Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, Bethesda Chapter, Renews Support for University of Maryland Engineering and Computer Science Students from Montgomery County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 15, 2011

CONTACT:
Melissa Corley
301 405 6501
mcorley@umd.edu

COLLEGE PARK, Md.--The Bethesda Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) has pledged $200,000 to provide scholarships to engineering and computer science students with financial need from Montgomery County attending the University of Maryland, College Park.

"This generous commitment from AFCEA, Bethesda Chapter, helps academically talented students from Montgomery County achieve success in the challenging curriculum at the University of Maryland, College Park," said Darryll Pines, dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. "By reducing students' financial concerns, AFCEA scholarships will allow students to focus on their studies, along with the tremendous research and entrepreneurship opportunities we offer, and go on to secure great jobs that strengthen our state's competitiveness."

The chapter funds its scholarship program through contributions from local IT companies who do business with the federal government.

"The success of the United States in a global marketplace is largely dependent upon the need for more students in science and technology," said Steve Krauss, president of AFCEA Bethesda. "We recognize the vital role area colleges play in providing high quality and affordable education for the next generation of leaders."

In addition to providing financial support, AFCEA Bethesda will work with the schools to host job fairs and post full- and part-time job openings for students. AFCEA Bethesda scholarship recipients will be honored at an annual scholarship and donor recognition breakfast on May 26, 2011, at the Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center in Bethesda, Md.

AFCEA Bethesda is a Clark School Corporate Partner Company.

More Information: For more information about the scholarship and how to contribute, visit
http://www.afceabethesda.com/philanthropy/scholarshipfund.aspx

About the A. James Clark School of Engineering

The University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering is a premier program, ranked among the top 20 in the world. Located just a few miles from Washington, D.C., the Clark School is at the center of a constellation of high-tech companies and federal laboratories, offering students and faculty access to unique professional opportunities.

Our broad spectrum of academic programs, including the world’s only accredited undergraduate fire protection engineering program, is complemented by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, early hands-on educational experiences, and participation in national and international competitions.

The Clark School is leading research advancements in aerospace, bioengineering, robotics, nanotechnology, disaster resilience, energy and sustainability, and cybersecurity. From the universal product code to satellite radio, SMS text messaging to the implantable insulin pump, our students, faculty, and alumni are engineering life-changing innovations for millions. Learn more at www.eng.umd.edu.