Congratulations to our SUNY Impact Scholarship winners!
The intent of this program is to foster interest among SUNY students for possible careers in the dynamic and growing NY-based wireless telecommunications industry. The NYSWA/SUNY scholarship is open to students with a variety of academic backgrounds in order to develop and recruit young talent to work in all aspects of the wireless telecommunications industry.
Click here to learn more about the SUNY Impact Foundation Scholarship.
Michael Martiniello
Hello, my name is Michael Martiniello, I’m from Warwick, NY. I went to Warwick Valley high school and graduated Orange-Ulster Boces with two certifications in fiber and copper. I’m currently a student a UAlbany majoring in cybersecurity and hoping for a master’s in digital forensics. I’ve lived in Warwick all my life. I take care of my mother and sister as best I can due to the passing of my father at 17. I spend my free time hiking, playing video games, and exploring new parts of NY. My calling is in technology; before I went to college I wanted to make and splice fiber optics and work for wireless companies.
I’d like to thank the New York State Wireless Association for choosing me, my current situation is very tough due to the pandemic, and this is a blessing.
Katherine Tantalo
My name is Katherine Tantalo. I am a senior in the Construction Management program at SUNY ESF. I was homeschooled growing up, and that allowed me to learn in a hands-on method. It only makes sense that my career is just as hands-on as I am. Being in CM, there is an enjoyable balance between being out on the jobsite and office work. I enjoy learning each aspect about construction, from the foundations to the interior finishes. My company, Campus Construction Management, has provided me with an exceptional team to learn from. After school, I plan on joining them in renovating and building schools around New York. When I am not focusing on school or work, I enjoy being outside with my dog Rocky, and taking advantage of the beautiful weather.
Christine Rice
Christine Rice, age 21, is a graduate of Preston High School and hails from The Bronx in New York City. Starting fall 2017, she began her studies at The University at Albany, SUNY, and double-majors in Business Administration and Communication with a minor in Educational Studies with a GPA of 3.85. She is also a proud first-generation college student.
Over the course of her undergraduate career, Christine has been involved as a student-leader with The World of Business Living-Learning Community, Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity, and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Furthermore, Christine has been able to leverage herself as a Summer Analyst at JPMorgan Chase as well as Summer Intern at Ernst & Young.
Upon graduation in spring 2021, Christine plans on pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and work in the Technology Industry. Eventually, she aims to earn her J.D., and eventually pursue a career in Law.
Melissa Baumann
My name is Melissa Baumann. I came from a relatively small high school of less than 700 students. We didn’t have many extracurricular activities. I liked playing the violin, but the music room was too loud. Our art teacher became ill and was never replaced. I wasn’t very coordinated, so I wasn’t good at sports. When I was first introduced to programming, I loved being assigned a task and had some innate problem-solving ability essential to debugging. I thought this might be a good route for me in terms of my career. When I graduated, I tried illustration because I was a good artist but soon learned I wanted to keep art as a hobby. I wanted to combine the skills I gained as an illustrator with what I’ve learned in my programming classes. I was very interested in game design and what goes into telling a story visually. My current major is computer programming and information systems and I intend to graduate this year. The idea of entering the real world and beginning my career is daunting. It’s a highly competitive field and I often second guess my knowledge. It’s because of this that I push myself to the extent that I do. I’m motivated to be the best asset I can be. Whether I end up in game design, web design, my goal is to contribute as much as I can. Even if I don’t end up going down the creative route, I can see myself being useful in a corporate or hospital setting as well. There is a lot of innovation going on in the healthcare field as well which means an opportunity for me to make a difference.
We look forward to hearing how they make an impact in the industry in the years to come!
FALL APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The New York State Wireless Association, in partnership with the SUNY Impact Foundation, has established a non-tuition scholarship program for SUNY students at its state operated and community college campuses. The intent of this scholarship program is to develop interest and talent among SUNY students for working in the wireless technology field and business. This scholarship is open to students from a variety of academic backgrounds in order to develop young talent to serve your memberships’ recruitment needs. The eligibility requirements of the scholarship are:
- Candidates must be a degree candidate in either an associate and bachelor degree program at a state operated or community college campus. All majors may apply
- Preference will be given to students who have completed at least two semesters if enrolled in an associates degree program and completed at least four semesters if enrolled in a bachelors degree program
- Preference will be given to students who have completed an internship with a NYS Wireless Association member or who are a current employee
- Students enrolled exclusively in online learning are eligible to apply
- Eligible students must complete an online application
- Candidates will be required to provide a copy of their SUNY transcript
- A recommendation from a professor or campus employer will be required
Students enrolled in associates level degree programs are eligible for $1,000 scholarships. Students enrolled in a bachelors level degree program are eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.
Fall 2021 scholarship application is open. Applications will close on August 1st. Click here for more details and for the scholarship application.