Pontiac, MI Students first to receive AkzoNobel Human Cities scholarships

PONTIAC, Mich., May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Six student members from Leaders of the Future, a Pontiac youth leadership incubator working to revitalize the city through community service, received scholarships from AkzoNobel during a special ceremony held at Oakland University last night.

The AkzoNobel Human Cities Scholarships are the first to be awarded as part of a $100,000 grant to Leaders of the Future announced late last year. In addition to the scholarship program, the grant will also support the group's community improvement programs around the city over the next two years.

"It is extremely gratifying when you see organizations like AkzoNobel become proactively involved in improving their communities," says Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman. "While AkzoNobel only recently announced the grant to Leaders of the Future, there are already positive results on the city of Pontiac, through community projects and the scholarships awarded tonight. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the impact these motivated students will have on Pontiac in the years to come."

To be eligible for the scholarship, students have to: be an active member of Leaders of the Future; attend a college or trade school this fall; maintain a GPA of at least 2.5; secure recommendations from a previous teacher and current member of Leaders of the Future; and complete the scholarship application process.

A total of $25,000 in schlarships was awarded to students who are currently attending Oakland University and Pontiac School District's International Technology Academy (ITA). This year's recipients are:

• Courtland Sargent, sophomore at Oakland University: Sargent has volunteered time to support a missionary trip to New York and to help adults with special needs. He plans to pursue a career in marketing and public relations
• Stephanie Kenneh, senior at ITA: Kenneh will attend Michigan State University and hopes to start her own STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Math) themed business after receiving her degree
• Jorge Acevedo, senior at IT: During high school, Acevedo served as a mentor for younger students interested in learning robotics, and he wants to use his technical knowledge to pursue a career in mechanical engineering
• Jose Montoya, senior at ITA: Montoya will attend Oakland Community College before transferring to Oakland University, pursuing an education that will help him to secure a career in cyber security
• Sahreyah Herring-Jones, senior at ITA: Herring-Jones wants to become an aerospace engineer and will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Tech
• Samaj Vassar, senior at ITA: Vassar wants to create machines that will improve the world, and will work toward receiving a degree in mechanical engineering, as well as a minor in communications

Commenting on the scholarships, Michelle Richards, AkzoNobel Site Manager in Pontiac and Leaders of the Future Board Member, says: "AkzoNobel is proud to recognize these students for their academic achievements. With the drive and character they have demonstrated through their involvement with Leaders of the Future, we are confident that the scholarships the students received tonight will help them to achieve their future academic and career goals."

AkzoNobel is a leading paint, coatings and chemicals company with more than 46,000 employees worldwide and operations in 80 countries. In North America, the company employs nearly 5,000 people across 45 sites with regional headquarters in Chicago. At its sites in Pontiac and Troy, Michigan, the company employs more than 300 people supporting customers in the automotive industry.

The Human Cities initiative is AkzoNobel's global commitment to improving, energizing and regenerating urban communities across the world.

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more livable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

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SOURCE AkzoNobel

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