RSS student 1 of 300 nationally to earn $20,000 in scholarships from Dell Foundation

Sterling High School senior Nygel Wallace is one of 300 students across the nation to be awarded college scholarship funds from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program.

The 17-year-old senior is the first student in Goose Creek CISD history to earn the prestigious Dell scholarship, which will provide him with $20,000 to continue his higher education for the next six years.

Wallace is a member of Sterling AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which is a preparatory program offered at each Goose Creek CISD high school to help students enhance their chances of going to college by improving their academic focus and organizational skills.

He credits much of his academic success to the program.

“AVID is more than any other classroom you will encounter; you have an all encompassing program that has unique features including college tutors, frequent visits from motivational speakers, and educational field trips to prospective colleges and careers,” Wallace said. “Although I have only been in the program for one year, I have gained so much. Throughout the entire school year, I learned the teachings of AVID that have helped me succeed in school by teaching me to use the resources around me to achieve any goal that I set for myself. Because of AVID I feel prepared for college.”

Sterling AVID campus coordinator Robin Richards said Wallace is one of the most driven students she has ever taught.

“He has spent countless hours after school in my classroom diligently working on scholarships to pay for his education he will be receiving from Texas A&M University,” said Richards. “I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this prestigious award. Nygel clearly demonstrates the ‘determination’ that is found in AVID students. The Ross S. Sterling High School AVID site team and I are extremely proud of him. He is a true inspiration to others.”

Wallace, like most of the Dell Scholars, will be a first-generation college student and was chosen because he participates in an approved college readiness program and maintains at least a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. Wallace will receive $20,000 to continue his higher education for the next six years.

More than just a check, the Dell Scholars Program also provides its students with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree.

The additional resources have contributed to the program’s retention rate of almost 95 percent, well above the national average of 23 percent for students with the same socioeconomic profile.

“We award low-income or financially underserved students who perform better than their GPAs or test scores may indicate and who have overcome some significant obstacles to pursue their education,” said Oscar Sweeten-Lopez, of the Dell Scholars Program at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Our program and support constantly evolve based on our experiences with students and schools, but we continue to provide these students with unprecedented support for everything they need to obtain a college degree and graduate with far less debt than the average college student.”

In addition to GPA and college readiness program participation, Dell Scholars requirements also include graduation from an accredited high school, demonstrated financial need, and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall.

The Dell Scholars Program uses its custom-built software with a sophisticated algorithm that helps predict a student’s propensity to graduate from college based on several factors, despite the personal challenges these determined, low-income students must address in their lives. Sterling High School senior Nygel Wallace is one of 300 students across the nation to be awarded college scholarship funds from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program. “We are so proud of Nygel for this exciting recognition from a national scholarship program.” said Sterling Principal Don Beck. “Nygel is remarkable in his determination to succeed and his pursuit of a college degree to realize his goals. We know that this is only the beginning for him.”

The son of Alice Panchoo, Wallace has lived in Baytown for his entire life.

Wallace attended Bowie Elementary, Cedar Bayou Junior High, and Lee High School his first two years of high school until the school district rezoned him to Sterling High School.

His educational goals consist of enrolling at Texas A&M and entering the Mays Business program.

“I choose to attend Texas A&M University because out of all the schools I have applied to, A&M has made me feel the most at home,” he said. “Because of certain limitations I face, such as my limited transportation, I found making my ultimate decision to attend one university very difficult. However, at a time when I thought I would never get to visit the university, the Texas A&M Houston Regional Prospective Center reached out to me and gave me the opportunity to make my first college visit. After visiting the campus and interacting with several current students, I knew that Texas A&M was the environment for me.”

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Wallace says he plans on a career in the business field while continuing his academic development toward a master’s of Business Administration.

“My dream would be to open up my own business where I could simultaneously provide a fun and community friendly establishment,” Wallace said. “If I have an opportunity to start my own business, it would be one that both gives back and would originate a lasting positive impact in my community. Just as I have participated in numerous extracurricular activities throughout my high school career and been an avid contributor to my community, I plan on doing just the same as a proud Aggie student and henceforth.”

About the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (www.msdf.org) is dedicated to improving the lives of children living in urban poverty around the world. With offices in Austin, TX and New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa, the Dell family foundation funds programs that foster high-quality public education and childhood health, and improve the economic stability of families living in poverty. The foundation has committed more than $650 million to global children’s issues and community initiatives to date.