +0000

Mason, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration ckearney Wed, 01/31/2024 - 14:48

A shared approach to improving individual student outcomes and leaving lasting positive impacts on families, communities and society at large is what initially brought 91�� and Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) together for the Early Identification Program.

Denise Huebner, associate superintendent for Prince William County Schools; Khaseem Davis, executive director of Mason's Early Identification Program; Anaid Shaver, supervisor of college and career services for Prince William County Schools; and Charlena McCuin, the coordinator of community and business engagement/SPARK for PWCS. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

Additional funding secured by SPARK, the education foundation for PWCS, will expand that life-changing collaboration and fully support an additional 20 EIP students from Prince William County starting this spring, said EIP Executive Director Khaseem Davis.

“As a public school system, they really value EIP,” he said.

Prince William County Public School representatives were on hand along with Mason officials at Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus on Jan. 27 to welcome the newest members of the EIP community.

EIP, which has produced more than 2,000 graduates since its inception in 1987, provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students seeking to become the first in their families to attend college.

Services include free SAT prep, afterschool tutoring, mentoring, help with college essays, exposure to various careers, and a three-week summer academy.

Current Mason students and EIP alums Kalkidan Negussie and Ian Solano speak to the new members of the EIP community of their experiences in the program. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

A $55,000 grant from the Tides Foundation to SPARK funded additional PWCS student participants. The Tides Foundation is a San Francisco-based nonprofit and philanthropic organization.

As a result, there are now 153 EIP students in the PWCS system, and just under 800 in the overall program, with plans to expand further.

Carol Flenard, the deputy superintendent for PWCS, lauded EIP for being a “beacon of hope and opportunity” that empowers first-generation students to dream of higher education and to achieve it with distinction.

“This program is more than an academic pathway,” Flenard said. “It is a commitment to closing the opportunity gaps that often challenge motivated, talented first-generation students.”

“They really gave me so much support, and they didn’t give up on me,” said Ian Solano, an EIP alum who is now a freshman international security and law major in the Schar School of Policy and Government at Mason. “I learned that I have more potential than I ever realized. I don’t know where I’d be without EIP.”

EIP receives support from Mason’s corporate alliances and individual donors, as well as its collaboration with seven local public school systems in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Arlington, and the City of Alexandria.

The program’s year-round academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, and leadership training opportunities prepare students for higher education and more productive lives afterward.

“A lot of people don’t get to work in a job where they get to see the direct impact they can make,” Davis said. “Being part of EIP, you see that impact, and the impact is profound.”

Of the 127 EIP students who graduated from high school last spring, 125 went on to college. Of those, 93 were admitted to Mason, with 37 of those enrolling. Most of those who did enroll received partial or full academic scholarships.

There are currently more than 200 EIP alums attending Mason.

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Early Identification Program (EIP)

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